GWR Pullman dining reinstated

[Xavi]

Hi all - similar to Robert, I'm just trying to get a sense of how busy the Pullman Dining is these days. We would be 2 in standard, on the 19:04 to Plymouth (on a Monday evening). I contacted GWR themselves but they said it could vary based on a number of factors. I'm sure that's true and one can't be specific, but does anyone have a view if, in general, it's usually busy/usually not busy (availability for standard)?

Cheers

You should be good on a Monday. On the 1904 Wednesday and Thursday are probably the busiest days of the week nowadays.

 

[matto]

Okay, thanks a lot Xavi!

 

[AlterEgo]

If you’re planning on riding the Pullman, sources have hinted to me it is best to plan it for before the December timetable change.

 

[Private Baxter]

If you’re planning on riding the Pullman, sources have hinted to me it is best to plan it for before the December timetable change.

That doesn't sound promising

 

[38Cto15E]

Oh dear, that sounds ominous.
I would have thought that GWR could serve airline (First Class/Business) type meals to First class passengers who are prepared to pay a supplement.
With modern convector ovens plus modern mobile phone / internet technology, a passenger could book and pay for their meal in Advance (say up to 2 hours before Departure).
I haven't been on Eurostar for some time but their Premier meal service seemed to work OK.

 

[popeter45]

last time i was on the london to swansea friday one while the rest of the train was packed i was the only one getting pullman, would sadly make sence if they are having to change it to survive

 

[Private Baxter]

last time i was on the london to swansea friday one while the rest of the train was packed i was the only one getting pullman, would sadly make sence if they are having to change it to survive

From my observation, the Swansea one hasn't been successful, which is a shame. However the Plymouth ones, in each direction, seem to be thriving.

 

[popeter45]

From my observation, the Swansea one hasn't been successful, which is a shame. However the Plymouth ones, in each direction, seem to be thriving.

issue is the travel time, London to Swansea trains you wont finish in time for Cardiff in many cases while Plymouth you have way more time

 

[heathrowrail]

If the Swansea Pullmans are axed maybe they could look at reinstating the breakfast on the 06:55 from Plymouth.

 

[Private Baxter]

If the Swansea Pullmans are axed maybe they could look at reinstating the breakfast on the 06:55 from Plymouth.

In that scenario I think they would more likely restore breakfast and brunch to the morning Swansea services, but regretfully I don't think that is what was hinted.

 

[Essexman]

From what I've seen the evening Pullman to Plymouth is very busy, often with people turned away but the others tend to be quiet.
I'd like to see more trains with more basic hot meals (which I'd be happy to pay for even with first class ticket) but the Pullman retained for a few services.

 

[robert thomas]

In that scenario I think they would more likely restore breakfast and brunch to the morning Swansea services, but regretfully I don't think that is what was hinted.

Before it was axed the up breakfast train from Swansea was often over subscribed the problem was filling the return working

 

[heathrowrail]

Before it was axed the up breakfast train from Swansea was often over subscribed the problem was filling the return working

The 06:55 Pullman Breakfast from Plymouth always did quite well pre-covid and I doubt much of the clientele have changed their habits. Although maybe moving it to the 8am departure from Plymouth would make it more attractive.

 

[HamworthyGoods]

The 06:55 Pullman Breakfast from Plymouth always did quite well pre-covid and I doubt much of the clientele have changed their habits. Although maybe moving it to the 8am departure from Plymouth would make it more attractive.

Business travel on the Up Hind you mention has reduced dramatically.

 

[Ashley Hill]

The up and down Hind now sadly lack the business clientele that makes it worthwhile reinstating any catering. It really is a shame that this previously busy service has lost its “special” status. It had been really popular.

 

[williamn]

Oh dear, had been planning to take the lunchtime Pullman from Plymouth on first day of new timetable. Seems like short notice to get rid of it, but will await official announcements...

 

[jamiearmley]

I used the Swansea to London a few weeks back : 12.28 if i recall correctly.
Food and service were superb. Absolutely faultless.
Really hope it is retained!

 

[htmtrains]

I'd read in the latest Modern Railways mag. that the intention was to restart Pullman dining, but I have not seen anywhere that it has already restarted, albeit apparently on 2 services only. A member of my family is currently on the 1931 Reading/Plymouth and reports that a full dinner service is available. The prices appear to have been reduced somewhat with a £25 2 course or £30 3 course set menu being offered. The same high standard "proper dining car" type service is unchanged and standard class passengers are welcomed as before.

An interesting development, hope it does well. Pity it can't be a more inspiring train than the IET which, even in first class, is underwhelming!

Will the Breakfast services come back? They were mega.

 

[30907]

Will the Breakfast services come back? They were mega.

Only when/if business travel recovers.

 

[williamn]

Only when/if business travel recovers.

Sounds like it’s *all* going in two weeks time judging from previous posts.

 

[busestrains]

I am surprised that no official announcement has been made if the Pullman Dining is likely getting withdrawn at the December timetable change. I thought they would have said something by now. Perhaps they are hoping to quietly withdraw it without people noticing? Maybe there will be no official announcement?

 

[htmtrains]

Sounds like it’s *all* going in two weeks time judging from previous posts.

All of what, the dining or GWR? I doubt you mean the TOC, but I’d be surprised if dining would be removed especially as it was just brought back. I went on it yesterday and it was really busy.

 

[WizCastro197]

All of what, the dining or GWR? I doubt you mean the TOC, but I’d be surprised if dining would be removed especially as it was just brought back. I went on it yesterday and it was really busy.

I am somewhat confused by this? Of course they don’t mean GWR! The post by @AlterEgo implied it was going. Just because it was busy on that certain train, doesn’t mean it is on every one. Who knows, GWR could be losing money with it and the best thing to do would be to cut it completely?

 

[htmtrains]

I am somewhat confused by this? Of course they don’t mean GWR! The post by @AlterEgo implied it was going. Just because it was busy on that certain train, doesn’t mean it is on every one. Who knows, GWR could be losing money with it and the best thing to do would be to cut it completely?

I feel like they wouldn’t cut it two weeks after bringing it back, it would have just not come back if they didn’t want it back.

 

[williamn]

I feel like they wouldn’t cut it two weeks after bringing it back, it would have just not come back if they didn’t want it back.

It restarted back in summer 2021.

 

[Unstoppable]

Oh dear, that sounds ominous.
I would have thought that GWR could serve airline (First Class/Business) type meals to First class passengers who are prepared to pay a supplement.
With modern convector ovens plus modern mobile phone / internet technology, a passenger could book and pay for their meal in Advance (say up to 2 hours before Departure).
I haven't been on Eurostar for some time but their Premier meal service seemed to work OK.

With the ridiculously overpriced product I think hot meals should be included in the price. Any supplement is day light robbery

 

[Envoy]

I bet a lot of people don’t even know that GWR run Pullman trains or which ones they happen to be. Where are they marketed to the general public who might never use the trains? Nowhere as far as I can see.

 

[Ashley Hill]

I bet a lot of people don’t even know that GWR run Pullman trains or which ones they happen to be. Where are they marketed to the general public who might never use the trains? Nowhere as far as I can see.

GWR does advertise Pullman dining on station posters including the price for two or three courses. Unfortunately it doesn’t show which trains have a restaurant.

 

[WizCastro197]

GWR does advertise Pullman dining on station posters including the price for two or three courses. Unfortunately it doesn’t show which trains have a restaurant.

Yes but one would have to online anyway to book a reservation and there they can find which trains have them.

 

[Envoy]

GWR does advertise Pullman dining on station posters including the price for two or three courses. Unfortunately it doesn’t show which trains have a restaurant.

Maybe on station posters but no publicity to get those who never travel by train. If they had the ‘named trains’ advertised as those with Pullman dining, it might help.