The times i have travelled 1st Class with Crosscountry i have had to get out of my seat, walk into the kitchen and stand over the employee as they brew me a cup of tea. I then have to ask for a packet of Burts and a Lasagna. The employees always seem embarased to having to provide the compliments that i have paid for. I then usually march them out into the carriage to offer everyone else a service that we have paid for. Of course, 4 times out of 5 its not the 1st class host, its the Guard hiding in the front...hence the embarasment! The only two times i have had a 1st Class host, the 1st lady was more of a school dinner lady, wobbled down the carriage to offer me a drink, but said that the compliments "were unavailable". The second time i had a host, once again, i had to walk up to the kitchen area...there he was, barefoot, eating a potateo bake. When i asked for a coffee, his reply "Oh i think your too late", as he gobbled into his bake, "Let me just call the trolley". He called the trolley "Arh yes sir, she can make you a coffee for £2 if you hurry to the other end of the train!" I said "£2
I am not going to hurry anywhere! I am going to sit down and enjoy my journey and you will bring it to me, for free!" He replied "Only 1st class is free sir" I replied "Why else do you think i am standing in the 1st class carriage!" At this point the host apologised unreservedly...i dont think i have ever been offered so many free compliments to obtain my forgiveness.
So yes...Crosscountry is awful, BUT, read what your entitled to on the website, march up to the kitchen, drag out the employee with their hands loaded with compliments and make sure they serve all. As i have never been surprised passangers will just sit there, when theres a free coffee and packet of Burts with just a lil effort!
Now this is shocking, on Virgin Trains and First Great Western....the employees have the ability to walk up and down 1st class carriages, carrying compliment, willingly giving them out to any passanger...in a nice, charming, customer friendly tone....shocking! Surely they should be dragged out by me like crosscountry hosts??