RailUK First Class Lounge Guide

TheEscapist_ · 5 Apr 2016

Edinburgh lounge reopened yesterday. It's a million times better than it was, more seats and it's just brighter. Nicer place to wait. Same catering offer this now but I'm told it'll improve in time.

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Bungle73 · 5 Apr 2016

All Line Rover said:
I don't like the new Kings Cross lounge. There are no longer any meaningful places to work. The decoration and furniture can be described in one word: tacky. And there has been no meaningful change to the catering provision (although it is not something to which I attach much importance).

The new Kings Cross lounge is little different from a Virgin Money "lounge" (except that people in the Kings Cross lounge are actually paying, through the price of their ticket, for the privilege of using it).

What changes were you expecting to be made to the catering? What else does one need in an upmarket train waiting room, apart from a hot drink and a snack - both of which are provided.

The lounge is notably busier now that it is available for "free" to all first class ticket holders (and I didn't even visit at a busy time, or on a busy day), which may explain why Stagecoach hasn't tried very hard with e.g. catering.

Is that official policy now then, because their website still states there is a £5 supplement

Deerfold · 5 Apr 2016

Bungle73 said:
What changes were you expecting to be made to the catering? What else does one need in an upmarket train waiting room, apart from a hot drink and a snack - both of which are provided.

Perhaps they thought that they might move closer to Virgin West Coast levels - especially the non-London ones. I think people were expecting something big as they've already closed once to be Virginised.

All Line Rover · 5 Apr 2016

The non-London ECML lounges have always been rather drab so I can understand why people would think the refurbishment has made a significant improvement, but the KGX lounge was created to a high standard by DOR East Coast and, other than installing 'funky' furniture (and removing the desks), I don't see what Stagecoach has done. There aren't any 'improvements' to speak of. The facilities haven't been brought up to the same standard as Euston (which has 12 large desks with comfortable leather chairs, and a bar).

47271 · 14 Apr 2016

I've now been in Kings Cross, Newcastle and Edinburgh in the course of my business.

Once you get used to some of the odder features like the mad tartan and that strange table with benches in Edinburgh (illustrated in an earlier post above, are they expecting large parties to turn up with picnics?), and get used to no traditional desks to work at, they do the job perfectly well and are a huge improvement on the dingy and tired old GNER fit outs.

With the possible exception of Kings Cross none bear comparison with Euston, which is SO busy. Even then I reckon Kings Cross would be doing well to have a quarter of the throughput of Euston.

Yes, it would be nice if Kings Cross had a bar but I don't think it would sell much, so self service hot and soft drinks are fine. The old desks at Kings Cross were so small and uncomfortable that I really don't miss them. I have to admit those red leather workstation things at KX are a bit weird and, I'm afraid, rather wobbly when you use your laptop on them.

Deerfold · 15 Apr 2016

47271 said:
I've now been in Kings Cross, Newcastle and Edinburgh in the course of my business.

Yes, it would be nice if Kings Cross had a bar but I don't think it would sell much, so self service hot and soft drinks are fine. The old desks at Kings Cross were so small and uncomfortable that I really don't miss them. I have to admit those red leather workstation things at KX are a bit weird and, I'm afraid, rather wobbly when you use your laptop on them.

Does Kings Cross no longer sell alcohol? They used to, at least up to the end of last year - though you had to find and ask staff.

47271 · 15 Apr 2016

Oh maybe they did, and maybe they still do, it's never occurred to me to ask for a drink when I'm there!

mrg9999 · 21 Apr 2016

Deerfold said:
Does Kings Cross no longer sell alcohol? They used to, at least up to the end of last year - though you had to find and ask staff.

I've had free champagne there. They now have all the drinks in a locked cabinet. You can ask them for one. I prefer to wait until I get onto the train to start drinking, which is free.

47271 · 27 Apr 2016

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho7gIb91Jc0

I knew that there was something that the new Edinburgh lounge reminded me of

Butts · 3 May 2016

I've had an E-mail from Virgin boasting about the refurbed East Coast Lounges.

I notice that in addition to a £5 supplement at Kings Cross when travelling on Advanced,Rewards or Readers Offers tickets it also stipulates a minimum £10 spend to gain entry to any Lounge.

I wonder if this is the case at West Coast Lounges. Bang goes my "Fly Train" from EDI to BHX and BHI to SAD if it does :oops:

JaJaWa · 4 May 2016

Butts said:
I notice that in addition to a £5 supplement at Kings Cross when travelling on Advanced,Rewards or Readers Offers tickets it also stipulates a minimum £10 spend to gain entry to any Lounge.

This is the old NXEC / East Coast policy that Virgin have now ended.

Butts · 4 May 2016

JaJaWa said:
This is the old NXEC / East Coast policy that Virgin have now ended.

If that's the case it's suprising they are still advertising it on the "new website" which is Virgin and linked from the e-mail.

Deerfold · 5 May 2016

Butts said:
If that's the case it's suprising they are still advertising it on the "new website" which is Virgin and linked from the e-mail.

It is surprising. However my experience is that they are not enforcing it, but are enforcing a two-hour limit on waiting in the lounge.

ge-gn · 5 Jun 2016

I'm intent on using the lounge at Paddington tonight before boarding the Night Riviera. I see wine is complimentary, however, given that wine isn't my tipple is beer available? Even if I have to pay for it!

Regards.

Brucey · 5 Jun 2016

ge-gn said:
I'm intent on using the lounge at Paddington tonight before boarding the Night Riviera. I see wine is complimentary, however, given that wine isn't my tipple is beer available? Even if I have to pay for it!

Regards.

No, beer is not available. Normally a couple of wine bottles in an ice bucket, along with the usual soft drinks offering.

You could always supply your own.

ge-gn · 5 Jun 2016

Brucey said:
No, beer is not available. Normally a couple of wine bottles in an ice bucket, along with the usual soft drinks offering.

You could always supply your own.

Thanks for that. Is it allowed to BYO, or would I have to consume it secretly from within a brown paper bag?!

Brucey · 5 Jun 2016

ge-gn said:
Thanks for that. Is it allowed to BYO, or would I have to consume it secretly from within a brown paper bag?!

Interesting question. I ate my own food in there during my last visit, which no-one cared about. It's not as if they are selling food or drink. Attitudes are often different for alcohol though.

Butts · 6 Jun 2016

I was in The Edinburgh Lounge (EC/VEC) the other week with my Daughter. I had accompanied her due to the amount of Luggage she was taking.

On arrival she had showed her ticket and I was invited in as well even though I was not even travelling !!

The decor was okay but a bit bright for me, I think I preferred it the way it was. However all was not lost as the "fayre" had improved markedly. Hot Drinks, Cans of Pop, Biscuits (nice variety) crisps and I think fruit.

Polarbear · 9 Jun 2016

Quick question. Does Kettering have a first class lounge?

There seems to be one as the local press printed an article about it's opening in 2014, but EMT's website has no mention of this?

Thanks

All Line Rover · 9 Jun 2016

Polarbear said:
Quick question. Does Kettering have a first class lounge?

There seems to be one as the local press printed an article about it's opening in 2014, but EMT's website has no mention of this?

Thanks

According to NRE, yes it does: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/KET.aspx (look under "Facilities").

ScotTrains · 13 Jun 2016

Has anyone tried out the new TransPennine lounge at Huddersfield yet? I'm curious to see what catering provisions are provided. Also does it have complimentary newspapers? I believe this lounge is First Transpennine's first first class lounge.

bengolding · 14 Jun 2016

Polarbear said:
Quick question. Does Kettering have a first class lounge?

There seems to be one as the local press printed an article about it's opening in 2014, but EMT's website has no mention of this?

Thanks

I had the pleasure of using it after a recent visit to the area. It's hidden on platform 3 close to the stairs. A small room with a few chairs and the usual selection of minimal EMT freebies - tea/coffee and water. Snacks were noticeably absent or I wasn't looking hard enough!

On the subject of EMT First Lounges, why can't Stagecoach invest in proper one touch hot drinks machines with a selection to choose from? Those hot water flasks are a chore. It's clear following the good old days of Midland Mainline that EMT have drastically cut down on Lounge staff with none of their Lounges open on weekends.

Polarbear · 15 Jun 2016

bengolding said:
I had the pleasure of using it after a recent visit to the area. It's hidden on platform 3 close to the stairs. A small room with a few chairs and the usual selection of minimal EMT freebies - tea/coffee and water. Snacks were noticeably absent or I wasn't looking hard enough!

On the subject of EMT First Lounges, why can't Stagecoach invest in proper one touch hot drinks machines with a selection to choose from? Those hot water flasks are a chore. It's clear following the good old days of Midland Mainline that EMT have drastically cut down on Lounge staff with none of their Lounges open on weekends.

Good questions. I'm planning an EMT 1st class lounge bash on 30 June (hence the reason for asking about Kettering). It has to be a weekday of necessity due to EMT not opening any of their lounges at the weekend.

Do EMT still sell the one day 1st class lounge pass for £5.00? I was thinking of stitching some 1st class day returns together, but if I can get a lounge pass, I could do some of the journeys in standard & save some money.

47271 · 18 Jun 2016

ScotTrains said:
Has anyone tried out the new TransPennine lounge at Huddersfield yet? I'm curious to see what catering provisions are provided. Also does it have complimentary newspapers? I believe this lounge is First Transpennine's first first class lounge.

If it's like First Class on their trains it'll have no wifi, serve watery coffee out of a paper cup and have the general public trailing through it to use the station toilets.

BlndBnt · 27 Jun 2016

47271 said:
If it's like First Class on their trains it'll have no wifi, serve watery coffee out of a paper cup and have the general public trailing through it to use the station toilets.

I'll be using it in a few weeks so I will let you know

Butts · 5 Jul 2016

Hit the Edinburgh Lounge yesterday before boarding the 0655 to Northallerton. Good supply of biccies,crisps and hot/cold drinks plus Newspapers.

Someone remind me why York does not have a FC Lounge - thought Virgin may have put one in when they took over. They are forever boasting about how they have improved the 1st Class Offering.

It's not as if there are no spare rooms within the complex that could be utilised.

Bungle73 · 6 Jul 2016

Butts said:
Hit the Edinburgh Lounge yesterday before boarding the 0655 to Northallerton. Good supply of biccies,crisps and hot/cold drinks plus Newspapers.

Someone remind me why York does not have a FC Lounge - thought Virgin may have put one in when they took over. They are forever boasting about how they have improved the 1st Class Offering.

It's not as if there are no spare rooms within the complex that could be utilised.

I've been visiting York quite a few times over the past few years, so I wouldn't say no to that.

Although, tbh, it's not THAT big of an issue for me, as the hotel I usually stay at is only a ~10 minute walk from the station; so I usually just hang around in the lobby until it's almost time for my train.

47271 · 9 Jul 2016

I don't know why they don't have a York lounge, it is quite annoying.

Anyway, just pop into the Royal York lounge, they're very pleasant and it's really quite plush, and order a coffee. Or if it's that time of day, have a drink in the York Tap.

Bungle965 · 9 Jul 2016

47271 said:
I don't know why they don't have a York lounge, it is quite annoying.

Anyway, just pop into the Royal York lounge, they're very pleasant and it's really quite plush, and order a coffee. Or if it's that time of day, have a drink in the York Tap.

I seem to remember that there was not enough space or some reason or another which stopped a lounge being put in at York, it does seem a ideal place to have one I agree.
Sam

Iskra · 12 Jul 2016

samgeorge965 said:
I seem to remember that there was not enough space or some reason or another which stopped a lounge being put in at York, it does seem a ideal place to have one I agree.
Sam

Equally, Carlisle is a similar large junction place in great need of a 1st class lounge.

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