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Cross Country 1st Class refreshments

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trainophile

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Have to laugh...
Steward: (after pouring teas) “anything else?”
Us: “what have you got?”
Steward: “it’s on the menu” points to menu
Us: “what muffins have you got?”
Steward: “on the menu”
Us: “oh, well a blueberry muffin please”
Steward: “only toffee or chocolate?”

All the time he kept the trolley turned away from us so we couldn’t see what was on it.

Had to ask twice for more milk in the coffee as he was adding it by the thimbleful.

Going standard class next time, it’s not worth it.
 
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Leo1961

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Much akin to the Monty Python "Cheese Shop" sketch then, they have all varieties except the one the customer wants...
 

yorkie

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Yes that's standard for XC. It's not worth upgrading if you want to get something to eat or drink as part of the package; it's better to spend the money at stations instead.

I'd upgrade for the extra space and comfort. The last time I used XC I was travelling with someone else, and we managed to get a table for two in 1st class. The standard class part of the train was absolutely rammed. So it was good to be able to get the laptop out and get some stuff done in a reasonably comfortable environment. That's what you pay the extra for.
 

ainsworth74

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XC does seem to be very hit and miss. When it hits though they're amongst the best actually in my view. I've been served a hot bacon roll on a Saturday on XC when neighbouring LNER would only offer a cold and forlorn looking croissant! They do some tasty sandwiches and still serve them on actual crockery rather than in packaging along with crisps. They also offer some hot food on longer services. You have to pay for alcohol but that's not exactly an imposition and all the hot and soft drinks are free. I've also had very friendly stewards as well. I well recall doing Birmingham to Darlington on one occasion and the catering crew came around a few times between Birmingham and Sheffield and then after Sheffield came around and offered to make up anyone staying on after Leeds a bag of food as they were off at Leeds! But then equally I've had some experience like @yorkie where you'll make a journey and never see any sign of catering offered or even if you do it's a tea and biscuit.

If XC could hit some consistency then I'd have no problem recommending them in 1st class as the product when offered is actually excellent.
 

Andy Pacer

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I'm commencing my second 1st class ALR next Wednesday so will be able to comment on my own experiences.

When I did the last one in May they were fairly hit and miss, I used a Bournemouth (I think?) service mid morning from Manchester only to Macclesfield and the lady host almost insisted I have a Danish, I wasn't that bothered as I'd already had a full breakfast on my previous train! But then on the Sunday (which may have been the problem) I went all the way from Derby to Gloucester before even seeing a host, and then it was just the attendant from the normal catering trolley trying to cover it all herself.
 

AnthonyRail

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Have to laugh...
Steward: (after pouring teas) “anything else?”
Us: “what have you got?”
Steward: “it’s on the menu” points to menu
Us: “what muffins have you got?”
Steward: “on the menu”
Us: “oh, well a blueberry muffin please”
Steward: “only toffee or chocolate?”

All the time he kept the trolley turned away from us so we couldn’t see what was on it.

Had to ask twice for more milk in the coffee as he was adding it by the thimbleful.

Going standard class next time, it’s not worth it.
Went to Toby Carvery yesterday for a carvery. To be told upon entry it’s only carvery tonight, was that okay. Umm yes that’s why I came to Toby Carvery because I want carvery
 

gazthomas

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That seems like a very weird to treat a passenger! I must admit, XC is definitely hit and miss. When I take a morning train other passengers look at me with envy as I request, then tuck into a bacon or sausage roll (bap) as they don't appear on the menu!
 

trainophile

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Someone behind us was brought a plate of sandwiches from the little kitchen area. They weren’t on the daytime menu - must have been left over from the earlies I suppose. We weren’t offered them so didn’t know they were available.

They redeemed themselves somewhat yesterday going from Plymouth to Newton Abbot. No sign of anything until we were a couple of minutes from NTA, when a trolley finally appeared. We said we were about to get off, and were offered to take something with us - and hastily presented with a pack of sandwiches each in a brown paper bag. Tea sorted :D .

Some passengers take the proverbial though - last week returning from Bournemouth, a chap got on at Reading and told the steward he was on all the way to Manchester so could he have a breakfast. Was told there weren’t any. Had a cup of tea and got off at Oxford. Perhaps he was so hungry he had to change his plans, hmm...
 

route101

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Have to laugh...
Steward: (after pouring teas) “anything else?”
Us: “what have you got?”
Steward: “it’s on the menu” points to menu
Us: “what muffins have you got?”
Steward: “on the menu”
Us: “oh, well a blueberry muffin please”
Steward: “only toffee or chocolate?”

All the time he kept the trolley turned away from us so we couldn’t see what was on it.

Had to ask twice for more milk in the coffee as he was adding it by the thimbleful.

Going standard class next time, it’s not worth it.

Had the same on Virgin. Guy was quite blunt .
 

an7li721

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Has anyone ever had the "hot food" they advertise on certain services? Like a curry or cooked breakfast
 

leightonbd

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Has anyone ever had the "hot food" they advertise on certain services? Like a curry or cooked breakfast

I had the ‘full’ breakfast, travelling Edinburgh- Morpeth, a while ago. It was piping hot (probably microwaved) and really did the job. Excellent.

That said, the LNER offering is undoubtedly of far higher standard, but this was ‘good enough’. Not sure what the rest of the day is like, though.
 
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Starmill

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You're lucky to have been served food. I travelled with them recently from Manchester to Birmingham and was offered nothing whatsoever. The train manager just said sorry, there's no First Class host. I complained and was told it was down to staff sickness. I complained again saying that they should be managing staff sickness and that it wasn't on to sell First Class tickets advertising food and drink online, then not to provide it. I asked for a partial refund. They replied refusing to pay anything at all, with a letter full of spelling mistakes and trying to blame everyone but their management.

I dropped it at that point because it wasn't worth the hassle. But it goes to show if you buy a First Class ticket for them you really can't have an expectation of being served anything.

This:
It's not worth upgrading if you want to get something to eat or drink as part of the package; it's better to spend the money at stations instead.

I'd upgrade for the extra space and comfort.

is a good assesment of the facts in my view.

On a contrasting occasion, I once paid £4.75 (admittedly with NUS Discount and a railcard) for a First Class ticket from Plymouth to Exeter, which I bought on my way to the station. I had purchased a sandwich and drink from the Sainsburys in Plymouth for myself to eat on the train because I was really hungry, but I was then served tea and shortbread, crisps and a muffin, and offered a sandwich to order which arrived around 20 minutes later. I ended up carrying the sandwich from Sainsburys around all day! The retail price of the items I was served was probably about double the fare I paid. I don't understand why it's so unpredictable.
 
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voyagerdude220

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I travelled from Birmingham to Bristol on Monday morning's 08:12 HST in First Class and didn't see any hint of food being available, despite it supposedly being one of the small number of trains which offers hot food.

Returning back on Friday's 14:00 Voyager from Bristol Temple M, very pleasant journey, with an extremely attentive, friendly First Class host.

I wrongly assumed that sandwiches weren't available, because the menu at the table was the same as on the HST- I think it mentioned about all drinks offered, but only light snacks like pastries/biscuits were listed food wise.

Only when I specifically asked, the First Class Host suddenly produced another menu, with a food selection of around three or four sandwiches and a hot bacon roll.

She was very apologetic, as she didn't realise she hadn't any bacon rolls available until after I requested one, but the BLT sandwich I scoffed instead was nice.

A gentleman sat near me seemed to order a hot meal which I didn't see on the menu. Not sure what it was.
 
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Three times now I've used an advertised hot food service on CrossCountry first class and three times no hot food appeared. All 3 journeys of lengths over 90 minutes too.

However, each time there was a service of light snacks and plenty of coffee.

As alluded to already though, the big advantage of going first class on CrossCountry is getting the extra space. So even though I was slightly irritated each time, when we pulled into stations such as Sheffield/Leeds and the platforms were shoulder to shoulder full of people, my slight irritation soon subsided.

And no matter what they're serving, whether it's a shortbread or a bacon roll, I've personally always found Crosscountry's staff some of best out there.

Even when I travelled back down from Manchester very late one evening well after catering hours, the train manager still managed to rustle together a cup of tea and a biscuit for me. (Which he offered I have to say, I never asked as I was expecting nothing on that service and had only paid £1.50 more than a standard ticket anyway!)

One day though...I will find this hot food service...it must exist!
 

ainsworth74

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Even when I travelled back down from Manchester very late one evening well after catering hours, the train manager still managed to rustle together a cup of tea and a biscuit for me.

I once got a pity cup of tea off a CrossCountry train manager. They'd gripped my ticket on departure from Plymouth and upon discovering it was from Aberdeen all the way through to Penzance they insisted on making me something even though catering had officially finished just after Exeter!
 

NoOnesFool

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CrossCountry First Class trolleys are closed sided, like an airline cart, you can't see what's inside the trolley anyway, which is probably why the Host referred you to the menu.
 

221129

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The staff are really hit and miss. Some of them really seem to be begging for redundancy! The hot meal trains are being extended next week too.

Weekend catering in First is very hit and miss as there is often only one caterer per train and the Train manager has no obligation to help out though most will.
 

vlad

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I've found at weekends that it doesn't matter how long you're travelling for - what matters is where the catering trolley is in the train. If it never enters the first-class carriage then you won't get any refreshments.

I also agree that it depends on the staff member on what you're offered. Again at a weekend I had a basket of nibbles placed in front of me and was told to help myself, whereas on the return journey I was asked if I wanted biscuits or crisps and when I said "yes" was asked which and informed that both wasn't an option....
 

NoOnesFool

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The staff are really hit and miss. Some of them really seem to be begging for redundancy! The hot meal trains are being extended next week too.

Weekend catering in First is very hit and miss as there is often only one caterer per train and the Train manager has no obligation to help out though most will.
So, on a 7 coach HST, the RSM has to go through all coaches with the trolley and provide complimentary items/check First tickets? It must take a lifetime to do a full pass through the train. Five STD coaches on an HST can be challenging.
 

221129

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So, on a 7 coach HST, the RSM has to go through all coaches with the trolley and provide complimentary items/check First tickets? It must take a lifetime to do a full pass through the train. Five STD coaches on an HST can be challenging.
On a Saturday yes, if there is no assist that is. However most RSMs with any sense would go static in that situation.
 

VT 390

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I was actually quite pleased with the 1st class offering from Stafford to New Street yesterday as I only went 1st on this journey because it was only slightly more than standard but I was offered a Hot and Cold drink and 2 packs of biscuits with crisps. I was not actually expecting anything for such a short journey.
 

voyagerdude220

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I also agree that it depends on the staff member on what you're offered. Again at a weekend I had a basket of nibbles placed in front of me and was told to help myself, whereas on the return journey I was asked if I wanted biscuits or crisps and when I said "yes" was asked which and informed that both wasn't an option....

That sounds ridiculously stingy in my opinion- making a passenger choose between either a packet of crisps or a packet of biscuits. Neither are exactly extravagant, nor are they expensive.

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I find Cross Country catering staff in First Class try to give as little sandwiches/hot food out as possible, by not advertising it on the menus on tables. If you ask for it though, they'll happily offer it you. (during the week at least- not sure about weekends)
 

221129

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As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I find Cross Country catering staff in First Class try to give as little sandwiches/hot food out as possible, by not advertising it on the menus on tables. If you ask for it though, they'll happily offer it you. (during the week at least- not sure about weekends)
Because a significant minority of them are ridiculously lazy and the managers cant be bothered to do anything about it.
 

Scotrail314209

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First and only time I did XC First was on a HST. Got served just after Dunbar (had been on since Glasgow, but catering boarded at Edinburgh). Got a packet of crisps and a can of coke... dismal.
 

Scotrail314209

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What was your journey and what day?

Was quite a while ago now, but it was the 0748 Glasgow Central - Plymouth on a Saturday. (I travelled until Newcastle). Booked Voyager but a HST showed up, and the signaller ended up pathing the thing into Platform 3 at Glasgow which can’t handle it. (Oops?)
 

DDB

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I was on a voyager in first class a few months back and a staff member sitting in first class (I assume off duty) went into the "kitchen" beyond first class for a chat and made themselves a drink there was no sign of a host. When the guard appeared and I asked about catering he said that he would need to check with the trolley person at the far end who wasn't going to come down, to find out what I was entitled to. It isn't a hard set of rules and I would expect the guard to know them!

I've come to the conclusion that first class just gets you a better seat on Cross Country although if only doing a short weekend journey the guard often doesn't appear to collect any money for weekend upgrades so it is often a free better seat.
 
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