No, it's partially vegan (as last year IIRC) - I spotted someone having the chicken casserole, but I think they were the odd one out! The Dine dessert is vegan.
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London North Eastern Railway (LNER) First Class service
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The fullest menu (so Dine) is here: https://www.lner.co.uk/globalassets/veganuary-dine-2024.pdf
Options are Full LNER, Full Veggie/Vegan LNER, Porridge, Bacon roll, Overnight oats, Vegan sausage sandwich, Teacake in the morning...
Then Mushroom Pie, Chicken Casserole, Veggie Masala, New York Deli sandwich, Rainbow Veg sandwich, Mexican Grains Salad, Teacake.
Options are Full LNER, Full Veggie/Vegan LNER, Porridge, Bacon roll, Overnight oats, Vegan sausage sandwich, Teacake in the morning...
Then Mushroom Pie, Chicken Casserole, Veggie Masala, New York Deli sandwich, Rainbow Veg sandwich, Mexican Grains Salad, Teacake.
Hi,
I know that there is a staff change at Newcastle, and they temporarily stop catering.
Generally, at which point in the route does catering stop and resume going both northbound and southbound please?
Anything such as an approximate time till/after NCL, or a point on the RTT journey map would be much appreciated.
Thank you
I know that there is a staff change at Newcastle, and they temporarily stop catering.
Generally, at which point in the route does catering stop and resume going both northbound and southbound please?
Anything such as an approximate time till/after NCL, or a point on the RTT journey map would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Tetchytyke
Veteran Member
They're normally pretty prompt to get going after departing Newcastle.
As for when they stop, it's normally Darlington northbound and Berwick/Alnmouth southbound, but depends on the crew.
As for when they stop, it's normally Darlington northbound and Berwick/Alnmouth southbound, but depends on the crew.
Pretty much as @Tetchytyke says. Whenever there's a crew change service will usually resume ASAP after departure. Going northbound I would say that departing York will almost certainly get service but Northallerton/Darlington/Durham would probably have to wait until departure from Newcastle. Going southbound departing Berwick/Alnmouth would get service but Morpeth would be waiting until after Newcastle. It does vary by crew but I don't think I've ever seen a departure from York that hasn't had service going northbound.
Also worth noting that not all crews do change at Newcastle. You will see Scottish crews working trains all the way to London for instance.
Also worth noting that not all crews do change at Newcastle. You will see Scottish crews working trains all the way to London for instance.
They didn't do a totally vegan menu last January. 4 of 7 main options were vegan with no vegan dessert option, with 3 of 8 on the breakfast menu being vegan.
railfan99
Established Member
In September 2023 on a northbound from York, all I wanted was a Pepsi and some crisps.
Despite the car being full (48 seats if I recall), I was served promptly, pleasantly and efficiently.
Scotrail314209
Established Member
Sampled a few First Class journeys over the weekend between Edinburgh and Newcastle.
1st Journey: 17:30 Edinburgh - Newcastle (12/01)
Booked a last minute trip to visit my friend in Newcastle, all single seats in Coach L were completely booked (a few were still available in K but I didn’t want to run the risk of them running out). I took my seat at a table for 4, which I had to myself for the duration. First Class was relatively busy but not full.
Drinks started on departure from Edinburgh, but the host took the trolley to Coach K instead of starting it from Coach M. Food orders followed and I went for the Chicken Casserole. I was a bit apprehensive as the kale and pearl barley combination was something new to me, but it was actually very nice. The portion size was small but it filled me for a while. I had the raspberry pot as a dessert, which was absolute heavenly. There were no signs of the chocolate pots or the vegan chocolates which are advertised on the menu. This was followed by a hot drinks run around Dunbar and a further cold drinks after Berwick, then nothing until Newcastle where I alighted.
Journey 2: 18:30 Edinburgh - Newcastle (13/01)
After returning to Edinburgh in Standard class with my friend (and being chucked off at Drem because of a broken down freight train), we chose to upgrade to First Class on the 18:30 service.
There were only a handful of people booked into First Class as it was terminating in Newcastle. The service was advertised as a Dish train, but Deli menus were being handed out. I opted for the New York Deli sandwich, which I enjoyed but I felt it was rather dry. Cold drinks were served on departure from both Edinburgh and Berwick by a very friendly host, who added a personalised touch by bringing the bottle of rose wine out instead of taking it on a trolley. It was otherwise unremarkable.
Journey 3: 19:52 Newcastle - Edinburgh (14/01)
Another Dish train downgraded to a Deli train, however I wonder if this was because of the engineering resulting in things terminating at Doncaster/Grantham.
I opted for the New York Deli again, which I took with me to eat at home. There were less than ten people in First class, so the hosts brought things from the kitchen rather than taking out trolleys, which again made it seem more personal. Hot and Cold drinks were offered at the same time on departure from Newcastle and Berwick, but the journey was otherwise unremarkable. There were also the rare two offerings of food, as the host asked if I wanted another sandwich on departure from Berwick.
One thing I have observed over the last few days is how inaccurate the menus can be sometimes. Like Dish trains actually being Deli trains etc.
It’s rather poor that a lot of things on the menu don’t actually appear either, like the Vegan Praline Chocolate or Chocolate Pot, which ironically are only on there due to it being Veganuary.
The crews were generally quite good too, being fairly quick and proactive at getting service started (some crews tend to take a while to actually appear from the kitchen).
If there is one thing, it’s that the Deli menus do need to go. The sandwiches were nice but not big enough to provide sustenance on a journey from London to Edinburgh for example. Deli is a rather good menu for the slow services between London and Lincoln/York, but not for a journey to Edinburgh.
There also seems to be more ‘Brunch’ trains on weekends now too, with there previously being none.
1st Journey: 17:30 Edinburgh - Newcastle (12/01)
Booked a last minute trip to visit my friend in Newcastle, all single seats in Coach L were completely booked (a few were still available in K but I didn’t want to run the risk of them running out). I took my seat at a table for 4, which I had to myself for the duration. First Class was relatively busy but not full.
Drinks started on departure from Edinburgh, but the host took the trolley to Coach K instead of starting it from Coach M. Food orders followed and I went for the Chicken Casserole. I was a bit apprehensive as the kale and pearl barley combination was something new to me, but it was actually very nice. The portion size was small but it filled me for a while. I had the raspberry pot as a dessert, which was absolute heavenly. There were no signs of the chocolate pots or the vegan chocolates which are advertised on the menu. This was followed by a hot drinks run around Dunbar and a further cold drinks after Berwick, then nothing until Newcastle where I alighted.
Journey 2: 18:30 Edinburgh - Newcastle (13/01)
After returning to Edinburgh in Standard class with my friend (and being chucked off at Drem because of a broken down freight train), we chose to upgrade to First Class on the 18:30 service.
There were only a handful of people booked into First Class as it was terminating in Newcastle. The service was advertised as a Dish train, but Deli menus were being handed out. I opted for the New York Deli sandwich, which I enjoyed but I felt it was rather dry. Cold drinks were served on departure from both Edinburgh and Berwick by a very friendly host, who added a personalised touch by bringing the bottle of rose wine out instead of taking it on a trolley. It was otherwise unremarkable.
Journey 3: 19:52 Newcastle - Edinburgh (14/01)
Another Dish train downgraded to a Deli train, however I wonder if this was because of the engineering resulting in things terminating at Doncaster/Grantham.
I opted for the New York Deli again, which I took with me to eat at home. There were less than ten people in First class, so the hosts brought things from the kitchen rather than taking out trolleys, which again made it seem more personal. Hot and Cold drinks were offered at the same time on departure from Newcastle and Berwick, but the journey was otherwise unremarkable. There were also the rare two offerings of food, as the host asked if I wanted another sandwich on departure from Berwick.
One thing I have observed over the last few days is how inaccurate the menus can be sometimes. Like Dish trains actually being Deli trains etc.
It’s rather poor that a lot of things on the menu don’t actually appear either, like the Vegan Praline Chocolate or Chocolate Pot, which ironically are only on there due to it being Veganuary.
The crews were generally quite good too, being fairly quick and proactive at getting service started (some crews tend to take a while to actually appear from the kitchen).
If there is one thing, it’s that the Deli menus do need to go. The sandwiches were nice but not big enough to provide sustenance on a journey from London to Edinburgh for example. Deli is a rather good menu for the slow services between London and Lincoln/York, but not for a journey to Edinburgh.
There also seems to be more ‘Brunch’ trains on weekends now too, with there previously being none.
Aberdeen to London today. Had a tea cake and then the vegetable masala later on. Food was fine but came off hungry. They no longer seem to dole out crisps and those little brownies - or have I just been unlucky? One seems to be rationed to a single packet of biscuits as well. Crews efficient but not friendly.
Dessert is, laughably, a choice between the raspberry pot or a single wrapped chocolate.
Dessert is, laughably, a choice between the raspberry pot or a single wrapped chocolate.
voyagerdude220
Established Member
- Joined
- 13 Oct 2005
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- 3,277
Apologies for my repetition, as I said something similar a few weeks ago...
But would It really be so bad if LNER stopped this sort of stinginess on seemingly low cost products?
At least if they let you have, say two wrapped chocolates as well as the raspberry pot, I don't think (imo of course) it would come across as being so stingy and would cost them maybe an extra £1 or £2 per customer? (probably not even that)
That sems entirely down the individual crew. I've had crews throwing, almost litteraly in one case(!)
, the delicious (but tiny) wrapped brownies along with the lemon/chocolate (I've not sampled the raspberry yet) pots. I've had some that offer either or. I've had some that offer neither (and I only got them because I spotted that they were on the trolley and asked, in that case they were given out with a smile but it seems clear that I would not have gotten. As is often the case with LNER the quality of the product varies wildly depending on approach of the individual crew.So I'm not convinced that it's LNER centrally being stingy (though maybe it is?) but more that they've not got their crew offering a consistent product. Now on the one hand that's a bad thing but on the other it's quite a good thing as it means that you can get crews that will happily hand out open but nearly empty bottles of wine, double measures of vodka, handfuls of brownies, etc etc to balance out the ones that that hardly do any service at all.
Butts
Veteran Member
Perhaps if there was some sort of "Rate the Stewards" system/app their parsimony would be curtailed ?
Willie Bee
Member
Yesterday, my wife and I travelled from York to Newcastle, with LNER first class
(York - Newcastle .. 21st March 17:36)
Having had our first 1st class experience early in the year (Edinburgh to Leuchars, then Leuchars to Dundee) we were keen to try it again. We had a lovely meal on board.
I booked our recent journey home to NCL several weeks ago. I even received an email (or maybe it was a message) from LNER reminding us about the upcoming trip and explaining that we would receive complimentary food from the 'Dine' menu. perfect! but of course, I knew that when I booked.
We boarded the train at York and noticed the Dine menu on the table .. once again .. everything looking good.
Coffee was served as we pulled out of York, then a cold drink 30 minutes later, but no food at all.
Is this normal ?
My wife is diabetic, so was looking forward to her dinner .. luckily she had some snacks in the bag to keep her going .. but that vegetable masala would have been better
(York - Newcastle .. 21st March 17:36)
Having had our first 1st class experience early in the year (Edinburgh to Leuchars, then Leuchars to Dundee) we were keen to try it again. We had a lovely meal on board.
I booked our recent journey home to NCL several weeks ago. I even received an email (or maybe it was a message) from LNER reminding us about the upcoming trip and explaining that we would receive complimentary food from the 'Dine' menu. perfect! but of course, I knew that when I booked.
We boarded the train at York and noticed the Dine menu on the table .. once again .. everything looking good.
Coffee was served as we pulled out of York, then a cold drink 30 minutes later, but no food at all.
Is this normal ?
My wife is diabetic, so was looking forward to her dinner .. luckily she had some snacks in the bag to keep her going .. but that vegetable masala would have been better
Blindtraveler
Established Member
Unless they took your order as you boarded I can't imagine them having time to serve a hot meal between York and Newcastle if I'm honest
Also on many services there is a complete staff change at Newcastle and the departing team are often packing up by the time you get to Durham
Also on many services there is a complete staff change at Newcastle and the departing team are often packing up by the time you get to Durham
richa2002
Established Member
- Joined
- 8 Jun 2005
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- 2,275
Which really is a poor show. An hour is more than enough time to do it.
LNER's website states 'If your journey time with us is less than 60 minutes, please check with your host on the food options available'. York to Newcastle is (just) more than an hour which clearly implies that you should have had the full service. Unfortunately, on northbound services it is very common for the food to have run out by York so it's possible that was the issue. Some crews will be proactive and apologise. Others don't seem to bother.
WesternLancer
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I would complain politely to LNER customer services. When I did so I got £20 of rail vouchers. This was when I did not get any 1st class service from Grantham to London.
As an aside I always make a point of asking about food to the 1st person who serves any other part of their 1st class offer - to get the request on the radar - so in your case the person who served coffee (in my case above no one served anything so I could not do that - despite a member of 1st class staff saying hello to me as I boarded the train).
I would certainly be complaining as the journey time from York to Newcastle on that train is just over an hour (1h5m to be precise). That should be plenty of time to deliver a hot meal and LNER only alludes to a more limited menu/choice for journeys under an hour.
I'd submit a complaint to LNER and request a partial refund as you haven't received the full service that was promised, and which you relied upon. They may try and claim it's a "complimentary" service so there is no compensation for failing to provide it - but this simply does not reflect the position under consumer law. As you presumably relied upon the promise of food when booking, those promises became a term of the contract under section 50 of the Consumer Rights Act. So LNER are likely to be in breach of contract here.
I would tell them you are expecting (as a minimum) the approximate cost of buying the food you missed out on (say £10 per person), or alternatively half the difference between the first class fare you paid and the equivalent standard class fare, on the basis that you benefitted from the larger seats and quieter environment but not the other major offering of the food. If you can tell us the cost of your tickets (presumably Advance Singles?) we can advise on what this difference would be.
WesternLancer
Established Member
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I wrote in 'friendly but disappointed' terms and LNER replied with vouchers and a suitable apology- I didn't need to be forceful. I'd paid weekend 1st upgrade of £35 and got £20 in vouchers (I said I would be happy to receive vouchers as I thought maybe a bit more likely they would be happy to hand them out) - I felt that this meant the £15 I'd paid for the 1st class seat was a fair sum for me to have paid for that. £20 balance for their relatively low grade food is another matter but that's a separate topic!
Fair enough - I've just encountered my fair share of TOCs that try to be stingy when it comes to compensation for failing to provide the advertised first class service. Of course the OP may not want to accept vouchers as they - like me - may not be sure when their next LNER journey will be.
WesternLancer
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Indeed - all pertinent of course. They were the generic rail vouchers for use with any TOC (not limited to use on LNER) - but as you say still not always convenient for everyone.
Willie Bee
Member
Thanks .. I paid £38.50 (as per image below)
BTW .. should I write the old-fashioned way (pen 'n paper) or email ?
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I'd do email personally - just quicker. The email address is on their site here https://www.lner.co.uk/support/get-in-touch/ and is:
The faster services calling only at Darlington do it in 55 minutes, but i appreciate the service in question is over 1 hour.
OK, presuming you booked before the fares increase at the start of the month? If so, it looks like you bought 2 of these £19.25 fares, which have ticket code OCU.
LNER has 25 levels of prices for both their standard and first class Advance tickets between York and Newcastle, and the OCU fare is the 15th most expensive first class Advance. Therefore for a comparable standard fare, I'd look at the 15th most expensive standard Advance. This is ticket code BTP, which costs £12.90.
The difference here is £6.35. £19.25 is coincidentally also 50% more than £12.90, which is a pretty typical uplift for first vs standard.
If we want to look at walk-up fares, the cheapest valid first class fare would have been the £24.90 Off-Peak First Single (route LNER only), whilst the cheapest valid standard class fare would have been the £18.15 Off-Peak Single (route Any Permitted). So the difference would have been £6.75.
So I think we can take the difference to be approximately £6.50. Based on my above suggestion of perhaps expecting half back, you'd be looking at £3.25 each or £6.50 in total. Of course your cost of buying a 'replacement' meal would likely be more than this, so I'd revert to the minimum of £10 each.
If they offered a £20 Rail Travel Voucher I might be minded to accept that.
I would suggest an email is less likely to get lost
Willie Bee
Member
Thanks for your long comment .. I've sent off an email, so I'll just wait and seeOK, presuming you booked before the fares increase at the start of the month? If so, it looks like you bought 2 of these £19.25 fares, which have ticket code OCU.
LNER has 25 levels of prices for both their standard and first class Advance tickets between York and Newcastle, and the OCU fare is the 15th most expensive first class Advance. Therefore for a comparable standard fare, I'd look at the 15th most expensive standard Advance. This is ticket code BTP, which costs £12.90.
The difference here is £6.35. £19.25 is coincidentally also 50% more than £12.90, which is a pretty typical uplift for first vs standard.
If we want to look at walk-up fares, the cheapest valid first class fare would have been the £24.90 Off-Peak First Single (route LNER only), whilst the cheapest valid standard class fare would have been the £18.15 Off-Peak Single (route Any Permitted). So the difference would have been £6.75.
So I think we can take the difference to be approximately £6.50. Based on my above suggestion of perhaps expecting half back, you'd be looking at £3.25 each or £6.50 in total. Of course your cost of buying a 'replacement' meal would likely be more than this, so I'd revert to the minimum of £10 each.
If they offered a £20 Rail Travel Voucher I might be minded to accept that.
I would suggest an email is less likely to get lost
Travelmonkey
Member
Shame you missed out on your dine dinner I did it last month and the vegi massala (pictured Left) was lovely, albeit a bit spicy, also a lovely can of Hop On Board with my pink monkey (pictured right beer poured into a glass with monkey sat to the right) I did that on a intercity 225 so was glad to get probably my last ride before they are retired.
I am doing another LNER 1st class trip Edinburgh>Peterborough on April 1st so hopefully it's as good southbound even though I'm subject to a Azuma,
I am doing another LNER 1st class trip Edinburgh>Peterborough on April 1st so hopefully it's as good southbound even though I'm subject to a Azuma,
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