London North Eastern Railway (LNER) First Class service

[Bungle73]

I don't think there is a northbound is there?

Oh, I just checked Wikipedia and you are correct. There certainly used to be. It's the train I caught with my parents when we visited York in 1988.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

Can we please keep this thread on topic? "New East Coast First Class meal service details".
The names of the stock refurb and stopping patterns are well covered in their own threads.

 

[All Line Rover]

I do love Bungle73's signature picture. It's ironically relevant to the thread!

 

[Bungle73]

Can we please keep this thread on topic? "New East Coast First Class meal service details".
The names of the stock refurb and stopping patterns are well covered in their own threads.

Sorry.

I do love Bungle73's signature picture. It's ironically relevant to the thread!

Thanks!

 

[YorkshireRider]

Can we please keep this thread on topic? "New East Coast First Class meal service details".
The names of the stock refurb and stopping patterns are well covered in their own threads.

Is there anything left to say that hasnt been said a thousand times already? Think the reason the thread goes off on different conversations is simply because there is nothing left to say.

 

[StrollerEd]

T'was a joke!!

just had a look at all your posts,

http://www.railforums.co.uk/search.php?searchid=2823067

They all start just after the written complaints to EC about the change in catering and do tend to read as though from The Marketing Department.

Please tell me it aint so
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Is there anything left to say that hasnt been said a thousand times already? Think the reason the thread goes off on different conversations is simply because there is nothing left to say.

Now if we listen to one recent poster, there is an improvement. I'm hoping to confirm/refute that on my Edinburgh/London daytrip later this coming week.

 

[G123T]

just had a look at all your posts,

http://www.railforums.co.uk/search.php?searchid=2823067

They all start just after the written complaints to EC about the change in catering and do tend to read as though from The Marketing Department.

Please tell me it aint so
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Oh please :roll: I'm sorry if the fact that I prefer the new offering doesn't fit with the thread consensus but I can assure that my only link to EC is as a customer. The service on the Highland Cheiftain on Friday was good and the train was packed, haven't got anymore to say on it so I'll leave it there.

 

[StrollerEd]

I'm pleased you have said it aint so. And as a customer of course you have valid opinion to express.

As indicated, I hope to confirm [or not] that experience midweek on the 8am South and the 6pm North.

 

[HullMichael]

I took the 0700 Hull - King's Cross on Friday. Despite the fact that this train is coloured pink in the timetable to indicate that breakfast is available, and despite Karen Boswell's assurance that "early birds travelling before 09.30 can count on a great British breakfast", there is no full breakfast available on this train. I was told that it's the mid-morning menu on this train, so was served a bacon butty and tea. If you're vegetarian it's just cold toast. Mid morning menu at 7am? Come on! This is simply not acceptable for a three hour journey. At best it's a con, at worst it breaks the trades descriptions act because first class passengers on this train cannot count on a great British breakfast. What's even more galling is that each table has the nice glossy menu booklet with photos of that breakfast you can't have. I can now understand why so many people are abandoning first class on East Coast. It's much cheaper to get a standard class ticket and buy things from the buffet which had a much better selection than first class. Sorry Mrs Boswell, you only get one chance to make a good first impression, so it's Hull Trains for me from now on.

 

[dk1]

I can now understand why so many people are abandoning first class on East Coast. It's much cheaper to get a standard class ticket and buy things from the buffet which had a much better selection than first class.

But hasnt EC recently announced a 29% jump in first class business since June with 39000 extra passengers using it?

 

[Blindtraveler]

due im sure to there 25 reasons promo, not to mention bashers from far and wide!

 

[Darandio]

But hasnt EC recently announced a 29% jump in first class business since June with 39000 extra passengers using it?

Of course! And like anything new and sparkly, everyone wants to try it resulting in what seems like a hike in passengers.

The reality is that these numbers are going back down again due to the poor service some people have received, some of them not on a single journey, but multiple. Many posts in the thread have commented on FC coaches now being quiet, as well as observations from the platform that they are more lightly loaded than after the initial hurrah.

These are not official figures of course, I guess we will find them out when they release the next round of figures.

 

[rmt-driver]

I took the 0700 Hull - King's Cross on Friday. Despite the fact that this train is coloured pink in the timetable to indicate that breakfast is available, and despite Karen Boswell's assurance that "early birds travelling before 09.30 can count on a great British breakfast", there is no full breakfast available on this train. I was told that it's the mid-morning menu on this train, so was served a bacon butty and tea. If you're vegetarian it's just cold toast. Mid morning menu at 7am? Come on! This is simply not acceptable for a three hour journey. At best it's a con, at worst it breaks the trades descriptions act because first class passengers on this train cannot count on a great British breakfast. What's even more galling is that each table has the nice glossy menu booklet with photos of that breakfast you can't have. I can now understand why so many people are abandoning first class on East Coast. It's much cheaper to get a standard class ticket and buy things from the buffet which had a much better selection than first class. Sorry Mrs Boswell, you only get one chance to make a good first impression, so it's Hull Trains for me from now on.

I find FHT very good these days, the food is fine.. the only bad thing is the very excessive prices for wine !

 

[JB1601]

Bit behind on this one but finally got to try out the new service today. Bit of a lone voice on this thread but having been a fan of the Virgin offering I was quite looking forward to the changes. If I've already shelled out extra on a first class ticket it's good when extra stuff is compliementary.

Travelled from London to Leeds on Friday night - everything seemed more or less as expected. I had the cauliflower cheese tart (which was a lot nicer than I was expecting), my fiancee had the ham/mustard sandwiches (which she says weren't great, tasted a bit cheap compared to Virgin she reckoned). The staff were OK but a bit blunt.

Coming back this morning, in order to try the breakfast, was pleasantly surprised to be offered the full breakfast on the 0915 from Leeds - I had half expected to already be on the mid-morning menu. The veggie breakfast itself was very nice (although could do with a veggie sausage and some beans, but having halloumi is inspired) and my good lady enjoyed the meat version.

Less good was the general service - despite first being generally quiet the guys gave the impression of being rushed off their feet, charging about with the newspapers without actually offering anyone one (I had to stop them and ask). Then the "bakery basket" wasn't offered in addition to the cooked breakfast when the menu implies it is an additional "course". When it came back after whizzing away after we placed our order the first time I asked for a bit of toast but was essentially ticked off, and told I couldn't have anything else. I pointed out that I hadn't had anything the first time and all I wanted was one slice of toast, which they eventually gave me. Didn't really want to make a fuss but was a bit peed off at being talked to like that. Some poor sap who got on at Doncaster kept being barked at that he'd have to wait till Grantham for his breakfast, and then someone getting on there seemed a bit disappointed that the full breakfast he could see people eating now wasn't available to him (which seems a bit tight as they must have them on board).

So mixed impressions really. The general offering I like but some of the staff really seem to be having issues at getting used to giving stuff out for free and how they can come across. I really didn't want to make a fuss as I'm not like that, but it does take the mickey to be told off for asking for a piece of toast. I know there are EC staff on here so I do want to stress that I'm not saying everyone was like that.

As we upgrade to first class as a treat I'd probably only do it again if it was an offer or fairly cheap. On Virgin we try and do it as often as we can afford, though.

 

[jon0844]

[off topic]As long as you don't have staff sitting with their feet on the seats while bigging up how a police officer deserved to be killed in Tottenham in 1985, and that Tottenham rioters know how to deal with the police - unlike those in Brixton who never killed an officer - then I'd consider them to be better than the two FCC RPIs I travelled with yesterday! Being rude or lazy is nothing compared to what I had to listen to on the way into London. And, yes, this was immediately reported to FCC who responsed very quickly to get more details.[/off topic]

 

[Butts]

I find FHT very good these days, the food is fine.. the only bad thing is the very excessive prices for wine !

It's free on Virgin and East Coast - sounds to me like they can't be that good-what's the spin on why they charge for booze ?

 

[rmt-driver]

It's free on Virgin and East Coast - sounds to me like they can't be that good-what's the spin on why they charge for booze ?

All TOCs charge for booze. Think except virgin and EC on weekdays. I'd rather pay a reasonable price for a bottle of wine, than get two poxy glasses on a 2 hour journey

 

[jon0844]

And you'd also want a fairly nice wine, which may not be the case if it's free. Not that I'm a wine snob, or in any way an expert on wine.

 

[Butts]

All TOCs charge for booze. Think except virgin and EC on weekdays. I'd rather pay a reasonable price for a bottle of wine, than get two poxy glasses on a 2 hour journey

Virgin is Monday to Friday as well (free booze)

Luckily I'm not a wine buff the Scotch and Cider are fine for me

 

[YorkshireRider]

I took the 0700 Hull - King's Cross on Friday. Despite the fact that this train is coloured pink in the timetable to indicate that breakfast is available, and despite Karen Boswell's assurance that "early birds travelling before 09.30 can count on a great British breakfast", there is no full breakfast available on this train. I was told that it's the mid-morning menu on this train, so was served a bacon butty and tea. If you're vegetarian it's just cold toast. Mid morning menu at 7am? Come on! This is simply not acceptable for a three hour journey. At best it's a con, at worst it breaks the trades descriptions act because first class passengers on this train cannot count on a great British breakfast. What's even more galling is that each table has the nice glossy menu booklet with photos of that breakfast you can't have. I can now understand why so many people are abandoning first class on East Coast. It's much cheaper to get a standard class ticket and buy things from the buffet which had a much better selection than first class. Sorry Mrs Boswell, you only get one chance to make a good first impression, so it's Hull Trains for me from now on.

The morning Hull service is booked the old EMT set so has not been fit with the steam ovens as of yet, so the pre-packed breakfasts cant be cooked and as this service has no chef, only bacon toasties, fruit and yogurt can be offered. Not sure how long it will be before they refurb that catering car, think it is supposed to be next month sometime. This train is also minus wi-fi. I wouldnt assume people are abandoning first class on EC, the latest figures show the last period its useage to be +29% compared to 2010 (2010 was -12% compared to 2009). Feedback has been pretty good on the trains i have worked. Dont know what Hull Trains are like but plenty of their passengers know what EC is like now, given the amount of times they have carried their passengers recently so although its not great for the Hull passengers that they get the EMT set everyday at least it bothers to run which is always handy.

 

[Bungle73]

I took the 0700 Hull - King's Cross on Friday. Despite the fact that this train is coloured pink in the timetable to indicate that breakfast is available, and despite Karen Boswell's assurance that "early birds travelling before 09.30 can count on a great British breakfast", there is no full breakfast available on this train. I was told that it's the mid-morning menu on this train, so was served a bacon butty and tea. If you're vegetarian it's just cold toast. Mid morning menu at 7am? Come on! This is simply not acceptable for a three hour journey. At best it's a con, at worst it breaks the trades descriptions act because first class passengers on this train cannot count on a great British breakfast. What's even more galling is that each table has the nice glossy menu booklet with photos of that breakfast you can't have. I can now understand why so many people are abandoning first class on East Coast. It's much cheaper to get a standard class ticket and buy things from the buffet which had a much better selection than first class. Sorry Mrs Boswell, you only get one chance to make a good first impression, so it's Hull Trains for me from now on.

But the people in First Class are there because they don't want to be in Standard Class, otherwise they would have bought a SC ticket. I booked First Class tickets for my trip in a few weeks because I wanted the extra comfort of First Class, the "freebies" are just a bonus.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I booked First Class tickets for my trip in a few weeks because I wanted the extra comfort of First Class, the "freebies" are just a bonus.

That may be your motivation.
But you shouldn't assume that other passengers share that view.

But the people in First Class are there because they don't want to be in Standard Class, otherwise they would have bought a SC ticket.

If you read back through some of the other posts on here you'll quickly realise how many people (including myself) would disagree with this. Strongly disagree.
The challenge is to fit at least one decent meal into a long day, and the journey home is the ideal time and place to do so. The 'complainers' (and I do include myself in that category) are those of us who are there for as substantial a meal (with or without alcohol) as possible and who are very willing to pay for it. In that sense alone, it has nothing to do with "freebies".

 

[Squaddie]

I booked First Class tickets for my trip in a few weeks because I wanted the extra comfort of First Class, the "freebies" are just a bonus.

I completely agree that First Class is (or should be) about only the comfort and exclusivity, and that freebies are a bonus. But if EC are promising something in order to attract First Class passengers then they should deliver on that promise.

 

[Bungle73]

I completely agree that First Class is (or should be) about only the comfort and exclusivity, and that freebies are a bonus. But if EC are promising something in order to attract First Class passengers then they should deliver on that promise.

I agree. But I can't see hordes of people deserting First Class simply because the food is no good. There can't be that many people paying the substantially higher fair for First Class just to get a meal...can there?

 

[dk1]

Being rail staff i am lucky to travel each-way on Eurostar for £21. Leisure select or whatever they call it this week (not quite 1st) is £39. I only ever did this late afternoons onwards because of the complimentary alcohol. The food was never anything special but because we would have several sherbets in the cafe bar it made it well worth it. Since this practice has ceased i havent bothered with upgrading once.

 

[sidmouth]

I agree. But I can't see hordes of people deserting First Class simply because the food is no good. There can't be that many people paying the substantially higher fair for First Class just to get a meal...can there?

Well I've deserted first class between PBO and KGX as I object to watching people eating their Great British Breakfast whilst I'm consigned to a stayle croissant (and for the pleasue of £172 return). Sorry to sound like an old record but am still p****d off. Today had meeting in Southend and drove (used to prefer the train to KGX and then Liverpool St - Southend, but can no longer see the point in travelling EC for sub 70min journeys).

 

[YorkshireRider]

Well I've deserted first class between PBO and KGX as I object to watching people eating their Great British Breakfast whilst I'm consigned to a stayle croissant (and for the pleasue of £172 return). Sorry to sound like an old record but am still p****d off. Today had meeting in Southend and drove (used to prefer the train to KGX and then Liverpool St - Southend, but can no longer see the point in travelling EC for sub 70min journeys).

You get everything you did before the changes on sub 70mins, the coffee is fresh filter (on electric sets anyway), the juice is better and the buscuits are still there along with a small muffin option, additionally after 11am you can have an alcoholic drink if you want. Theres not the option to order and pay for anything from the buffet anymore but lets be honest here, when i used to work the morning trains you could get 40 passengers get on at Peterbro and it was a surprise if you got one order off the at seat menu.

 

[ALEMASTER]

The morning Hull service is booked the old EMT set so has not been fit with the steam ovens as of yet, so the pre-packed breakfasts cant be cooked and as this service has no chef, only bacon toasties, fruit and yogurt can be offered. Not sure how long it will be before they refurb that catering car, think it is supposed to be next month sometime. This train is also minus wi-fi. I wouldnt assume people are abandoning first class on EC, the latest figures show the last period its useage to be +29% compared to 2010 (2010 was -12% compared to 2009). Feedback has been pretty good on the trains i have worked. Dont know what Hull Trains are like but plenty of their passengers know what EC is like now, given the amount of times they have carried their passengers recently so although its not great for the Hull passengers that they get the EMT set everyday at least it bothers to run which is always handy.

It still has a fully equipped kitchen doesn't it? Why not have a chef on board cooking fresh until it gets refurbished?

 

[IanXC]

...the juice is better...

Dread to think what it was like before!

Having said that, I've had a Northbound (York-Aberdeen) and a Southbound (Haymarket-Doncaster) in the past few days, and much as I was a little sceptical I actually feel the offer is about right.

The food is a sensible portion size given the fact that you're actually just sat in a chair watching the world go by. I understand that those of you who have maybe had a busy day may feel something else would be more appropriate, but I would have thought that the current proposition really fits what most passengers are doing.

The thing that really makes the difference is the crew. I'm pretty sure I saw 4 different crews on my trip, but I can honestly say the crew who joined southbound at Newcastle were head and shoulders above the other 3. They had their orders under control, made lots of friendly conversation (and remembered so they could carry on with the chat next time out), were really great with some children who were on board, remembered what people were drinking, and even took a moment as I got off the train to wish me good luck getting my connection as we were delayed.

I will be writing in to EC as I think its only fair to recognise great service, and point out what a contrast this crew are to some of their colleagues.

My top 3 improvements would be:
- a proper ordering system to manage orders for salads and hot option. Much as we've discussed how different crews do it differently, the lack of a process means that some crews just completely mess it up.
- better juice. A first class service really shouldn't be serving "from concentrate" juices in my opinion, particularly not in cans (still cant quite believe that). Those fresh orange juice makers would be a really great touch, but obviously cost and logistical implications.
- devise and implement a course/workshop for all crews to go through, showing and discussing what the little things that make a difference, positive and negative, to passengers journeys are.

Overall would I travel FC again, yes I would, so long as the cost was only moderately greater than standard.

 

[amcluesent]

I'd naively thought that after my two week hols, EC would be running like clockwork and this thread would have faded away!

Not so!

Prime time service out of KGX last night and no appetisers on the drinks trolley and no lemon slice for the G&T. Plus I didn't see one hot meal get to pax before I detrained at PBO.

I have seen staff wearing elasticated supports on their arms, which they said was due to RSI associated with the serving routine.