We're booked on the 09.30 Edinburgh, arriving Kings X 13.55. The shaded timetable indicates breakfast at Edinburgh and all day menu from Darlington onwards. Does anyone know if we have a choice of taking the breakfast early on or waiting until lunch for the all day offering or do we get both? Any help appreciated.
Yep, had it confirmed that you can have both and in fact nothing is stopping you from ordering food at every point that it is offered if you can fit it in. Also been told today, but not yet confirmed by management that they have had a rethink on the journeys under 70 mins and would appear alcohol will be offered
TGVs (including cross-border services which use TGVs like Lyria, Artesia and Thalys) don't have restaurant cars either and I think they are doing just fine. I dont see the neccessity of carrying a restaurant car when we have overcrowding problems like we do on some services at present, Id rather convert the coach for standard class use to be fair and have at seat orders
Not sure the average 1st class passenger will know the actress EC have selected for the PR about the complimentary (but not for you, PBO scum) meals...
Is Sam Faiers' Audrey Hepburn the world's worst lookalike?
Thank you, yes, it was an exceptionally enjoyable atmosphere in addition to the usual excellent food, service and the English countryside in late-spring rushing by.DaveNewcastle - enjoy your trip. With most of the restaurant full up already I'm definitely taking a different train to give myself a good chance of a meal.
Why would anyone buy a first class ticket if it were possible to upgrade from an overcrowded standard coach for a fiver? And why should those who have paid for the comfort and ambience of a first class carriage have their peace shattered by a horde of refugees from standard?I agree -recent trip on a bendylino 4 std coaches cramped and standing 3 first with 19 people in total - this is where for a small fee say 5,10,15 or 20 quid depending on length of journey, you could fill a few of those empty seats, let to on train senior captain conductor guard manager (or whateverthey are tomorrow) make the decision
Thank you, yes, it was an exceptionally enjoyable atmosphere in addition to the usual excellent food, service and the English countryside in late-spring rushing by.
There were actually a few places left, after a call for second sitting, though about 60 places had been laid.
A certain catering supplier seemed to have mis read their orders and understocked the train, so probs just as well!
Some senior staff and comms people on board too to help things along, and a number of old faces from BR days too. The end of an era marked in fitting style.
My thanks to all the catering crews who've been keeping the tradition alive over the years!
I agree -recent trip on a bendylino 4 std coaches cramped and standing 3 first with 19 people in total - this is where for a small fee say 5,10,15 or 20 quid depending on length of journey, you could fill a few of those empty seats, let to on train senior captain conductor guard manager (or whateverthey are tomorrow) make the decision
Who let the 180's out?!There was an email out today showing a train with flames down the side, I don't think that's actually being done but will be in a number of ads.
Why would anyone buy a first class ticket if it were possible to upgrade from an overcrowded standard coach for a fiver? And why should those who have paid for the comfort and ambience of a first class carriage have their peace shattered by a horde of refugees from standard?
Why would anyone buy a first class ticket if it were possible to upgrade from an overcrowded standard coach for a fiver? And why should those who have paid for the comfort and ambience of a first class carriage have their peace shattered by a horde of refugees from standard?
Of course, the best idea would be to have built them all with an appropriate number of carriages and a sensible ratio between FC and SC, but that would be an exercise in common sense.
>Why would anyone buy a first class ticket if it were possible to upgrade from an overcrowded standard coach for a fiver? <
Yep. The economics of 1st/2nd class (or 1st/club/standard) are interesting. To maintain the differential it's said you need to withhold the essential in standard and provide the superfluous in 1st.
Thank you, yes, it was an exceptionally enjoyable atmosphere in addition to the usual excellent food, service and the English countryside in late-spring rushing by.
There were actually a few places left, after a call for second sitting, though about 60 places had been laid.
A certain catering supplier seemed to have mis read their orders and understocked the train, so probs just as well!
Some senior staff and comms people on board too to help things along, and a number of old faces from BR days too. The end of an era marked in fitting style.
My thanks to all the catering crews who've been keeping the tradition alive over the years!
40 covers/places laid in K. Due to the shortage of supplies, additional places next door were not going to work.Sounds fun. If I knew they'd have put extra seating on I'd have stayed on the 19:00. Did they have an extra 1st class carriage or just use the whole of K?.
I'm pleased to hear it, yes, me too.I always enjoyed the service from the Geordie crews on this route.
No, and as mentioned, the shortage of supplies removed a lot of the flexibility that the crew would have preferred to have been able to offer.Did they have anything special on the menu or champagne to go round? What about celebratory chocolates like the thank you for travelling GNER that they gave out on their last train?
Yes, several, from senior catering (Customer Services) management (very hands-on) and from press & marketing (Communications) offering conversation, hospitality, information and sound bites, emphasising the future offerings rather than past glories!). The latter left at York with the NRM party whom they were accompanying and when we commented today, expressed satisfaction with the send-off for the dining cars.Any management about and did that affect the service? I always find the crews very friendly and cheerful, works better than the more formal approach.
For those interested in viewing the fiery 91, it can be viewed here... http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/Welcome-landing/Faster-journey-times/
Actual EC First Class Menu here: