I thought I would finish my recent trip to the Netherlands by treating myself to the so called First Class Business Premier accommodation on the direct Eurostar service from Amsterdam Centraal to St. Pancras International departing 08.45am, which wasn’t cheap but I thought of it as a special treat.
I was aware of the basic check-in procedure at Amsterdam Centraal, even for Business Premier Customers, which really didn’t worry me since, I was looking forward to the ‘Pullman‘ standard of service on entraining, starting with an expected champagne Breakfast. Alas, the fairly disinterested on board staff simply offered us a drink, including the aforesaid glass of champagne, together with a packet of fairly bland crisps! On asking - what about Breakfast? - since that was the appropriate meal for that time of departure, I was simply told we would be served a Lunch after departing Brussels - just over 2 hours time away! Incidentally, there were no offers of drink refills, etc., and the same staff just vanished until they were replaced by their colleagues at Brussels. The new staff then served, at around 11am local time, which is very early for lunch anyway, a very uninspiring airline style Lunch meal frankly, only compatible with what is normally served in Economy class aircraft, despite being attributed to some celebrity chef. Incidentally, I only obtained a further can of Lager, because I asked for it - no other drink was offered with the meal, apart from tea or coffee at the conclusion of same.
Surely, with the timing of this service, it would have been possible to supply say juices, hot beverages and croissants from the on board Galley, on leaving Amsterdam and Rotterdam until the full hot meal of say, a brunch rather than lunch style main course could be subsequently supplied at Brussels, where I guess the main catering Service is based for that route.
I‘m sorry to go on and on about the on board Food and Drink Service, but for the high price I paid for the top of the three classes of service, I really expected a lot more.
Otherwise, the seating was very comfortable as expected and, the arrival itself was only 5 minutes late at London.
I've used Eurostar numerous times in the past usually Standard Class and have previously always been enthusiastic and satisfied with the service until now.
I was aware of the basic check-in procedure at Amsterdam Centraal, even for Business Premier Customers, which really didn’t worry me since, I was looking forward to the ‘Pullman‘ standard of service on entraining, starting with an expected champagne Breakfast. Alas, the fairly disinterested on board staff simply offered us a drink, including the aforesaid glass of champagne, together with a packet of fairly bland crisps! On asking - what about Breakfast? - since that was the appropriate meal for that time of departure, I was simply told we would be served a Lunch after departing Brussels - just over 2 hours time away! Incidentally, there were no offers of drink refills, etc., and the same staff just vanished until they were replaced by their colleagues at Brussels. The new staff then served, at around 11am local time, which is very early for lunch anyway, a very uninspiring airline style Lunch meal frankly, only compatible with what is normally served in Economy class aircraft, despite being attributed to some celebrity chef. Incidentally, I only obtained a further can of Lager, because I asked for it - no other drink was offered with the meal, apart from tea or coffee at the conclusion of same.
Surely, with the timing of this service, it would have been possible to supply say juices, hot beverages and croissants from the on board Galley, on leaving Amsterdam and Rotterdam until the full hot meal of say, a brunch rather than lunch style main course could be subsequently supplied at Brussels, where I guess the main catering Service is based for that route.
I‘m sorry to go on and on about the on board Food and Drink Service, but for the high price I paid for the top of the three classes of service, I really expected a lot more.
Otherwise, the seating was very comfortable as expected and, the arrival itself was only 5 minutes late at London.
I've used Eurostar numerous times in the past usually Standard Class and have previously always been enthusiastic and satisfied with the service until now.
