Virgin extend weekend breakfast trial

[bengolding]

Virgin Trains have now extended their weekend breakfast trial by a further month to July 26. The same services will continue to offer a complimentary breakfast in First Class.

 

[ChrisTheRef]

Am I right in thinking the 0748 LIV > EUS due 1001 has the breakfast service?

Is there such a wide choice at the weekend? (salmon and scrambled egg, veggie etc) or is it slightly limited?

 

[voyagerdude220]

Although i can't veryify 100% whether this is definately the case, I saw a large poster at Manchester Picc advertising the breakfast trial, with a sample menu on it.

According to the poster, the breakfast menu appeared to be almost 100% the same as the usual weekday breakfast offer, I just can't remember if the cereal option was on- salmon & scrambled eggs definately was.

I interestingly noted the right hand half of the menu advertising the trial "brunch" menu- as expected, breakfast and lunch options available.

The poster didn't specify the brunch menu's sandwich fillings, as they'll probably be an extension of the current week's daytime menu, although one slight omission is that the muffins weren't listed. Alcohol wasn't mentioned and I doubt VT would be extremely generous by offering it- i personally think the trial menu is already a fantastic offering, considering the fact that any SC ticket holder can upgrade for £15, apart from anytime ticket holders, who can still of course upgrade for free....

 

[bengolding]

The 07:48 Liverpool to Euston is definitely listed as one of the trail services. The breakfast offering is the same as per weekday but salmon and scrambled egg is excluded. Don't forget that if you have a First Class ticket at weekends, you can also use their First Class Lounges which remain open.

Will be doing Euston to Birmingham International again this Sat on a breakfast service. Adds more value to using my First Anytime return ticket back on Sat complete with a breakfast.

The only downside is that I cannot connect to the free First Class wifi using my itouch. Apparently, T-Mobile says the free wifi isn't compatible with Apple devices, even though I can use the NXEC wifi fine!

 

[voyagerdude220]

Ooops.. I'm sorry for giving incorrect info about the FC trial menu, in relation to the availability of the salmon & scrambled eggs..

 

[Geezertronic]

You don't get the cereal option on the Euston/Birmingham/Wolverhampton runs at any time either (or the cheese & crackers, not too sure why though)

 

[voyagerdude220]

Yeah, i've noticed that in the main weekday menus..

I'm assuming it's simply because they've got very little time to serve the main breakfast, let alone cereal as well.

 

[First ScotRail]

Wifi on Vt works with my macbook, so I don't know why they are saying it doesn't work with apple devices?

The new summer menu is now in operation onboard and this does not include the luxury muffins. Tea cake is now included, which is still very nice. A ham and piccalilli sandwich and a salad with humous is also included on the all day menu. Breakfast is unchanged.

 

[rail-britain]

Don't forget that if you have a First Class ticket at weekends, you can also use their First Class Lounges which remain open

Check the opening hours, I will take a photo on Monday
I am also waiting for Sarah at Virgin Marketing to approve my request to take photos of the lounge
Also, not all FC ticket holders will be permitted, but they tend to be more relaxed at weekends (before 11:00 and after 16:00)

 

[ChrisTheRef]

Where did the OP get this information from?

The VT website still says it stopped in June

 

[voyagerdude220]

I've personally seen a poster somewhere near Birmingham, confirming that the trial has indeed been extended, although i'm admittedly unsurprised that VT hasn't updated their website, as i don't think they update the minor sections of the website very often.

 

[Railjet]

I've personally seen a poster somewhere near Birmingham, confirming that the trial has indeed been extended, although i'm admittedly unsurprised that VT hasn't updated their website, as i don't think they update the minor sections of the website very often.

It is now shown on the website. On the First Class page at the bottom it says "From Saturday 6 June until Sunday 26 July we will be running a trial at weekends for our First Class customers, where you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast."

 

[martyn29]

Did someone mention food on a train? I might go for this

 

[MKB]

I wa surprised to get a breakfast last Saturday, as I thought the extended trial had finished the week before. However, I see from http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/travelling_with_us/onboard/first_and_club/default.aspx that it has been extended again until 27 Sep.

I was on the 08:59 NUN-EUS and it was unusually busy in first-class -- about half full. There's usually only a handful of people in the front half of the train on a Saturday.

Service was very good. Much better than on weekdays. Staff didn't rush and try and get everything cleared away by Rugby, as is normally their want. Tea/coffee and toast was still being brought around after we went through Leighton Buzzard.

The journey was a very pleasant experience. Let's hope this trial becomes permanent and extends to other services.

 

[devon_metro]

It seems Virgin are trying to beat out the recession by increasing First Class Revenue. Excellent news to hear. Perhaps FGW/NXEC could take a leaf out of Virgins book.

 

[richa2002]

All credit to Virgin, they seem to have the right idea regarding service!

 

[Geezertronic]

All credit to Virgin, they seem to have the right idea regarding service!

On train service, yes I would agree completely. Shame their Customer Relations team is terribly poor