| Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 20:27, 15th October 2009 |     |
Barry Doe has published his annual "subjective catering survey" (based on his own travel experiences, I believe) in the most recent edition of RAIL, and FGW come out of it pretty well. He has certainly been critical of the catering offered in the past, but in the current article has rated Travelling Chef, Travelling Chef Select and Pullman dining with an overall score of 8.3/10, including 10/10 for food quality and value for money, the best scores of any franchised operator.
This certainly seems to reflect my experience - since that start of the year Travelling Chefs seem to have been much more reliable in terms of appearing on the advertised services, and as I've said elsewhere before I really like the current menu.
Anyone else have any thoughts?
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by John R at 20:39, 15th October 2009 | |
I certainly rate the Travelling Chef option, though I hope his highlighting what good value the omelettes are doesn't encourage FGW to first the price up.
It was interesting how Hull Trains were slated. It would appear that like everything else about their service, since First took a grip on the operation it's been downhill all the way.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by devon_metro at 21:15, 15th October 2009 | |
Should be a new chef menu soon.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 23:30, 15th October 2009 | |
Here's hoping they don't mess with the breakfast platter or the breakfast club sandwiches... two of the finest concoctions known to man IMHO.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Mookiemoo at 23:45, 15th October 2009 | |
I only ever see a breakfast Travelling Chef (TC) and I'm not impressed.
Apart from fresh fruit there is little that suits if one is on a diet.
Bagel and jam would be a nice option - they have bagels how much would it cost to have some jam/marmalade portions.
99% certain the omlettes are cooked in oil/butter and not a no stick pan
I know, I know - ita aimed at occasional travel and not daily commute but I would be happy to have brekkie every day if the above were possible. Even if I bring my own jam it an be quite a chore explaining to the new breed of CH (mainly eastern europeans) that you wan JUST THE BAGEL and nothing else
Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by willc at 00:16, 16th October 2009 | |
I certainly rate the Travelling Chef option, though I hope his highlighting what good value the omelettes are doesn't encourage FGW to first the price up.
It was interesting how Hull Trains were slated. It would appear that like everything else about their service, since First took a grip on the operation it's been downhill all the way.
It was interesting how Hull Trains were slated. It would appear that like everything else about their service, since First took a grip on the operation it's been downhill all the way.
I think that's what's called a cheap shot. The problems are, yet again, Adelante-related. HT's catering offer had to change because an Adelante only has a buffet, whereas the Pioneers have a small kitchen in the first class driving coach. HT's refurbishment plans for the 180s include moving first class into one of the driving coaches and fitting kitchen gear as part of this work so they can serve hot meals again.
I hardly think that First Group, which Mr Doe describes as now having the best catering offer of a franchise operator in the shape of FGW and which also scores well for the Scotrail sleepers' meals, wants to let its other long-haul operation be the worst of the bunch, especially when HT was usually highly rated in the survey when Mr Doe travelled on Pioneer services.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 00:20, 16th October 2009 | |
I only ever see a breakfast TC and I'm not impressed.
Apart from fresh fruit there is little that suits if one is on a diet.
Apart from fresh fruit there is little that suits if one is on a diet.
There's also a yogurt and granola pot for GBP2.25. or porridge (not sure if that strictly counts as healthy) for GBP2.75. For a healthy option, the yogurt and granola actually looks quite edible...
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:33, 16th October 2009 | |
... or the Vegetarian blaguette, as it's rather interestingly described, on the FGW website:
Vegetarian blaguette (v)
(Halloumi cheese, mushroom, 2 eggs scrambled and tomato) ^6.25
(Halloumi cheese, mushroom, 2 eggs scrambled and tomato) ^6.25
Sorry, that was probably another cheap shot.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Mookiemoo at 00:33, 16th October 2009 | |
I only ever see a breakfast TC and I'm not impressed.
Apart from fresh fruit there is little that suits if one is on a diet.
Apart from fresh fruit there is little that suits if one is on a diet.
There's also a yogurt and granola pot for GBP2.25. or porridge (not sure if that strictly counts as healthy) for GBP2.75. For a healthy option, the yogurt and granola actually looks quite edible...
Porridge = grits (been to the south recently?), And we'll know you gone to the dark side when you like biscuits and gravy (for the non US aware think fluffy scones with white sauce over them)
Yeah - but do you know 200ml of non fat free yoghurt (about the size of muller light pots) is about 250 calories alone - add in the granola for another 250 and you have over 1/3 of my daily allowance for something that fills for about 2 hours. A bagel and jam clocks in at about 270 calories in comparison.
What is healthy is not always low in calories and I do think FGW should - like I think al restaurants should - publish calorie content on heir menus
I am not a nanny state person but eating on the run is a night mare
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Mookiemoo at 00:46, 16th October 2009 | |
I only ever see a breakfast TC and I'm not impressed.
Apart from fresh fruit there is little that suits if one is on a diet.
Apart from fresh fruit there is little that suits if one is on a diet.
There's also a yogurt and granola pot for GBP2.25. or porridge (not sure if that strictly counts as healthy) for GBP2.75. For a healthy option, the yogurt and granola actually looks quite edible...
Porridge (or grits) would be healthy if made with skimmed milk - but I bet its one size fit all at best semi skim
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 01:13, 16th October 2009 | |
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Mookiemoo at 01:15, 16th October 2009 | |
The nanny state wants lettuce meals available always
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 02:04, 16th October 2009 | |
The nanny state wants lettuce meals available always
and free diet coke for all!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 22:09, 17th October 2009 | |
Although I would agree that the pullman service is excellent, it is only available on four trains a day, and two of those are liable to be withdrawn in the next timetable change.
The travelling chef service has its good points, but is largely what used to be called a hot buffet.
The advertised table service in First seldom appears, and the extensive sounding menu is often in practice downgraded to toasted sandwiches only.
The hull trains catering has certainly been badly downgraded since the introduction of new trains, but that is to be expected.
New trains normally have worse catering than old ones, and also less legroom and reduced luggage space, this is known as progress !
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 23:12, 17th October 2009 | |
The travelling chef service has its good points, but is largely what used to be called a hot buffet.
The advertised table service in First seldom appears, and the extensive sounding menu is often in practice downgraded to toasted sandwiches only.
The hull trains catering has certainly been badly downgraded since the introduction of new trains, but that is to be expected.
New trains normally have worse catering than old ones, and also less legroom and reduced luggage space, this is known as progress !
The advertised table service in First seldom appears, and the extensive sounding menu is often in practice downgraded to toasted sandwiches only.
The hull trains catering has certainly been badly downgraded since the introduction of new trains, but that is to be expected.
New trains normally have worse catering than old ones, and also less legroom and reduced luggage space, this is known as progress !
Whilst I've experienced the problems you describe with the travelling chef in the past, my more recent experience has been far superior with first class table service operating reliably and a full menu consistently available.
And you can't generalize about all new trains having less room than old ones; the Adelantes were very generous in this respect and the First Great Western (FGW) High Speed Train (HST) refurbishment has better legroom than the BR interior (this isn't a subject for debate, it's factually correct). Yes there have been horrors like the Voyagers introduced but the same body shell with a different interior specification gave us the Meridians as used by EMT which are very pleasant trains to travel in.
Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronyms
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Btline at 00:04, 18th October 2009 | |
Not as good as Virgin's First Class, as you have to pay... twice! (once for a sky high First fare, and then for the food!)
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by matt473 at 00:15, 18th October 2009 | |
Not as good as Virgin's First Class, as you have to pay... twice! (once for a sky high First fare, and then for the food!)
I do not agree with this statement as I have tickets from Bristol to Swansea first class on Friday at 7pm and returning at 9.30am the following Monday for ^15 overall. This means I can have afford something to eat and enjoy first class for around ^22. It seems you may have a grudge as FGW can have some very good first class ticket prices, and at more reasonable times than what Virgin offer such cheap fares at.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 00:59, 18th October 2009 | |
Not as good as Virgin's First Class, as you have to pay... twice! (once for a sky high First fare, and then for the food!)
I do not agree with this statement as I have tickets from Bristol to Swansea first class on Friday at 7pm and returning at 9.30am the following Monday for ^15 overall. This means I can have afford something to eat and enjoy first class for around ^22. It seems you may have a grudge as FGW can have some very good first class ticket prices, and at more reasonable times than what Virgin offer such cheap fares at.
Hear, hear. Finding the cheapest VWC advance first class fares is nigh on impossible. FGW's always seem to be available for a lot longer (greater quantity?) after they appear on the booking horizon. They are nearly always cheaper per mile than VWCs. The money saved allows for a sampling of the Travelling Chef (TC) menu. Admittedly VWC do have free at seat food on nearly all weekday services, but the portion sizes noticeably reduced in Jan 09, the all day salads and soups disappeared leaving just a sandwich option. Curry specials also disappeared as did Friday fish 'n chips.
For excellent inclusive food, WSMR and ATW Premier Service are hard to beat, as Barry Doe concluded in his review.
FGW's third place is highly deserved. Their re-jigging of the catering following withdrawal of nearly all the Pullmans, was an excellent compromise. I hope Neil Micklethwaite and his Head of On-Board Catering continue the improvements that James Burt started. I am a little concerned because NM is currently wearing two hats, both Customer Service and Commercial Director. But I'll wait and see.....
Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Btline at 13:20, 18th October 2009 | |
It seems you may have a grudge
There are NO Advances on the Cotswold line. There are an abundance on the 3 tph VWC service.
I am guaranteed a First Class standard seat on VT, I may get a Turbo on FGW = Standard Class standard seats.
I will get free drinks (including alcohol) and food (which I thought was excellent, and this was post Jan 09) on VT. May get NOTHING on FGW. if there is something, I'll have to pay. (bar fruit juice and biscuits etc.)
So yes, perhaps I do have a grudge. Perhaps if I used the services FGW actually care about, I would feel different.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by matt473 at 14:48, 18th October 2009 | |
There are NO Advances on the Cotswold line. There are an abundance on the 3 tph VWC service.
I am guaranteed a First Class standard seat on VT, I may get a Turbo on FGW = Standard Class standard seats.
This is not a completely fair comparison as the services are completely different. Yes, First should offer advance tickets if that is the case and offer more hst's, but the problem is where do they getthese from as the current hst's are diagrammed as efficently as possible. Virgin offer a completely Intercityservice calling at few places enabling them to offer more seats and better first class provisions. On the Cotswold line First are limited not only by capcity constraints but he nature of the line is not a high speed intercity line as such as the service has to stop regularly unlike Virgin. Remeber that Virgin don't have to cater for local short distance passengers as LM do that but First have to carry both local and long distance passengers. This means advance fares may not even be possible as a result of services already at capcity so cannot afford to offer advance fares. What first needs are more hst's or similair to improve services but where do they get them from.
Anyhow, back on the subject of catering, everytime I have had food on on FGW services, I have always found it tobe enjoyable served by polite staff. You will not recieve any complaints from me if this service continues
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Btline at 15:38, 18th October 2009 | |
Most off peak Cotswold trains carry around air, so advances would be no problem.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by devon_metro at 15:59, 18th October 2009 | |
Most off peak Cotswold trains carry around air, so advances would be no problem.
Why do you always bang on about it being disagraceful that they are not High Speed Trains (HST)s then? Clearly there is no demand. And Advance fares will not solve the problem, your off peak fares are very competitive.
Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by matt473 at 16:59, 18th October 2009 | |
To further add to my previous post, to create some comparison between FGW and Virgin I checked first class fares at a similair time, similair days and similair time in advance tickets were booked. First class between London and Birmingham would cost ^60 travelling both ways compared to my ^15 paying for first class tickets with FGW. I can understand some people feel that Virgin offer a better first class experience buy you cannot fault the cost of first class tickets on FGW. Even having to pay for food I am paying less for first class using FGW over Virgin.
Ultimate conculsion of this is that despite PR given off by Virgin which is bery good, you can still get a fantastic first class service accompanied with some great quality food for what I find to be low prices. First does not deserve all of the critism it recieves regarding ticket prices.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by devon_metro at 17:07, 18th October 2009 | |
FGW first class is far more pleasant too, those leather seats are excellent! Beats a Virgin interior any day!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by John R at 20:20, 18th October 2009 | |
I certainly rate the Travelling Chef option, though I hope his highlighting what good value the omelettes are doesn't encourage FGW to first the price up.
Sadly, I hoped in vain. Omelette prices are up from 3.25 to 4.25 in the new menu.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 20:34, 18th October 2009 | |
A shame it's gone up, but it's hardly daylight robbery and I'd still consider it good value. Have also just noticed the Travelling Chef Select menus which are very competitively priced as well - full breakfast for ^9.50 (fruit, porridge or yogurt with fry-up, plus toast and jam) or a two-course hot lunch for ^10.50.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 22:24, 18th October 2009 | |
I have just perused the new winter Travelling Chef menu. Looks good (despite the odd smelling pistake. Blinins? Blaguette?) Quite a variety and not overly expensive. May have to find an excuse to travel first class in the near future, as some of the options look quite difficult to eat out of a cardboard box!
Prices still fairly reasonable (even with the omlette increase!) There are also some mouth watering new options on the Pullman menu; always amazes me that such high quality fare can be prepared in a kitchen moving at upwards of 100mph. Paddington to Bristol via Taunton or Exeter for a slap up lunch coming up, methinks!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:06, 18th October 2009 | |
Hmm. I sometimes wonder whether there is a cheeky monkey in FGW who deliberately puts smelling pistakes in the menu, just to see if we notice?
'Blaguettes', indeed!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by matt473 at 23:12, 18th October 2009 | |
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by willc at 00:56, 19th October 2009 | |
Most off peak Cotswold trains carry around air, so advances would be no problem.
Not since February they haven't, when Turbos took over the weekday Worcester and Malvern off-peak diagrams they weren't already covering. Why do you keep repeating this old, tired, inaccurate statement?
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Tim at 10:06, 19th October 2009 | |
I reckon travelling Chef is pretty good. Not too expensive (cf cup of tea with fake milk for ^1.60!) and on journeys of less than two hours a full restaurant isn't really needed.
IFAIR, TC is not a franchise commitment so FGW should be congratulated for doing it at a time when other TOCs are downgrading catering much further.
A plea to any FGW managers reading would be to a) publicise this service better, and b) keep up the consistancy with no more chopping and changing.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 11:55, 19th October 2009 | |
There are also some mouth watering new options on the Pullman menu; always amazes me that such high quality fare can be prepared in a kitchen moving at upwards of 100mph. Paddington to Bristol via Taunton or Exeter for a slap up lunch coming up, methinks!
I think that you will be out of luck !
"Paddington to Bristol for a slap up lunch" Only two trains from Paddington have a Pullman, the 18-03 and the 19-03, no more lunchtime pullmans regretably.
Unless of course you know something I dont about re-instating any Pullmans.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 12:04, 19th October 2009 | |
And you can't generalize about all new trains having less room than old ones; the Adelantes were very generous in this respect and the First Great Western (FGW) High Speed Train (HST) refurbishment has better legroom than the BR interior (this isn't a subject for debate, it's factually correct). Yes there have been horrors like the Voyagers introduced but the same body shell with a different interior specification gave us the Meridians as used by EMT which are very pleasant trains to travel in.
I find your statement that the recent First Great Western (FGW) High Speed Train (HST) refurbishment has more legroom the BR interior to be suprising, but would defer to your superior knowledge re this.
However it is beyond doubt that the refurbishment resulted in less leg room, less luggage space and fewer table than existed before the work.
I also remember the High Speed Train (HST)s being a backward step in terms of total train length, and space per passenger, over the loco-hauled stock used previosly.
Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Tim at 13:43, 19th October 2009 | |
[quote author=inspector_blakey link=topic=5508.msg52535#msg52535 I find your statement that the recent FGW HST refurbishment has more legroom the the BR interior to be suprising, but would defer to your superior knowledge re this.
It is certainly true that the First Great Western (FGW) High Speed Train (HST) refurb squeezed more seats in not by reducing leg room (and that is a good thing at least), but by making the seats more upright and thinner (IMO, OK on short trips, not so good for more than a couple of hours)'
Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by devon_metro at 15:02, 19th October 2009 | |
Yum
Ribs
5 meaty ribs in a tasty BBQ sauce ^5.95
Shame the omelette has gone up, I was going to get one, seems ill have to pay more!!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Btline at 18:04, 19th October 2009 | |
Not since February they haven't, when Turbos took over the weekday Worcester and Malvern off-peak diagrams they weren't already covering. Why do you keep repeating this old, tired, inaccurate statement?
But if they are Turbos, my original argument about there being no First Class standard seats/freebies is comes into play!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 21:48, 19th October 2009 | |
There are also some mouth watering new options on the Pullman menu; always amazes me that such high quality fare can be prepared in a kitchen moving at upwards of 100mph. Paddington to Bristol via Taunton or Exeter for a slap up lunch coming up, methinks!
I think that you will be out of luck !
"Paddington to Bristol for a slap up lunch" Only two trains from Paddington have a Pullman, the 18-03 and the 19-03, no more lunchtime pullmans regretably.
Unless of course you know something I dont about re-instating any Pullmans.
Ooops. My bad. I was of course referring to those two services and should've said dinner. Could be lunch in the other direction though on the 1200 and 1255 ex Plymouth.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by willc at 23:21, 19th October 2009 | |
Not since February they haven't, when Turbos took over the weekday Worcester and Malvern off-peak diagrams they weren't already covering. Why do you keep repeating this old, tired, inaccurate statement?
But if they are Turbos, my original argument about there being no First Class standard seats/freebies is comes into play!
I wasn't referring to your previous post - I was referring to the one repeating a tired, inaccurate statement, rather like the ones you kept posting about poor punctuality, long after FGW was hitting its targets.
As for your previous post, the Cotswold Line is a completely different kettle of fish from Virgin's Birmingham route. Of course there are lots of Virgin advance tickets - they have a train with 439 seats to fill every 20 minutes between Birmingham and London - almost a third of those seats are first class, so they have to find ways to fill them.
The Cotswold Line has roughly one train an hour off peak, with 250 or 470 seats to fill, most of which are likely to be full on the Oxford-London leg of the journey anyway, so FGW don't need to go to great lengths - or great discounts - to fill seats.
Where FGW offers higher frequencies and has more seats to fill, eg Bristol and South Wales to London, then it too offers advances.
And most people's journey choices are dictated by the need to get somewhere, not what food and drink, whether 'free' or not, may be on offer along the way. Chiltern manage perfectly well without first class, or any sort of catering offer for most of the day - or have you gone off them too?
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 05:24, 20th October 2009 | |
I have just perused the new winter Travelling Chef menu. Looks good (despite the odd smelling pistake. Blinins? Blaguette?) Quite a variety and not overly expensive. May have to find an excuse to travel first class in the near future, as some of the options look quite difficult to eat out of a cardboard box!
Prices still fairly reasonable (even with the omlette increase!) There are also some mouth watering new options on the Pullman menu; always amazes me that such high quality fare can be prepared in a kitchen moving at upwards of 100mph. Paddington to Bristol via Taunton or Exeter for a slap up lunch coming up, methinks!
Prices still fairly reasonable (even with the omlette increase!) There are also some mouth watering new options on the Pullman menu; always amazes me that such high quality fare can be prepared in a kitchen moving at upwards of 100mph. Paddington to Bristol via Taunton or Exeter for a slap up lunch coming up, methinks!
If journey planners are to be believed, it would appear that one of the two up Pullmans (1200 ex PLY) is being withdrawn from the December timetable change leaving just the 1255 ex PLY. The down services (1803 & 1903 ex PAD) still show as running. Don't know how this is being worked re: staff rostering.
Can anyone confirm that the 1200 up Pullman is being withdrawn?
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 15:43, 20th October 2009 | |
It would not suprise me if the Pullman on the 12-00 is to be withdrawn, the long term trend seems to be roughly one less restaurant per timetable change.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by 6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01 at 17:51, 20th October 2009 | |
avoid the ham and cheese panini at all costs! its not horrible its just tasteless and rubbery and its not even a panini its a bagette made from dodge bread made worse by the microwave, sorry fgw but somethings need reporting
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Mookiemoo at 18:43, 20th October 2009 | |
avoid the ham and cheese panini at all costs! its not horrible its just tasteless and rubbery and its not even a panini its a bagette made from dodge bread made worse by the microwave, sorry fgw but somethings need reporting
Add to that the nuked cheeseburger that drips grease down your arm. The mozarella and basil panini also suffers from the same flaws as the ham and cheese.
However if you do want something hot, those nuker bowls of chilli stuff arent bad! And quite low in calories.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by vacman at 19:04, 20th October 2009 | |
avoid the ham and cheese panini at all costs! its not horrible its just tasteless and rubbery and its not even a panini its a bagette made from dodge bread made worse by the microwave, sorry fgw but somethings need reporting
Yes but thats not from the travelling chef though.| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 20:56, 20th October 2009 | |
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 22:40, 20th October 2009 | |
Aaah. Those buffet paninis. There was a brief period after the refurb when they were cooked in a proper panini oven thingy and were very good (I ate them on at least two occasions - the breakfast one was quite impressive). Then the breakfast paninis disappeared, possibly along with the ovens. And it's been hot floppy bread in a plastic bag ever since. Eaurgh.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Tim at 17:19, 26th October 2009 | |
I know NXEC food was criticised by Barry but on Sunday I found their full English breakfast to be great (bacon, toast, beans, really nice little toms, potato scone, saugage, black pudding, 3 cups of tea and orange juice on propper plate and cutlery for ^12 was not bad, although the ^25 w/end first upgrade was needed to get access to any food above megre buffet fayre).
was planning to try Grand Central's offering on the trip North, but the train as so crowded at KX I would not have got a seat and instead got on the NX train north 12 minutes later (GC need to put their fares up to close to NXEC or add a couple of coaches). 2hr 20 to Darlington with first stop at York was a very impressive timing.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by caliwag at 21:21, 26th October 2009 | |
Full English breakfast on a Sunday? Good heavens
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Timmer at 06:31, 27th October 2009 | |
Full English breakfast on a Sunday? Good heavens 
That's what I was thinking especially when NXEC have drastically cut back restaurant services during weekdays.| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Tim at 09:47, 27th October 2009 | |
I was surprised to see it listed in the timetable and doubtful as to whether it would actually exist, but it was there (on the first train of the day South from Darlington) and well used.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 10:25, 27th October 2009 | |
I was surprised to see it listed in the timetable and doubtful as to whether it would actually exist, but it was there (on the first train of the day South from Darlington) and well used.
Let's hope that ECMLCo (t/a East Coast) reverse some of the catering changes that the dire NXEC instigated.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by willc at 23:17, 27th October 2009 | |
If anyone is taking a journey by NXEC, the pdfs of the timetable on their website have the catering provision on each train highlighted by colour coding, be that a restaurant open to all comers, or first class only at-seat service, see http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/Travel-Information/full-timetables/Timetable-information/
but as Tim found, on Saturday and Sunday it's only in first class, on a few services, where there is a dining service.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 12:23, 4th November 2009 | |
Restaurant provision still appears very hit and miss, with equipment failures and staff shortage a regular feature.
On the 18-03 last Thursday (29/10/2009) only a very limited number of meals were served due to catering equipment failure.
Many prospective customers were turned away including some who had booked.
I was lucky to get a meal, which was of the usual high standard and most enjoyable.
On my return journey on the 12-55 from Plymouth (06/11/2009), no restaurant service was offered, due I understand, to catering equipment failure.
On several previous trips restaurants have been canceled due to staff shortages and breakdowns.
There seems to be a general view among FGW catering staff that the service is being run down prior to closure.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:39, 9th November 2009 | |
More problems today on the catering front, it seems. From FGW live updates:
Service incidents
13:06 London Paddington to Plymouth due 16:29
This train has been revised. This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable.
No Travelling Chef service. Buffet service only.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 12:21
14:15 Paignton to London Paddington due 17:24
This train has been revised.This is due to train crew having been unavailable earlier.
No catering service available between Paignton and Exeter St Davids.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 12:37
14:31 Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington due 16:39
This train has been revised. This is due to an earlier train fault.
No buffet service. A trolley service is available in Standard Class.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 12:34
15:22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 18:45
This train will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3. This is due to an earlier train fault.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 12:38
16:00 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington due 17:39
This train has been revised. This is due to an earlier train fault.
No buffet service. A trolley service is available in Standard Class.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 13:17
16:12 Paignton to Exmouth due 17:53
This train has been revised. This train will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3. This is due to an earlier train fault.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 15:10
16:22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 19:45
This train has been revised. This is due to train crew having been unavailable earlier.
No catering service available between Portsmouth Harbour and Newport -South Wales-.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 15:13
17:06 London Paddington to Westbury due 18:54
This train has been revised. This is due to an earlier train fault.
No buffet service. A trolley service is available in Standard Class.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 15:16
13:06 London Paddington to Plymouth due 16:29
This train has been revised. This is due to a member of train crew being unavailable.
No Travelling Chef service. Buffet service only.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 12:21
14:15 Paignton to London Paddington due 17:24
This train has been revised.This is due to train crew having been unavailable earlier.
No catering service available between Paignton and Exeter St Davids.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 12:37
14:31 Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington due 16:39
This train has been revised. This is due to an earlier train fault.
No buffet service. A trolley service is available in Standard Class.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 12:34
15:22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 18:45
This train will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3. This is due to an earlier train fault.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 12:38
16:00 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington due 17:39
This train has been revised. This is due to an earlier train fault.
No buffet service. A trolley service is available in Standard Class.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 13:17
16:12 Paignton to Exmouth due 17:53
This train has been revised. This train will be formed of 2 coaches instead of 3. This is due to an earlier train fault.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 15:10
16:22 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central due 19:45
This train has been revised. This is due to train crew having been unavailable earlier.
No catering service available between Portsmouth Harbour and Newport -South Wales-.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 15:13
17:06 London Paddington to Westbury due 18:54
This train has been revised. This is due to an earlier train fault.
No buffet service. A trolley service is available in Standard Class.
Last Updated: 09/11/2009 15:16
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 09:57, 16th November 2009 | |
The new timetable, now available on the FGW website, suggests that two up trains will retain pullmans, despite earlier suggestions that one was to be withdrawn.
If true, then this is somwhat better news than expected.
Two restaurants a day is rather meager provision, not that long ago there were seven in each direction on the West of England line, and several to/from Wales.
Still better than nothing though, I certainly enjoy it.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Btline at 19:46, 16th November 2009 | |
Hopefully the East Coast restaurant service will be re-intoduced, now it is run by a competent company.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Timmer at 20:52, 16th November 2009 | |
Hopefully the East Coast restaurant service will be re-intoduced, now it is run by a competent company.
A review of on board catering is planned but what that will mean for the return of a decent restaurant service remains to be seen.| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 20:54, 16th November 2009 | |
Hang on...they're completely untested, and Elaine Holt's at the helm! Let's not jump to any conclusions that they're competent just yet
After all, according to Railway Eye, ppm for last day of NXEC was 100%. Anyone like to guess the ppm for the first day of EC? 76%
(Before anyone flames me, I'm well aware that I'm quoting that out of context and there probably are all sorts of legitimate reasons - it's just a statistic that amused me!)
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 23:42, 16th November 2009 | |
I am open to the possibilty of great things ahead for the 'East Coast' franchise. Elaine Holt has got two years to turn the franchise around, and I wish her every success.
I have travelled to the North East on numerous occasions in the past 5 years and have always been happy to pay a premium to go via London from Bristol rather than endure 5 hours on a Vomiter. NXEC were starting to make me reconsider though, so I look forward to the promise of an improved on board service. There was a noticeable lack of morale amongst the on board staff on my last two first class trips, so here's hoping things can only get better.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 00:28, 25th November 2009 | |
Promo video for ATW's Premier Class Restaurant. Slightly cheesy accompanying music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 03:58, 25th November 2009 | |
How long do you reckon before the FGWComms channel posts a video response demonstrating how to massacre a cheeseburger in a plastic bag?
PS only joking, I think the travelling chef's great!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Mookiemoo at 13:35, 25th November 2009 | |
Promo video for ATW's Premier Class Restaurant. Slightly cheesy accompanying music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
ATW dont even have first class!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Mookiemoo at 13:38, 25th November 2009 | |
Promo video for ATW's Premier Class Restaurant. Slightly cheesy accompanying music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
ATW dont even have first class!
Also its stopping pattern is bizarre - Newport - Cwmbran - Abergavenny then nothing until Shrewsbury - completely misses out Hereford and Ludlow
I can understanding missing ludlow (dont like it but can understand it) but Hereford?
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Btline at 14:03, 25th November 2009 | |
Promo video for ATW's Premier Class Restaurant. Slightly cheesy accompanying music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
ATW dont even have first class!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
I can understanding missing ludlow (dont like it but can understand it) but Hereford?
I agree, I've always found the calling pattern strange, completely missing out the whole of Southern Shropshire and Herefordshire!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Mookiemoo at 14:22, 25th November 2009 | |
Promo video for ATW's Premier Class Restaurant. Slightly cheesy accompanying music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
ATW dont even have first class!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHNLayx-CQU&feature=player_embedded#
I can understanding missing ludlow (dont like it but can understand it) but Hereford?
I agree, I've always found the calling pattern strange, completely missing out the whole of Southern Shropshire and Herefordshire!
Which is probably why I did not even know it existed!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 23:17, 25th November 2009 | |
ATW dont even have first class!
On a technicality, yes they do, on this service only. That's why rather than inventing a whole new (and largely redundant) FC pricing structure you simply pay a supplement on top of the standard class fare which also includes din-dins or breakfast.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by willc at 23:50, 25th November 2009 | |
FGW are plugging new Pullman menus with a link from the website homepage and clearly listing all four trains offering restaurants, plus what to do to reserve a restaurant seat on the Paddington evening departures - though only first class ticketholders can reserve apparently.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=70
A recent article (in Rail I think) quoted an ATW bigwig as saying the WAG Express doesn't serve Hereford basically because that's not its job, which is link North and South Wales (except, of course, the biggest town in North Wales).
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 09:36, 28th November 2009 | |
The new menu does not seem much different to the old one, though that is not a criticism as the old menu was very good.
The main course still consists of steak, a fish option or a vegetarian option.
The cheese selection is now served in the proper fashion from a cheeseboard, thus allowing a choice, in the past it was ready plated.
The soup, steak and cheese were certainly most enjoyable on thursday (27/11/09) and I am very pleased to say that that my booking was honoured.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Phil at 09:44, 28th November 2009 | |
A recent article (in Rail I think) quoted an ATW bigwig as saying the WAG Express doesn't serve Hereford basically because that's not its job, which is link North and South Wales (except, of course, the biggest town in North Wales).
I thought Wrexham was the biggest town in North Wales?
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by John R at 11:18, 28th November 2009 | |
Isn't that the point - it doesn't serve Wrexham?
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by willc at 12:45, 28th November 2009 | |
Just so. The train runs Chester-Crewe-Shrewsbury.
Capacity issues between Chester and Wrexham, which is a single line section, and also on the double track on to Shrewsbury where there are no intermediate signals on Wrexham-Gobowen and just one between Gobowen and Shrewsbury, limiting how many trains can run and also creating some very long sectional running times. Though there are plans afoot to tackle all these problems.
In addition, they would need a DVT in the formation to reverse direction at Chester.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Phil at 15:08, 28th November 2009 | |
Thanks for clarifying that, Willc. I do like a bit of clarity, me.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Btline at 23:03, 28th November 2009 | |
True, but putting in a stop at Ludlow would perhaps get some Midlands - Cardiff commuters/businessmen to travel.
But I agree that the priority is to get the North - South journey time down, and that involves cutting stops. At least ATW understand the meaning of express! **cough** FGW **cough** Cornwall trains!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by devon_metro at 23:11, 28th November 2009 | |
But I agree that the priority is to get the North - South journey time down, and that involves cutting stops. At least ATW understand the meaning of express! **cough** FGW **cough** Cornwall trains!
Do you actually understand the market?
1000 Penzance - London Paddington was today well loaded past Plymouth, clearly the prospect of stopping at such places as Ivybridge not causing anybody any major distress.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 16:51, 18th January 2011 | |
It would appear that the restaurant menus have recently been changed.
If I have understood the website correctly, it would appear that we now have only 2 menus instead of 4.
Very frequent users might find this a bit boring, but I only use the Pullman every couple of weeks on average, and am therefore not worried.
Both the new menus include fillet steak, which to my taste is a decided improvement.
Prices have been increased, but still compare favourably with those charged elswhere for meals of similar qaulity.
Hope they can obtain some port ! has not been available for a while, due I believe to the supplier going bust.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 12:30, 8th February 2011 | |
Update re above.
Port is now available on the restaurant trains, and very good port it is too, better than before.
But now they have no brandy ! hopefully easier to source than port.
The new menus are in use, less choice than before, but at least fillet steak is on both menus, a decided improvement.
I have used the pullman several times in the last few weeks and been very impressed.EDIT the above was true when I wrote it, but we now have no port, again. Though there is brandy
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 13:22, 2nd June 2011 | |
Slightly more positive news re the Pullmans.
On a recent trip, one of the restaurant crew advises that on busy days, 35 places on the 18-03 are to be laid for dining.
Thats like the "good old days" since more recently 29 dining places was the maximum, with only 17 seats sometimes.
They also stated that dining is to be promoted, which seems better than hiding it and hoping that no one notices.
It was even suggested that a lunchtime down pullman might be re-instated.
Restaurants might even survive until the Plymouth services are downgraded to DMUs, which is not expected for some years.
The restaurant prices have recently been increased, but still compare very well with prices charged elswhere for food of similar qaulity.
Alcholic drink is cheaper on the train than in many London pubs.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by bobm at 14:18, 2nd June 2011 | |
I'm a big fan of the Pullmans and like broadgage I have been told by the crews that there are plans to increase promotion.
I hadn't heard about the extra seats. I assume that means they will lay up further down coach G. The only snag with that is it is supposed to be the quiet coach. I hope it doesn't promote complaints and get the meal service pushed back into F.
The idea of a down lunchtime service is encouraging. In the past it was crewed by staff who had worked up on the Golden Hind serving breakfast. I wonder if that means the breakfast service might return or there will an evening meal on an up service which would be very good news. However it would presumably mean a London based crew which is a departure as all the current Pullman staff are Plymouth based.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Timmer at 16:39, 2nd June 2011 | |
Well done to FGW for keeping restaurant services going on the WoE route. Who would have thought that FGW would be the last remaining TOC providing a full restaurant service. Bring back GNER to the East Coast!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 10:02, 3rd June 2011 | |
I understand that the extra dining places in G will be laid only on busy days, which are normally Wednesdays and Thursdays, Fridays are said to be less busy which I find suprising.
In the past I have been unable to dine on Friday services and have therefore taken to Thursday travel instead. Perhaps I have started a trend ?
I too hope that dining in G does not lead to complaints about the quiet coach being made noisy.
Perhaps this might be time to designate the end coach, H as the quiet coach ? There seems no good reason not to in present circumstances. After all A is the standard class quite coach.
In another thread it was stated that in past the end coach was for smokers, and therefore that the quiet coach had to be the other one.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by bobm at 10:17, 3rd June 2011 | |
I've always thought H should be the quiet coach. As you say it makes more sense as those currently in G have to put up with those walking through from H.
I was told Friday is less busy as people tend to try to get away early for the weekend but your experience doesn't seem to bear this out.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 15:53, 29th June 2011 | |
Just finsished an excellent meal on the train from Exeter, delayed as one power car U/S.
Cant fault the Pulman though, the new menu has less choice, but is well chosen and I certainly enjoyed it.
More wine available in 0.5L bottles, but less choice in full bottles.
Enjoy it while you can !
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 12:19, 8th August 2011 | |
Had a couple of enjoyable meals recently, and would certainly recomend the service.
The menu served was different to that advertised on the website, but still most enjoyable.
What would be be considered a decent gratuity to the restaurant crew ?
For one meal of 3 courses for one person, with wine.
10% is often considered a guide in most restaurants, but perhaps a little more might be reasonable.
What do others think ? I would wish to be reasonably generous, but not ostentatious.
On down trains I invariably buy a first class ticket so as to ensure a space in the restaurant.
On up trains I usually only buy a steerage ticket, as this may be used in the restaurant if space permits, which it usually does.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by bobm at 12:48, 8th August 2011 | |
I usually do 10% and then round up to the next ^5. So if it comes to ^35 I add 10% (ie ^3.50) and then round up to ^40.
One bit of bad news about the catering (and indeed the standard buffet counters) - they have withdrawn Plymouth Gin so it is only Gordons now. They have been charging the same for both but now Plymouth is more expensive they didn't think people would pay the extra so they withdrew it.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 14:41, 8th August 2011 | |
That is a bit of a backwards step, so much for supporting local suppliers !
Plymouth gin is indeed more expensive, but IMHO is worth it.
Some years ago the strength of Gordons gin was reduced from 40% to 37.5%, though the price remained the same.
Plymouth Gin is still not only full strength, but slightly above the norm of 40%, AFAIR it is 41.5%
Still, I suppose we should be grateful to get a restaurant at all.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by Andrew1939 from West Oxon at 19:30, 8th August 2011 | |
I have only bought from the Travelling Chef once and this was on the Cornish Riviera Down when I had a bacon baguette. I had previously though that train fare was poor value and poor quality, It was however delicious, promptly delivered from the buffet to my seat and for less than a fiver I thought it good value for on train food fare.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 14:53, 6th September 2011 | |
Not only is the supply of Plymouth Gin under threat, as noted above, but now they have no port AGAIN.
Cant fault the food or the service, but no port AND no proper gin ! The empire will fall !
I like the new menus though, fillet steak on all 3 menus, but with a different sauce, most enjoyable.Edit, the above was true when I posted it, but port is now available again.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by super tm at 15:15, 6th September 2011 | |
Plymouth gin has been withdrawn im afraid. When existing stocks are gone thats it.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 15:25, 27th October 2011 | |
Enjoyed an excellent meal last night on the 18-03.
Plymouth gin was available I am glad to say, and I noted that the menus included a "house cocktail" in which Plymouth gin is used, so presumably it is being stocked regularly, not just whilst stocks last.
I also noted several other improvements, real butter served on a dish instead of small plastic wrapped portions, mineral water in glass bottles instead of plastic, menus in leather effect folders.
All very impressive, it would appear that FGW are serious about promoting pullman dining.
In the menus, they state that FGW are the only TOC offering a full "silver service restaurant on high speed trains" which is true AFAIK.
Still no port though
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by bobm at 15:28, 27th October 2011 | |
Sounds very encouraging. I really must try to get on one soon. Since moving to Swindon it is a little harder to connect into one....
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 15:08, 2nd November 2011 | |
Not only is the supply of Plymouth Gin under threat, as noted above, but now they have no port AGAIN.
Cant fault the food or the service, but no port AND no proper gin ! The empire will fall !
I like the new menus though, fillet steak on all 3 menus, but with a different sauce, most enjoyable.
Cant fault the food or the service, but no port AND no proper gin ! The empire will fall !
I like the new menus though, fillet steak on all 3 menus, but with a different sauce, most enjoyable.
On the train now, plenty of Plymouth gin AND port, and very good port too !
Also, dessert wine,by the glass, just the thing with pudding.
The food and service being of the usual high standard.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by bobm at 15:10, 2nd November 2011 | |
.. sounds like you have pudding and the cheeseboard - glad I am not the only one!!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by JayMac at 16:30, 3rd November 2011 | |
Keep up the good work, broadgage. With a few more punters like you, long may the FGW Pullmans continue.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 20:54, 8th November 2011 | |
Keep up the good work, broadgage. With a few more punters like you, long may the FGW Pullmans continue. 
If the train is on time, I would take only a starter, main course, and cheese selection, with a little Plymouth gin and tonic with the starter, a bottle of red wine with the main course, and a little port with the cheese.
In the event of delay though, I might also take a small piece of cake and a glass of pudding wine.
Small delays are frequent.
In the event of prolonged delay, then a little more drink may be taken.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by IndustryInsider at 20:55, 8th November 2011 | |
Sounds almost like you're hoping for a delay.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by inspector_blakey at 21:06, 8th November 2011 | |
Anyone have a feel for how reliable the Travelling Chef service is these days, as regards how frequently it is provided on services that are advertised to have one? I know there have been periods in the past when it's been a little flaky (not appearing on advertised trains, or sometimes even appearing on unadvertised services) but I'm way out of date.
Put another way, this is a slightly longwinded way of asking what my chances are of scoring a Travelling Chef on the 0911 RDG-SWA service in the week leading up to Christmas...
It's advertised for one but I know around Christmas catering arrangements often get out of whack due to annual leave/cold and flu season etc.| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by matt473 at 23:40, 8th November 2011 | |
Everytime I have travelled on a Swansea service timetabled to have a travelling chef it has been available so the chances are high. I used to travel every week to Swansea in first class on a train timetabled to serve the travelling chef menu so 100% availabilty record was pretty impressive.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by BBM at 09:26, 9th November 2011 | |
I travelled on the 12.28 Swansea - Paddington on Monday which did have a Travelling Chef service as advertised but only a partial menu was on offer, i.e. just toasted sandwiches and hot baguettes. I was hoping to have a burger so I had a hot sausage baguette instead but it was OK, it was still very nice!
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by bobm at 15:01, 16th November 2011 | |
First the demise of Plymouth Gin. Now the end of all miniatures it seems. Travelled on FGW three trains yesterday and on all three the range of spirits has been replaced with three ready mixed canned drinks. Gin and Slimline tonic, Whisky & Cola and Vodka and Cola. I'm not a fan of slimline tonic and I prefer dry ginger with my whisky so not great news as far as I am concerned. Although the cans are chilled it seem there was no ice either. A big step back in my opinion.
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by broadgage at 09:20, 17th November 2011 | |
Sounds like a backward step, not serving miniatures of spirits.
A choice of only 3 ready mixed drinks is very poor.
What if someone wants brandy, or straight whiskey, or gin with fruit juice.
Does anyone know if this is a new policy, or perhaps just a "one off" due to shortage of other supplies.
(some station buffets including Taunton sell these ready mixed drinks, and supplies might perhaps be used on trains if the regular stock was not available)
| Re: Great Western Railway: on-board catering, buffets, Travelling Chef, Pullman - ongoing discussion Posted by bobm at 09:22, 17th November 2011 | |
Looks permanent. I saw it on three trains on Wednesday and the signage has all been changed to show the new products.
