Dining trains VFM

The Avon Valley Railway at Bitton runs a comprehensive programme of dining trains, some of which are priced at little more you would pay in a pub.

 

Maybe railrover had two burgers? Or chips as well?

It would be interesting to look at the prices of 'dining on the move' across the market and see if those with the word 'Pullman' in the title/marketing blurb are consistent with higher prices than those which don't? Given that 'Pullman' has for so long been used as a metonym for 'excellence'.

 

As has been said, it is worth whatever the market will stand. The cost of premium dining of main line specials seems ridiculous to me but clearly there are many who are happy to pay it. My one experience, on the GCR, was fantastic and I would love to repeat it, even if it was in a fake Pullman carriage...

 

From a Railway perspective if a railway can make a good margin after all costs have been honestly attributed to it does not matter if it offers Fish and Chips at seat with Drinks etc or a full 'Pullman' silver service, there is a good market for both.

If we want a celebration meal we go Bellmond rather than any other 'Pullman' type operation as they frankly do not come anywhere near matching it apart from the price. Quite happy to pay the Bellmond extra cost for a better product. If we want a simpler and cheaper day out then there are several railways offering curry etc dinners which as just as VFM and as good if not better than pubs.

I suspect the Curry Fish and Chips operations in a normal TSO coach make a far better log term return for the railways than heavy Pullmans rusting and rotting costing £500k every 10 years to overhaul.

B

 

One thing I have wondered about is what about reinstating the old fashion 'picnic hamper' service which you could order together with a booked seat and drinks from the train bar/tea/decent coffee?

 

Ive never seen such utter rubbish written, unless you are a multi-squillionaire then you are always concerned about the price of whatever you buy, to say that if you are concerned about price then the product isnt for you is total b^&%x.

 

The Bluebell does that for its Victorian Christmas trains, which are sold as complete compartments with a hamper to share (based on an occupancy of 6 people). I think occasionally it has also run similar services at other times of year as evening specials, but it isn't done as a regular offering.

Tom

 

That sounds like a decent idea.

 

Although she has no interest in trains, Domestic Facilities Management is fairly keen on the idea of a trip on the QB, as she is quite capable of recognising the attractions of dinner while enjoying the scenery.

If anyone can babysit two boys (6 & 8) ...........................

 

It may enable on train catering to be produced without the trouble to provide, maintain and staff a catering vehicle. As was done "in the day"

PH

 

you can't really deduct the normal fare from the price to arrive at the cost of the meal. In most cases the dining trains use a dedicated train that would incur greater costs than the everyday stock I reckon (imo) .

 

My, my we are tetchy. The fact remains that if on train dining sells out on a regular basis then there is no need for the operators to reduce their prices. The fact that some people cannot afford it is of no consequence to the restaurant etc.

 

I don't know whether the KESR still do so, but certainly a few years ago they offered such a service.

 

I presume you haven't tried the K&ESR Wealden Pullman? A really quality product at a fraction of the Belmond price.



The QB here in Somerset has some way to go to make up on service quality but our scenery is pretty good.

I'd love to know where these figures come from.

Robin

 

Same place as Mk.1 overhauls in West Somerset?
(I really shouldn't have said that....)

 

I have heard that comment but the VAT Tribunal case was for the VSOE operation, which doesn't offer that facility, and I suspect most Railways charge their ordinary fare for the 'ordinary accommodation', so my view would be that it isn't vital that this is offered but others (including HMRC!) may disagree. The issue on 'separate supplies' is whether there is a separate value and attraction of the 2 elements of what the customer buys.

Steven

 

If you use the SVR's excellent diner you pay the Diner price + Day Rover meaning that either before -or after- the meal you can continue travelling on normal services.

 

And the KESR Pullman will be one of the few trains running on Christmas day this year.