Catering on Steam Excursions - Likes and Dis-likes.....

I'm just curious to hear peoples comments on the quality of the catering provided on the various steam excursions.

I have had both good and not-so-good experiences on the various train operating companies.

Do they meet expectations in the dining and coach classes?

 

Ive done various setam excursions, and the food ive eaten when travelling premier class have been excellent, Vintage Trains' food have been good elsewhere. If I may add, the GCR's griddle car and first class dining car food are excellent aswell.

 

And its good to have bottle-conditioned ale on the tours. I particularly like the Hepworth Pullman Ale. Used to be a favourite on PTR tours, and had some on the 'Merchant Venturer' in November. My only criticism is that its a bit too pricey.

 

Has anyone found the menu's to be a bit old-fashoned?

Or is the English Breakfast and the Traditional Roast what people want?

 

But don’t you want traditional food on a steam hauled train, I think it just work personly

Cheers
Andrew

 

Mine and Allys Steam Dreams trip was quite bad, onthe trip to exeter.
I was out looking at Union of South Africa and my dinner was served whilst I was away from the table and was stone cold when I got to it. Ally ran to get me to tell me it had been served up.
They had over booked premier class and we and a few other passengers we're put in a standard carriage, We we're also forgotten on once of the courses and I had to go chase it up.

Once bitten twice shy.

 

Steam Dreams have changed their catering company since then. One of the stewards told me about the problems they had with the previous company. I'm glad I took my own food!

 

Had 2 dining trips with them and wasn't impressed by either. Food too cordon bleu for my liking and took ages to serve so was on the cold side when I got it. Last trip I did they didn't get round to the cheese and biscuits until we were just pulling into Kings Cross at the end of the journey, needless to say it was too late as most of us had a connection to make and this on a trip that arrived late anyway!! Never had a problem with RTCs catering, although I am disappointed that they no longer have the choice of Shepherd Neame beers that they had previously in Premier, and I even had to go to the buffet car to obtain some Marstons Pedigree as you can only order the beers that are on the list, which at present is Hogsback or a lager.

Maybe there will be more selection for GB3 I hope.

Dave B

 

I think the Steam Dreams caterers changed around July last year as that months Canterbury trip was one of the first with the new company. We were in first class and they were really pleasant when bringing food, teas, coffees etc. around. The cakes and biscuits were excellent as well

Regards,

Dan

 

As far as I'm aware WCRC, RTC and Vintage Trains use the same caterers. Must add that service and meals on the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express was excellent.

Dave B

 

Any idea who they were Dan as when I did the trips in April and May the caterers were supposedly new?

Dave B

 

Steam Dreams use " Two Many Cooks"
West Coast, Vintage Trains and RTC use " The Gravy Train Catering Company"
RTC also use " Creative Rail Dining" ( formally operated Premier Train Catering . They were owed 50k by Past Time).
They are also used by Uk Railtours and Amethyst are proposing to use them.

 

I'm afraid not Dave, this was information I gleaned from overhearing a conversation on the train. I know our waitress on that trip did work in bars and restaurants in south west London and that the company employing her had recently got the train catering contract.

Regards,

Dan

 

Gravy Train have a number of ex Virgin staff and very pleasant too. They give a far better service than on Virgin.

One of the Fellsman's last year ran out of Champagne and they had to buy more in Carlise, but at least they fed the demand.

OK, the problem is similar to mass catering. There are limitations on what can be served. Chicken and Lamb are safe meats from a PC perspective. Roasts are easy to do and please most. Have to say that catering experienced so far has been excellent.

 

what about a curry and beer.

 

That's why we all go to J D Wetherspoons at journeys end

 

I have only experienced charter dining once and it lived up to expectation.
You will not get fine dining/michelin star food on these charters due to the constraints of the operation.
On my trip we had excellent service and pleasant food.

 

Right! So that's a traditional roast for all except Mr Balls who wants a mild chicken korma and a pint of kingfisher! Got it!