Cross Country 1st class food + drink + service

[sprinterguy]

This is a valid point about occupancy. One of the main reasons I like to travel
1st Class Off Peak is the availability of a "4" to yourself - the free booze is a welcome supplementary.

I hope the reduction in capacity does not extend to East Coast and Virgin.

Whilst I appreciate that this would sit better on the FGW thread over in traction and rolling stock, in my opinion both Virgin and East Coast would be far better targets for a reduction in first class capacity than FGW are: East Coast’s 225 sets have more first class capacity now than they originally did (Excluding the handful of “Pullman” sets that used to operate in Intercity and early GNER days), and the provision of first class compared to standard on Virgin’s Pendolinos is simply ridiculous.

Though at least first class on East Coast seems to be very well used whenever I travel with them, so perhaps the increase was justified.
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Wonder how much of an IEP will be 1st class?

I suppose that we will have to wait and see what the operators of the Great Western and East Coast franchises specify, but the draft layouts published in August 2012 show essentially a full carriage of first class in a 5-car set, and 2 full carriages of first class in a 9-car set, using composite vehicles in both instances as half of the first class driving car is taken up by the kitchen.

 

[FQ]

Virgin first class is amazing whereas XC really lacks.
Well when the class 43s had Buffet coaches it was a bit better but even then it was fairly bad. The thing is Arriva are cheap-skates (No offence to anyone) and they don't do whats best for passengers, they do what is most cost affective.
Consider a journey from Exeter St Davids-Edinburgh on a 4 car class 220. If it was a service from Penzance or even Plymouth the train would be full (I know from experience) and you would probably be standing the whole way. Cross Country don't care. Its either you stand on a cramped, hot Voyager with vibrations under your feet or you find another way to travel. They don't care (again no offence).
Another example is Arriva Trains Wales. Well my Auntie lives near Shotton and well they told me about how the people who lived next to the line at Shotton hung out there clothes to dry and when they checked on them about an hour later they were covered in sewage. If they cared they would run the class 67s all the time and get more of them.
The only reason they run the class 67s is because they are government funded.

 

[headshot119]

As the 175s are fitted with retention tanks I don't for a second believe that story. (I can't remember if ATW 158s are fitted with tanks)

 

[34D]

As the 175s are fitted with retention tanks I don't for a second believe that story. (I can't remember if ATW 158s are fitted with tanks)

158's have tank

 

[Butts]

Virgin first class is amazing whereas XC really lacks.

Well when the class 43s had Buffet coaches it was a bit better but even then it was fairly bad. The thing is Arriva are cheap-skates (No offence to anyone) and they don't do whats best for passengers, they do what is most cost affective.
Consider a journey from Exeter St Davids-Edinburgh on a 4 car class 220. If it was a service from Penzance or even Plymouth the train would be full (I know from experience) and you would probably be standing the whole way. Cross Country don't care. Its either you stand on a cramped, hot Voyager with vibrations under your feet or you find another way to travel. They don't care (again no offence).
Another example is Arriva Trains Wales. Well my Auntie lives near Shotton and well they told me about how the people who lived next to the line at Shotton hung out there clothes to dry and when they checked on them about an hour later they were covered in sewage from the class 175s and 158s.

I think that is slightly over egging it unless you mean compared to XC

 

[FQ]

As the 175s are fitted with retention tanks I don't for a second believe that story. (I can't remember if ATW 158s are fitted with tanks)

Sorry, I forgot that the 175s and 158s are fitted with retention tanks.

 

[Ash Bridge]

Hello all, New to the forum. Read recently XC have enhanced their on-board catering and now offer hot items such as bacon baguettes, panini s & hot meals etc.for 1st & standard class passengers to purchase.I was aware bacon rolls were previously only available on weekday trains but it appears now to be offered at weekends also, definitely a big improvement if so.could anyone advise on this? Regards, Steve

 

[Jonfun]

Subject to availability, aye, hot food is available throughout the week.

 

[rdeez]

I also travel XC first Stafford - Birmingham regularly, and I've found the provision varies by time of day (morning you're more likely to be offered the full range, afternoon less so), and by host - a couple in particular stand out as excellent and I've written to XC about one of them as she's lovely, every time. One or two have a distinct "can't be arsed" attitude and will try to fob you off with drinks or visibly stand in the staff area at the end of the coach chatting to off duty staff / TM the length of the journey, getting off at Birmingham, or in the reverse direction will do the same and then offer drinks just before Stafford

It's very hit and miss, and for such a short journey I don't expect an awful lot, but I am a bit disappointed if I'm not even offered a hot drink. On the other hand there have been occasions, when a first class host hasn't been present for whatever reason, that the onboard staff have gone to the extra effort to maintain service - with the 'retail services manager' (trolley sales) serving in first before doing their trolley in the other coaches, or even on occasion the Train Manager offering drinks, which presumably they are not obliged to do.

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[91103eastcoast]

or even on occasion the Train Manager offering drinks, which presumably they are not obliged to do.

I've noticed this on XC once when there was a long distance between stops (think it was Berwick to Edinburgh). After checking tickets which took about 15 minutes, instead of disappearing into the cab for the next half hour, the TM came and offered first class passengers drinks. As they presumably don't have to do this, I thought it was exceptional customer service on the part of the TM.

 

[boyaloud]

Totally second you rdeez, it is soooo hit+ miss, some hosts are wonderful and some are awful but usually still begrudgingly bring you items.

I went Stafford-Brum on Monday late morning, and got a fantastic friendly young female host. Had a lovely and quite decent-sized mozarella, tomoto + pesto panini, 2 bags of crisps, a brilliant Starbucks coffee (actually nicer than the filter in Starbucks) and she was apologetic they didn't have any orange juice and when I asked for diet coke instead, gave me 2 mini cans without asking! Really set me up for the day + put me in a great mood.

I then returned home all the way direct on Virgin First Class and had a great pleasant efficient girl who offered me lots and even then asked anything else? Are you OK etc! Best bit was I got a carriage to myself! Got 2+a bit glasses of rose and she gave me the dregs of the bottle to finish without me asking! Had had 3 Guinesses in FC lounge as it had just reopened (it's really really nice, much better and a lot more seating, all very comfy with a retro 60s vibe which goes nicely!).

 

[rdeez]

Totally second you rdeez, it is soooo hit+ miss, some hosts are wonderful and some are awful but usually still begrudgingly bring you items.

I went Stafford-Brum on Monday late morning, and got a fantastic friendly young female host. Had a lovely and quite decent-sized mozarella, tomoto + pesto panini, 2 bags of crisps, a brilliant Starbucks coffee (actually nicer than the filter in Starbucks) and she was apologetic they didn't have any orange juice and when I asked for diet coke instead, gave me 2 mini cans without asking! Really set me up for the day + put me in a great mood.

I then returned home all the way direct on Virgin First Class and had a great pleasant efficient girl who offered me lots and even then asked anything else? Are you OK etc! Best bit was I got a carriage to myself! Got 2+a bit glasses of rose and she gave me the dregs of the bottle to finish without me asking! Had had 3 Guinesses in FC lounge as it had just reopened (it's really really nice, much better and a lot more seating, all very comfy with a retro 60s vibe which goes nicely!).

Wow, you really got a lot in that half hour XC journey! I'm not sure but I think I might know who you mean host-wise (based purely on age, friendliness and generosity!) also - I probably shouldn't give names - but a lady who has her hair tied back, wears glasses and whose name starts with "L" is always great. I know it'll be a good journey when I see her on board

We've probably seen each other at some point. Ever get the 18.31 Birmingham-Manchester?

 

[SamS]

I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised this week. Whether it's because I'm travelling on a full price season ticket rather than discounted tickets, I'm not sure.

On Monday morning (08:45 York to Exeter) a Voyager replaced the usual HST and the host was great, bringing me everything that I had asked for. Monday evening (17:21 Sheffield to Glasgow) it was a HST and I was offered the two sandwich options along with drinks and crisps.

Tuesday morning (08:45 again) the HST was back and I was offered drinks and a selection of pastries. Tuesday evening (17:21 Sheffield to Glasgow) the Host was probably one of the nicest I've come across - she brought me a Sandwich, crisps, 2 packets of biscuits, tea and a water (I didn't ask for it - just in case I wanted it).

This morning (0745 York to Exeter) the host was lovely again, giving me tea, orange juice, biscuits and the scrambled egg ciabatta. On the way back (12:21 Sheffield to Edinburgh) I think they must have been short staffed, as the retail services manager was dealing with first class passengers - but I still got tea, crisps and the cheese and tomato panini. At Leeds a host joined and I was offered another drink.

 

[boyaloud]

Wow, you really got a lot in that half hour XC journey! I'm not sure but I think I might know who you mean host-wise (based purely on age, friendliness and generosity!) also - I probably shouldn't give names - but a lady who has her hair tied back, wears glasses and whose name starts with "L" is always great. I know it'll be a good journey when I see her on board

We've probably seen each other at some point. Ever get the 18.31 Birmingham-Manchester?

Thanks, I always try and get the best haul I can but feel very nervous asking for many things - I shouldn't but can't help it! Don't think I've seen tied-back lady. DOn't think I've ever got the 18:31. Usually get 19:57 from Brum_STA but last time I got that I only just managed to get things at all as he told me the 1st class service now ends at 6pm not 8pm as was still stated on the website at that time (not sure if it still is or not?). Had big discussion with him that the site should be updated then as it's misleading - I especially booked that service thinking I'd be in time for free food+drink, would have booked earlier if I'd known different. Anyway he luckily had a scrambled egg ciabatta left and said that was all he had - I was really pleased as it was really delicious and just what I needed - glad he'd brought this anyway despite it being totally the "wrong time" for it! Anyway I'm getting that one again in 2 weeks so I'll not expect anything that time, but still try!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised this week. Whether it's because I'm travelling on a full price season ticket rather than discounted tickets, I'm not sure.

On Monday morning (08:45 York to Exeter) a Voyager replaced the usual HST and the host was great, bringing me everything that I had asked for. Monday evening (17:21 Sheffield to Glasgow) it was a HST and I was offered the two sandwich options along with drinks and crisps.

Tuesday morning (08:45 again) the HST was back and I was offered drinks and a selection of pastries. Tuesday evening (17:21 Sheffield to Glasgow) the Host was probably one of the nicest I've come across - she brought me a Sandwich, crisps, 2 packets of biscuits, tea and a water (I didn't ask for it - just in case I wanted it).

This morning (0745 York to Exeter) the host was lovely again, giving me tea, orange juice, biscuits and the scrambled egg ciabatta. On the way back (12:21 Sheffield to Edinburgh) I think they must have been short staffed, as the retail services manager was dealing with first class passengers - but I still got tea, crisps and the cheese and tomato panini. At Leeds a host joined and I was offered another drink.

That's brill!

 

[Roverman]

I've found Cross Country to be terribly inconsistent. Sometimes I've been offered the lot (hot main meal, dessert/snacks, cold and hot drinks) and other times I've had nothing and the 'host' was nowhere to be seen!

 

[bengolding]

I don't understand why so many criticise XC Fist Class on here. Ok, it's only 1 carriage on the Voyager but even in the AM peak I always manage to find a seat, which is comfortable. As its not a London-centric operation plus short interval stops, the food offering is a bonus. In fact I'd go further and say the recent all day hot panini options have been quite tasty - much more pleasant than the rubbish Virgin have given me lately!

Funnily enough, I travelled from Stafford on Tues and also got a great attentive service on a quiet Bournemouth service. All very different when I transferred to a XC 170 at New St when the on board trolley never made it to the tiny First compartment and I was the only fare paying passenger sat in there amongst 4 rather loud rail staff.

 

[FQ]

I don't understand why so many criticise XC Fist Class on here. Ok, it's only 1 carriage on the Voyager but even in the AM peak I always manage to find a seat, which is comfortable. As its not a London-centric operation plus short interval stops, the food offering is a bonus. In fact I'd go further and say the recent all day hot panini options have been quite tasty - much more pleasant than the rubbish Virgin have given me lately!

Funnily enough, I travelled from Stafford on Tues and also got a great attentive service on a quiet Bournemouth service. All very different when I transferred to a XC 170 at New St when the on board trolley never made it to the tiny First compartment and I was the only fare paying passenger sat in there amongst 4 rather loud rail staff.

Virgin, Bad!
Really.

 

[Butts]

I don't understand why so many criticise XC Fist Class on here. Ok, it's only 1 carriage on the Voyager but even in the AM peak I always manage to find a seat, which is comfortable. As its not a London-centric operation plus short interval stops, the food offering is a bonus. In fact I'd go further and say the recent all day hot panini options have been quite tasty - much more pleasant than the rubbish Virgin have given me lately!

Funnily enough, I travelled from Stafford on Tues and also got a great attentive service on a quiet Bournemouth service. All very different when I transferred to a XC 170 at New St when the on board trolley never made it to the tiny First compartment and I was the only fare paying passenger sat in there amongst 4 rather loud rail staff.

No free booze is the biggest problem

 

[Jeni]

I traveled in first for the first time yesterday morning between Manchester and Birmingham, and to be honest I was actually rather impressed. Offered food and drink straight away, and offered more after every stop... the hosts (there seemed to be two) were very nice and polite.

All in all, I'd happily travel first with XC again.

 

[Minilad]

I traveled in first for the first time yesterday morning between Manchester and Birmingham, and to be honest I was actually rather impressed. Offered food and drink straight away, and offered more after every stop... the hosts (there seemed to be two) were very nice and polite.

All in all, I'd happily travel first with XC again.

What train was you on. I could have been your driver!!

 

[Jeni]

What train was you on. I could have been your driver!!

07:07 (though I actually joined at Stockport at 07:16)

 

[causton]

Virgin, Bad!
Really.

Yes, I think Virgin could do a lot better with their first class offering. Just look at the East Coast offerings

 

[Minilad]

07:07 (though I actually joined at Stockport at 07:16)

Not me then. I was on the 0927!

 

[northern156]

Would it be a waste of money to get two 1st Advance singles between Newcastle and Sheffield on a Saturday AM and PM in June?
£42.something I think it is.

 

[FQ]

Would it be a waste of money to get two 1st Advance singles between Newcastle and Sheffield on a Saturday AM and PM in June?
£42.something I think it is.

Depends if you book in advance.

 

[tsr]

Depends if you book in advance.

1st Advance Singles would usually be booked in advance...

 

[ffm]

1st Advance Singles would usually be booked in advance...

I will go a step further.....would HAVE to be booked in advance!
£42 for two singles Newcastle to Sheffield sounds good value and you get a better seat

 

[FQ]

I will go a step further.....would HAVE to be booked in advance!
£42 for two singles Newcastle to Sheffield sounds good value and you get a better seat

Yes it is but it would be a Voyager with loud droning engines under your feet and with the horrible toilet smell.
If I needed to go Newcastle-Sheffield I would go East coast to Doncaster for a First TransPennine Express 185/170 to Sheffield.
Also East Coast first class is much better than Cross Country first class.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Would it be a waste of money to get two 1st Advance singles between Newcastle and Sheffield on a Saturday AM and PM in June?
£42.something I think it is.

There's no first class host on weekends, but the trolley does come through every now and again.

You might find a 1st advance Newcastle-Doncaster on EastCoast and a standard day return Doncaster-Sheffield to be better value.

 

[rdeez]

Yes it is but it would be a Voyager with loud droning engines under your feet and with the horrible toilet smell.
If I needed to go Newcastle-Sheffield I would go East coast to Doncaster for a First TransPennine Express 185/170 to Sheffield.
Also East Coast first class is much better than Cross Country first class.

I can't comment on which first class provision is superior but in defence of XC's voyagers I can't say I really notice the toilet smell in the coaches these days. I don't know what they have done but it seems to be working.

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