If I ever plan to upgrade I always sit in First and upgrade when the guard arrives. Never been an issue. I wouldn't do it any other way.
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TT-ONR-NRN critiques... (note: contains large images)
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If I ever plan to upgrade I always sit in First and upgrade when the guard arrives. Never been an issue. I wouldn't do it any other way.
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TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
Hey Z,
Have you ever expirienced Standard Premier on Eurostar? Just out of curiosity.
I enjoy reading your reports on each TOC's first class service by the way. Most of them I have been on myself.
I've attached a photo of an example of what you get in Standard Premier on Eurostar.
That’s cool thanks. Business premier is on my bucket list for sure.
Ok well this is what I was told
Dhassell
Member
- Joined
- 22 Mar 2015
- Messages
- 1,011
GWR guards even advise something like this on announcements 'First Class upgrades are available, these range between £7.50 and £25. Those wishing to upgrade, please take a seat in First Class and I will come and see you'
They can't say you are trying to avoid a fare if you ask for an upgrade...
Last edited:
That's what I do as well........
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
South Western Railway - Suburban First Class
Last Travelled: December 2017
Where: Clapham Junction to Staines
Stock: Class 450 Desiro
Class 458/5 Juniper
In today’s report we regretfully move away from the wonderful world of the almost free-flowing food and drink and we reluctantly enter the world of the commuter. South Western Railway welcomes me with open arms (or open doors
) and invites me into it’s world of Desiros and Junipers. Today we will be looking out the value for money of travelling first class on South Western Railway’s commuter routes. Unfortunately guys on this one - we’re going hungry!
So...let’s picture the scene. We are at Clapham Junction, a busy commuter hub for South Western Railway, Southern and London Overground. In my hand is a ticket from Guildford to Staines via Clapham Junction (you can read my review of SWR’s Class 444 First Class from Guildford to Clapham Junction in a review soon to come!) as I await the coming of our train to Windsor, which turns out to be a pair of Junipers much to my delight. I’m bored of desiros. Okay. There are only twenty four first class seats on a single Juniper, but fortunately the section I found at the middle was empty. Here is 458 first class:
Any eagle eyed, hardcore spotters may perhaps recognise the seats. Well - these are actually IC Grammar seats, the same type as used in standard class on:
Great Western Railway HSTs
Abellio ScotRail (refurbished) 158s
Arriva Trains Wales 67 + Mk 3s
Arriva Trains Wales 158s
East Midlands Trains 158s
Apart from one difference which is that they boast a very thin head cushion as well. These seats DO NOT recline. Window curtains are provided and the leg room is outstanding. First class is at the very front and end of each train, so as you are not supposed to use 458/5 gangways (though I certainly have before...) you won’t usually get passengers walking up and down past you. However, nothing gives you any secluded privacy - first class is not separated from standard in anyway other than a label.
However, what I want to know is - these seats are 2x2. So is standard. Is it worth upgrading? The answer is it really depends on what you want. For the extra money you will get armrests, tables and window curtains (not forgetting the thin cushion). Due to the very low number of seats per train I’m definitely not sure upgrading will guarantee a seat this time...
The ride was very smooth. I always notice this with Junipers actually. No trolley refreshment service on South Western Railway 455/456 or 458 operated services unfortunately, so no coffee for me today
I eventually got into Staines station reasonably relaxed.
I returned to Staines later that day and boarded a double 450 for my return to Clapham Junction. I’m sadly very familiar with 450s.
First class is in the centre of these four coach Desiro trains. A noticeable difference from the Juniper is that first class is separated from standard with a door, leaving a compartment of 24 seats, same as on 458s.
On 450s they use the same seats as used in standard on original 375 and 377 trains. Also, these trains were used on Alphaline Wessex services. These do recline, unlike the Grammar seats used on 458s, although the Junipers have better legroom. Plug sockets are available for complementary use.
Standard class on 450s consists of unpopular 3x2 seating and first class is 2x2. However, most people consider 444s standard seating to be just as good as first on a 450, so if you are planning on travelling on a route which 444s also serve, it might be an idea to travel on one of those instead and save the money.
I received no food as I was on a suburban route. However, if you travel on a weekday service equipped with a catering trolley on a train leaving or arriving Waterloo before 0900 you should receive a complementary drink and snack
So - is first class worth it on SWR Suburban routes? I would say no, sorry SWR. For one thing, your train may end up having no first class anyway. All 455, 456 and 707 trains as well as a limited number of ex-460 Junipers are standard class only. In addition, all SWR Suburban first class is 2x2 seating. So is almost all trains on the route (455/456/458/707) 450s don’t work the suburban routes much any more.
However, tomorrow you can expect a review of SWR Mainline first class. That, dear readers, is something else
Latez,
Z
Coming up soon:
SWR Class 159/444 First Class
GWR Class 165/166 First Class
SN Class 171/377 First Class
Last Travelled: December 2017
Where: Clapham Junction to Staines
Stock: Class 450 Desiro
Class 458/5 Juniper
In today’s report we regretfully move away from the wonderful world of the almost free-flowing food and drink and we reluctantly enter the world of the commuter. South Western Railway welcomes me with open arms (or open doors
) and invites me into it’s world of Desiros and Junipers. Today we will be looking out the value for money of travelling first class on South Western Railway’s commuter routes. Unfortunately guys on this one - we’re going hungry!So...let’s picture the scene. We are at Clapham Junction, a busy commuter hub for South Western Railway, Southern and London Overground. In my hand is a ticket from Guildford to Staines via Clapham Junction (you can read my review of SWR’s Class 444 First Class from Guildford to Clapham Junction in a review soon to come!) as I await the coming of our train to Windsor, which turns out to be a pair of Junipers much to my delight. I’m bored of desiros. Okay. There are only twenty four first class seats on a single Juniper, but fortunately the section I found at the middle was empty. Here is 458 first class:
Any eagle eyed, hardcore spotters may perhaps recognise the seats. Well - these are actually IC Grammar seats, the same type as used in standard class on:
Great Western Railway HSTs
Abellio ScotRail (refurbished) 158s
Arriva Trains Wales 67 + Mk 3s
Arriva Trains Wales 158s
East Midlands Trains 158s
Apart from one difference which is that they boast a very thin head cushion as well. These seats DO NOT recline. Window curtains are provided and the leg room is outstanding. First class is at the very front and end of each train, so as you are not supposed to use 458/5 gangways (though I certainly have before...) you won’t usually get passengers walking up and down past you. However, nothing gives you any secluded privacy - first class is not separated from standard in anyway other than a label.
However, what I want to know is - these seats are 2x2. So is standard. Is it worth upgrading? The answer is it really depends on what you want. For the extra money you will get armrests, tables and window curtains (not forgetting the thin cushion). Due to the very low number of seats per train I’m definitely not sure upgrading will guarantee a seat this time...
The ride was very smooth. I always notice this with Junipers actually. No trolley refreshment service on South Western Railway 455/456 or 458 operated services unfortunately, so no coffee for me today
I eventually got into Staines station reasonably relaxed.I returned to Staines later that day and boarded a double 450 for my return to Clapham Junction. I’m sadly very familiar with 450s.
First class is in the centre of these four coach Desiro trains. A noticeable difference from the Juniper is that first class is separated from standard with a door, leaving a compartment of 24 seats, same as on 458s.
On 450s they use the same seats as used in standard on original 375 and 377 trains. Also, these trains were used on Alphaline Wessex services. These do recline, unlike the Grammar seats used on 458s, although the Junipers have better legroom. Plug sockets are available for complementary use.
Standard class on 450s consists of unpopular 3x2 seating and first class is 2x2. However, most people consider 444s standard seating to be just as good as first on a 450, so if you are planning on travelling on a route which 444s also serve, it might be an idea to travel on one of those instead and save the money.
I received no food as I was on a suburban route. However, if you travel on a weekday service equipped with a catering trolley on a train leaving or arriving Waterloo before 0900 you should receive a complementary drink and snack
So - is first class worth it on SWR Suburban routes? I would say no, sorry SWR. For one thing, your train may end up having no first class anyway. All 455, 456 and 707 trains as well as a limited number of ex-460 Junipers are standard class only. In addition, all SWR Suburban first class is 2x2 seating. So is almost all trains on the route (455/456/458/707) 450s don’t work the suburban routes much any more.
However, tomorrow you can expect a review of SWR Mainline first class. That, dear readers, is something else
Latez,
Z
Coming up soon:
SWR Class 159/444 First Class
GWR Class 165/166 First Class
SN Class 171/377 First Class
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
Tonight we go mainline!
SWTrainspottin
Member
- Joined
- 6 Sep 2016
- Messages
- 453
What route you doing the Turbo first class in?
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
Great Western Main Line
backontrack
Established Member
An awesome review once again. I still can't quite believe that you like Voyagers though...
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
Well... I’m not too keen on XC 22x Standard. VT 221 standard is OK. I like the XC 221 first class seats. I like the VT 221 service.An awesome review once again. I still can't quite believe that you like Voyagers though...
Dhassell
Member
- Joined
- 22 Mar 2015
- Messages
- 1,011
There isn't really a difference between XC 220/221 and VT 221 in the standard is there though? Apart from the netting for storage and one of the coaches has the majority of the seats with tables on VT.
SWTrainspottin
Member
- Joined
- 6 Sep 2016
- Messages
- 453
Thought they were all declassified on the GWML.Great Western Main Line
Dhassell
Member
- Joined
- 22 Mar 2015
- Messages
- 1,011
LTV services, for example London to Oxford and Newbury etc, they are not declassified. Turbos are only declassified on West services around Bristol. For example Bristol Parkway to Weston and the Taunton to Cardiff trains are declassified.
cactustwirly
Established Member
First was only declassified on the Thames Valley stoppers, which are now 387 operated.
The Bedwyn & Oxford fasts kept their first class.
The Bedwyn & Oxford fasts kept their first class.
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
South Western Railway - Class 158/159 First Class
Last Travelled: December 2017
Where: Woking to London Waterloo
Stock: Class 159 South Western Turbo
Class 444 Desiro UK
Yo. So yesterday we took a look at South Western Railway’s suburban first class. As we now know, in my opinion it is not really worth it.
However - the mainline first class product is something different and featured on Class 159 and Class 444 multiple units.
I was on my way to Stratford upon Avon via Birmingham and took this from Woking to London Waterloo.
Here is the Class 159 first class. I took a 3 coach unit and was given a complimentary upgrade by the train guard after asking how much an upgrade would be. It was pretty empty too, so I enjoyed a nice relaxing half hour’s journey into London.
Pretty nice, eh? You might have seen these seats before in:
Chiltern Railways Business Zone
former First Great Western HST First Class
now retired Gatwick Express Class 442 First Class
Please don’t get these confused with Mallard First Class seats. They are very different! Anyway, the seats are very comfortable, well padded and spacious.
Window curtains and plug sockets are provided, leg room is very generous although the recline is not very great.
You get a full table even with the first class airline seats - no pull down trays here!
Complementary refreshments are served on peak hour only London to Exeter and Salisbury trains, such as a tea or coffee with crisps and biscuits. Sadly my train did not offer these as a Saturday service was in operation (although it was a Friday).
First class takes up half of the front coach, so unless two trains are coupled together - you won’t be disturbed with people walking through. However, as the very front door is normally locked out of use you may have to pass through Standard to leave the train. Overall I think that the 159 offers a very satisfying Intercity style interior, although for longer journeys to Exeter - it would be nice if refreshments were provided during off peak times as well. However, for my twenty five minute journey I had a very relaxing trip.
Here are my top tips if you want to experience first class on SWR without forking out too much:
1) Look for a GWR hired in unit. GWR hire a SWR DMU daily - if you ask on the TOPS request thread some of the very helpful people on there maybe one will be able to tell you which diagrams they work. First class is declassified on these services.
2) First class weekend upgrades start from £5 per adult.
I hope you enjoyed this review. The next will be of 444s.
I’m out of recent IC journeys, and I can’t go into much details on commuter TOCs like SWR/SN. Do you think it would be worth uploading a review of my weekend Virgin Trains East Coast first class HC trip? It was in July though...
Lates. Z
Last Travelled: December 2017
Where: Woking to London Waterloo
Stock: Class 159 South Western Turbo
Class 444 Desiro UK
Yo. So yesterday we took a look at South Western Railway’s suburban first class. As we now know, in my opinion it is not really worth it.
However - the mainline first class product is something different and featured on Class 159 and Class 444 multiple units.
I was on my way to Stratford upon Avon via Birmingham and took this from Woking to London Waterloo.
Here is the Class 159 first class. I took a 3 coach unit and was given a complimentary upgrade by the train guard after asking how much an upgrade would be. It was pretty empty too, so I enjoyed a nice relaxing half hour’s journey into London.
Pretty nice, eh? You might have seen these seats before in:
Chiltern Railways Business Zone
former First Great Western HST First Class
now retired Gatwick Express Class 442 First Class
Please don’t get these confused with Mallard First Class seats. They are very different! Anyway, the seats are very comfortable, well padded and spacious.
Window curtains and plug sockets are provided, leg room is very generous although the recline is not very great.
You get a full table even with the first class airline seats - no pull down trays here!
Complementary refreshments are served on peak hour only London to Exeter and Salisbury trains, such as a tea or coffee with crisps and biscuits. Sadly my train did not offer these as a Saturday service was in operation (although it was a Friday).
First class takes up half of the front coach, so unless two trains are coupled together - you won’t be disturbed with people walking through. However, as the very front door is normally locked out of use you may have to pass through Standard to leave the train. Overall I think that the 159 offers a very satisfying Intercity style interior, although for longer journeys to Exeter - it would be nice if refreshments were provided during off peak times as well. However, for my twenty five minute journey I had a very relaxing trip.
Here are my top tips if you want to experience first class on SWR without forking out too much:
1) Look for a GWR hired in unit. GWR hire a SWR DMU daily - if you ask on the TOPS request thread some of the very helpful people on there maybe one will be able to tell you which diagrams they work. First class is declassified on these services.
2) First class weekend upgrades start from £5 per adult.
I hope you enjoyed this review. The next will be of 444s.
I’m out of recent IC journeys, and I can’t go into much details on commuter TOCs like SWR/SN. Do you think it would be worth uploading a review of my weekend Virgin Trains East Coast first class HC trip? It was in July though...
Lates. Z
185143
Established Member
- Joined
- 3 Mar 2013
- Messages
- 5,367
I'll happily cover GTR Southern's First Class for you:
Passenger buys standard class ticket, visiting the station coffee shop before boarding-ensuring to pick up some napkins.
Passenger boards the train, writes 'First Class' on the napkin and places it on their seat back.
Passenger sits smugly in the knowledge that they are getting a better experience than they would had they spent more money on just the First Class ticket, as they wouldn't have a drink!
Passenger buys standard class ticket, visiting the station coffee shop before boarding-ensuring to pick up some napkins.
Passenger boards the train, writes 'First Class' on the napkin and places it on their seat back.
Passenger sits smugly in the knowledge that they are getting a better experience than they would had they spent more money on just the First Class ticket, as they wouldn't have a drink!
87electric
Established Member
- Joined
- 27 Jan 2010
- Messages
- 1,243
LMAO 185143, top post.
Kite159
Veteran Member
I'll happily cover GTR Southern's First Class for you:
Passenger buys standard class ticket, visiting the station coffee shop before boarding-ensuring to pick up some napkins.
Passenger boards the train, writes 'First Class' on the napkin and places it on their seat back.
Passenger sits smugly in the knowledge that they are getting a better experience than they would had they spent more money on just the First Class ticket, as they wouldn't have a drink!
Apart from the 377/4s (and 377/5s on Southeastern) which have plug sockets in the 1st class area
Or when one of the all 3+2 high density 377/1s pop up
How many napkins though? It’s important to use the correct terminology when describing multiples.I'll happily cover GTR Southern's First Class for you:
Passenger buys standard class ticket, visiting the station coffee shop before boarding-ensuring to pick up some napkins.
Passenger boards the train, writes 'First Class' on the napkin and places it on their seat back.
Passenger sits smugly in the knowledge that they are getting a better experience than they would had they spent more money on just the First Class ticket, as they wouldn't have a drink!
185143
Established Member
- Joined
- 3 Mar 2013
- Messages
- 5,367
In which case, walk into the empty first class, plug your phone in and sit at the empty table just outside. Not that I've ever done such a thing...Apart from the 377/4s (and 377/5s on Southeastern) which have plug sockets in the 1st class area
Or when one of the all 3+2 high density 377/1s pop up
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
Ok, looks like I’ll be cancelling the Southern reviews then! 
backontrack
Established Member
Fair enough
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
To all readers of this thread:
Ladies and Gentlemen it is with my deep regret that I inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances I will not be able to upload any reviews from now until the 7th February at earliest.
I've posted this because I did want my readers to know that my inactivity isn’t because I have abandoned my thread, it is due to a situation out of my control. I do very much enjoy posting my reviews and I look forward to resuming them from February.
I’d like to thank you all for reading them and indeed the wonderful comments I have received. I hope you continue to enjoy the upcoming posts you will once again see from this time in two weeks.
In addition until the time is up I won’t be able to respond to PMs or any other quoted messages on other threads. I am not just being rude and ignoring you
Anyway - until I get back, remember my top travel tips:
Always recline;
Put two milks and two sugars in your free coffee for the ultimate DoubleDouble;
Pick the flapjacks;
Chill.
So until February
...
keep it hanging,
Lates,
Z
Ladies and Gentlemen it is with my deep regret that I inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances I will not be able to upload any reviews from now until the 7th February at earliest.
I've posted this because I did want my readers to know that my inactivity isn’t because I have abandoned my thread, it is due to a situation out of my control. I do very much enjoy posting my reviews and I look forward to resuming them from February.
I’d like to thank you all for reading them and indeed the wonderful comments I have received. I hope you continue to enjoy the upcoming posts you will once again see from this time in two weeks.
In addition until the time is up I won’t be able to respond to PMs or any other quoted messages on other threads. I am not just being rude and ignoring you
Anyway - until I get back, remember my top travel tips:
Always recline;
Put two milks and two sugars in your free coffee for the ultimate DoubleDouble;
Pick the flapjacks;
Chill.
So until February
...keep it hanging,
Lates,
Z
xc170
Member
- Joined
- 9 Feb 2008
- Messages
- 815
You do realise, XC and VT 22x Standard is the same, don't you?
Kite159
Veteran Member
Apart from coach D on a VT 221
TT-ONR-NRN
Veteran Member
Virgin Trains East Coast First Class - High Speed Train - Weekend service
Travelled: Last Week (February 2018)
Where: London Kings Cross to Stevenage
Stock: Class 43 + Mk3 Carriage
Yo, yo, yo. TT-ONR-NRN here, back after my two week break from the forum. Amped to be back and “critiquing” again - hope you enjoy!
Soooo. I was in London (the English one ) on the last Saturday of January and I had a few hours free so I headed to Bedford and Stevenage, the latter being shown here.
This is the first class interior of an ECML Intercity 125.
Shame - I’d hoped my train would be a 225. But it’s not bad for a practically pre-historic train, eh? Pretty nice I think. The seats are brilliant, I’ve always thought. Real leather. Reclining. Decent legroom. Nice and high too. The HSTs have a welcoming sort of wooden panelling which feels quite authentic in a way. The tables were set for tea even on a weekend (this country really does indeed take their tea seriously, love it )
Apart from the tacky purple neon lighting on the carriage ceiling - but I’m pretty masculine to be honest and I can’t say I have ever liked anything tacky and camp looking (purple neon lights included), I suppose that’s Virgin for you eh? Ah well.
Oh - and of course, if you travel first class you can connect to VTEC WiFi for zilch. And provided beneath the tables are:
All the amenities for an Intercity journey are pretty much provided on this train.
The complementary refreshments trolley came round. Virgin Trains East Coast (in my opinion) do the best weekend offering. All I’d had to eat since getting up that day were a few snacks from EMT, I was pretty marved. Today the sandwich/wrap options were Cheddar Salad Wrap (gross) or Smoked Salmon, Cucumber and Cream Cheese. No way was I having a Cheddar Salad Wrap - that sounds disgusting - so I chose the salmon and that sandwich was very nice. I’m sorry, readers, I am not going to copy all you other RailUK Trip Reporters and call them “sarnies”, I just absolutely can’t bear that phrase.
The sandwiches came with Corkers Crisps, Shortbread and Coca-Cola. The host asked if I wanted a hot drink. I went for hot chocolate, as I was pretty much tea and coffeed out for the day having been first class on four Meridians earlier (see the next review).
A smooth ride was enjoyed. A bit squeaky, I mean this is an HST after all, but hey - it was still pretty good ride quality for sure. Making use of the free Wi-Fi as usual, I checked Realtime Trains and with horror realised I was in for a forty five minute wait at Stevenage. Great.
So a rather cheesed off me went to the JMFoodBar and asked for a milky coffee. Might as well have something if I’m going to be at Stevenage for ages! The arms miserable red headed woman at the counter (who looked like Kerry Spencer from Emmerdale but with synthetic hair and a cockney accent) actually sighed loudly said. “Americano, Latte, Expresso?”
I was unsure. I’m not a coffee expert, I just put Nescafe powder into hot milk! Or on a train (or at Tim Hortons of course ) I just ask for a plain white, then add the contents of two milk pots and two sugar packets! Oops.
“Er... the milky kind please?” I said, rather embarrassed. She actually drew in her breath sharply! Honestly!
“Sir. Americano. Latte. Or Expresso. Which?” She said in an incredibly impatient manner. Well - my brother and I both bought gingerbread lattes from Costa once and they were OK, so I apologised awkwardly and went for a Latte. Besides, Latte is Italian for milky so it should be right.
“Sugar’s over there,” she said pointing. I reached for the usual two packets, and a couple of milks too.
She said. “You don’t need milk, it’s a latte. It means Milk based.” She raised her eyebrows.
Yes - thanks for that patronising tip. I may not be bilingual in Italian but as a fluent French and German speaker I can recognise “Lait.” I have my coffees extra milky, but if you want to intimidate me go ahead, I don’t care, lowe you. I can’t be bothered arguing. I’ll just write about you to VTEC in an email, eh? It’s cool, you keep your “lait,” babe. Lowe you.
I apologised again and put the milks back. (Teeth very much gritted.) She banged the Latte on the desk and demanded “cash not card!” I flashed my first class ticket at her - the Cyattie just rolled her eyes and went back to her cave, er I mean kitchen sorry, as the train squeaked into Stevenage.
I pulled the door open and was greeted with the very welcome sound of an announcement telling me that the VTEC train I expected to get (but due to the delay was going to miss) was delayed by two minutes so I had a chance of catching it. Sadly, after a dash to the right platform I was then greeted by the slightly less welcome sound of a beautiful Intercity 225 whirring up and stranding me.
I spent an hour at Stevenage holding an unwanted coffee (it was a double. Not a doubledouble! Horribly strong, I knew I needed those milk pots, stupid woman. Yeuch.), staring at an unattractive retail park, arguing with my sister over the phone and watching some hooded guy spit gum at a 313. Fun times... yawn.
Then my return train turned up and I enjoyed another Salmon and Cream Cheese Sandwich, served with a melt in the middle Orange Curd Cake and a Coke. (I saved the cake for later as I don’t have the best appetite).
So overall I was satisfied with what I got for £13.50. I won’t lie, I took the same company six times in First Class during 2017 and I’d say that journey was pretty average compared to the other times. But it was only a twenty five minute journey each way so pretty good value. I got my lunch out of it anyway.
If you’re taking VTEC First on a long journey on the weekend it’s ideal too. VTEC are definitely not the most reliable at delivering the catering they promise on weekdays but the staff on the whole (particularly North of Newcastle) IMO of Virgin EC (as of February 9th taken the company 13 times since July 2017) are generous and will return with more food and drink within the hour. I did the HC back in summer 2017 and food was piled up high on everyone’s tables!!!
Thanks for reading my review on Virgin Trains East Coast: HST Weekend First. We will soon be comparing it with that on the 225s.
Next!
OK - that’s the line up. Should things go to plan, you should get reviews 1 and 2 tomorrow and review 3 on Sunday or Monday.
On Friday I hope to experience Virgin Trains East Coast: IC225 Weekday Breakfast and Virgin Trains East Coast: IC225 Rest of Day Service. Can’t guarantee though!
Until tomorrow...
Recline ya seats,
Put two creams and two sugars in ya free coffee (double-double all the way)
And chillax.
TT-ONR-NRN out. Lates.
Travelled: Last Week (February 2018)
Where: London Kings Cross to Stevenage
Stock: Class 43 + Mk3 Carriage
Yo, yo, yo. TT-ONR-NRN here, back after my two week break from the forum. Amped to be back and “critiquing” again - hope you enjoy!
Soooo. I was in London (the English one
) on the last Saturday of January and I had a few hours free so I headed to Bedford and Stevenage, the latter being shown here.This is the first class interior of an ECML Intercity 125.
Shame - I’d hoped my train would be a 225. But it’s not bad for a practically pre-historic train, eh? Pretty nice I think. The seats are brilliant, I’ve always thought. Real leather. Reclining. Decent legroom. Nice and high too. The HSTs have a welcoming sort of wooden panelling which feels quite authentic in a way. The tables were set for tea even on a weekend (this country really does indeed take their tea seriously, love it
) Apart from the tacky purple neon lighting on the carriage ceiling - but I’m pretty masculine to be honest and I can’t say I have ever liked anything tacky and camp looking (purple neon lights included), I suppose that’s Virgin for you eh? Ah well.
Oh - and of course, if you travel first class you can connect to VTEC WiFi for zilch. And provided beneath the tables are:
All the amenities for an Intercity journey are pretty much provided on this train.
The complementary refreshments trolley came round. Virgin Trains East Coast (in my opinion) do the best weekend offering. All I’d had to eat since getting up that day were a few snacks from EMT, I was pretty marved. Today the sandwich/wrap options were Cheddar Salad Wrap (gross) or Smoked Salmon, Cucumber and Cream Cheese. No way was I having a Cheddar Salad Wrap - that sounds disgusting - so I chose the salmon and that sandwich was very nice. I’m sorry, readers, I am not going to copy all you other RailUK Trip Reporters and call them “sarnies”, I just absolutely can’t bear that phrase.
The sandwiches came with Corkers Crisps, Shortbread and Coca-Cola. The host asked if I wanted a hot drink. I went for hot chocolate, as I was pretty much tea and coffeed out for the day having been first class on four Meridians earlier (see the next review).
A smooth ride was enjoyed. A bit squeaky, I mean this is an HST after all, but hey - it was still pretty good ride quality for sure. Making use of the free Wi-Fi as usual, I checked Realtime Trains and with horror realised I was in for a forty five minute wait at Stevenage. Great.
So a rather cheesed off me went to the JMFoodBar and asked for a milky coffee. Might as well have something if I’m going to be at Stevenage for ages! The arms miserable red headed woman at the counter (who looked like Kerry Spencer from Emmerdale but with synthetic hair and a cockney accent) actually sighed loudly said. “Americano, Latte, Expresso?”
I was unsure. I’m not a coffee expert, I just put Nescafe powder into hot milk!
Or on a train (or at Tim Hortons of course ) I just ask for a plain white, then add the contents of two milk pots and two sugar packets! Oops.“Er... the milky kind please?” I said, rather embarrassed. She actually drew in her breath sharply! Honestly!
“Sir. Americano. Latte. Or Expresso. Which?” She said in an incredibly impatient manner. Well - my brother and I both bought gingerbread lattes from Costa once and they were OK, so I apologised awkwardly and went for a Latte. Besides, Latte is Italian for milky so it should be right.
“Sugar’s over there,” she said pointing. I reached for the usual two packets, and a couple of milks too.
She said. “You don’t need milk, it’s a latte. It means Milk based.” She raised her eyebrows.
Yes - thanks for that patronising tip. I may not be bilingual in Italian but as a fluent French and German speaker I can recognise “Lait.”
I have my coffees extra milky, but if you want to intimidate me go ahead, I don’t care, lowe you. I can’t be bothered arguing. I’ll just write about you to VTEC in an email, eh? It’s cool, you keep your “lait,” babe. Lowe you. I apologised again and put the milks back. (Teeth very much gritted.) She banged the Latte on the desk and demanded “cash not card!” I flashed my first class ticket at her - the Cyattie just rolled her eyes and went back to her cave, er I mean kitchen sorry, as the train squeaked into Stevenage.
I pulled the door open and was greeted with the very welcome sound of an announcement telling me that the VTEC train I expected to get (but due to the delay was going to miss) was delayed by two minutes so I had a chance of catching it. Sadly, after a dash to the right platform I was then greeted by the slightly less welcome sound of a beautiful Intercity 225 whirring up and stranding me.
I spent an hour at Stevenage holding an unwanted coffee (it was a double. Not a doubledouble! Horribly strong, I knew I needed those milk pots, stupid woman. Yeuch.), staring at an unattractive retail park, arguing with my sister over the phone and watching some hooded guy spit gum at a 313. Fun times... yawn.
Then my return train turned up and I enjoyed another Salmon and Cream Cheese Sandwich, served with a melt in the middle Orange Curd Cake and a Coke. (I saved the cake for later as I don’t have the best appetite).
So overall I was satisfied with what I got for £13.50. I won’t lie, I took the same company six times in First Class during 2017 and I’d say that journey was pretty average compared to the other times. But it was only a twenty five minute journey each way so pretty good value. I got my lunch out of it anyway.
If you’re taking VTEC First on a long journey on the weekend it’s ideal too. VTEC are definitely not the most reliable at delivering the catering they promise on weekdays but the staff on the whole (particularly North of Newcastle) IMO of Virgin EC (as of February 9th taken the company 13 times since July 2017) are generous and will return with more food and drink within the hour. I did the HC back in summer 2017 and food was piled up high on everyone’s tables!!!
Thanks for reading my review on Virgin Trains East Coast: HST Weekend First. We will soon be comparing it with that on the 225s.
Next!
- East Midlands Trains: Meridian Weekend First
- King’s Cross First Class Lounge
- Virgin Trains East Coast: IC225 Weekend First
OK - that’s the line up. Should things go to plan, you should get reviews 1 and 2 tomorrow and review 3 on Sunday or Monday.
On Friday I hope to experience Virgin Trains East Coast: IC225 Weekday Breakfast and Virgin Trains East Coast: IC225 Rest of Day Service. Can’t guarantee though!
Until tomorrow...
Recline ya seats,
Put two creams and two sugars in ya free coffee (double-double all the way)
And chillax.
TT-ONR-NRN out. Lates.
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eastwestdivide
Established Member
"The HSTs have a welcoming sort of wooden panelling which feels quite authentic in a way"
Oddly, the "authentic" original interiors were a riot of plastic, no wood to be seen, with bright orange seats in 1st and blue in 2nd. Best photos I've found so far are at:
2nd: http://locomotive.wikia.com/wiki/BR_Class_43?file=Original_st_hst_interior.jpg
1st: http://locomotive.wikia.com/wiki/BR_Class_43?file=Original_first_interior_hst.jpg
Edit - better here:
MkIII coach - original first class interior by metromadme, on Flickr
Oddly, the "authentic" original interiors were a riot of plastic, no wood to be seen, with bright orange seats in 1st and blue in 2nd. Best photos I've found so far are at:
2nd: http://locomotive.wikia.com/wiki/BR_Class_43?file=Original_st_hst_interior.jpg
1st: http://locomotive.wikia.com/wiki/BR_Class_43?file=Original_first_interior_hst.jpg
Edit - better here:
MkIII coach - original first class interior by metromadme, on Flickr
Kite159
Veteran Member
"The HSTs have a welcoming sort of wooden panelling which feels quite authentic in a way"
Oddly, the "authentic" original interiors were a riot of plastic, no wood to be seen, with bright orange seats in 1st and blue in 2nd. Best photos I've found so far are at:
2nd: http://locomotive.wikia.com/wiki/BR_Class_43?file=Original_st_hst_interior.jpg
1st: http://locomotive.wikia.com/wiki/BR_Class_43?file=Original_first_interior_hst.jpg
Edit - better here:
That shouts out 1970s interior design.
cactustwirly
Established Member
Well VTEC have come up in the world since I last used them! They only offered rip off Azera coffee, when I traveled with them 2 years ago.
As far as on train coffees go, GWR offer the best IMO, followed by GA.
You like Tim Horton's!! Went to one in America over the summer, and it was literally the worst drink I have ever drank in my entire life. I mean they didn't even use real milk!
But you do like instant coffee, which is disgusting.
Don't get me wrong I love coffee, it's the best drink on the planet, but it has to be done right. Do yourself a favour and buy a Cafetiere and real coffee, it's so much better!
I do agree that EMT have woeful catering. But the MML is a much more interesting route than the ECML, especially between Harpenden & Luton (& north of Bedford)
As far as on train coffees go, GWR offer the best IMO, followed by GA.
You like Tim Horton's!! Went to one in America over the summer, and it was literally the worst drink I have ever drank in my entire life. I mean they didn't even use real milk!
But you do like instant coffee, which is disgusting.
Don't get me wrong I love coffee, it's the best drink on the planet, but it has to be done right. Do yourself a favour and buy a Cafetiere and real coffee, it's so much better!
I do agree that EMT have woeful catering. But the MML is a much more interesting route than the ECML, especially between Harpenden & Luton (& north of Bedford)
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