London North Eastern Railway (LNER) First Class service

[voyagerdude220]

Who burnt the toast? Today's 07:52 Aberdeen to London Kings Cross departed Aberdeen 8 late at 08:00 "due to the Smoke Alarm being activated in the First Class Kitchen."

 

[Huntergreed]

Exceptional service on the 13:30 south from Edinburgh today.

Hot and cold drinks offered almost immediately on departure from Edinburgh, with food orders taken at the same time.

The vegetable samosa (which was very nice, particularly for the deli menu!) was delivered by Dunbar. Now getting a second drinks run before we’ve hit Berwick.

According to staff, there’s only 6 of us in first on this!

 

[Bungle73]

Has the ridiculous new law the government has brought in re free refills affected the first class offer?

Oh and does anyone know when the Christmas menu will be announced?

 

[SoloSR334022]

Was on the delayed 10:27 from Edinburgh to Dundee, was served by Kirkcaldy, and got lucky, because after a few people Infront they'd ran out of food. I had the Charcuterie box which was quite good and I got about 40% off my total journey thanks to the delay repay!

I then returned on the 16:09 back to Edinburgh and was served whilst still crossing the Tay, which was extremely fast. This time I opted for the deviled egg roll which was superb and the mango and passionfruit pot was delicious. This journey arrived at Edinburgh on time, so nothing to complain about there!

Overall great experience and I look forward to travelling first class with LNER again.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Was on the delayed 10:27 from Edinburgh to Dundee, was served by Kirkcaldy, and got lucky, because after a few people Infront they'd ran out of food. I had the Charcuterie box which was quite good and I got about 40% off my total journey thanks to the delay repay!

I then returned on the 16:09 back to Edinburgh and was served whilst still crossing the Tay, which was extremely fast. This time I opted for the deviled egg roll which was superb and the mango and passionfruit pot was delicious. This journey arrived at Edinburgh on time, so nothing to complain about there!

Overall great experience and I look forward to travelling first class with LNER again.

Sounds very good! Although I question how/why they managed to run out of food by the time they got to some of your fellow passengers. Don't they get top ups of stock en route, e.g. at Edinburgh?

 

[SoloSR334022]

Sounds very good! Although I question how/why they managed to run out of food by the time they got to some of your fellow passengers. Don't they get top ups of stock en route, e.g. at Edinburgh?

They didn't get their delivery at Edinburgh unfortunately.

 

[voyagerdude220]

They didn't get their delivery at Edinburgh unfortunately.

Ok thanks. I was curious.

 

[Chrism20]

They didn't get their delivery at Edinburgh unfortunately.

Are they loading catering in Aberdeen? Assuming you returned on the same day that should be the same set. I always thought that the Aberdeen and Inverness services were catered from Waverley.

Or are they not allowed to start using the food loaded for the next journey in the event of running out.

 

[SoloSR334022]

Are they loading catering in Aberdeen? Assuming you returned on the same day that should be the same set. I always thought that the Aberdeen and Inverness services were catered from Waverley.

Or are they not allowed to start using the food loaded for the next journey in the event of running out.

It was the same set, they do load catering at Aberdeen, and I don't know for sure but that would make me assume that catering is also loaded at Inverness, as well as Edinburgh on the original trip.

 

[Chrism20]

It was the same set, they do load catering at Aberdeen, and I don't know for sure but that would make me assume that catering is also loaded at Inverness, as well as Edinburgh on the original trip.

I must be imagining it. I could have sworn that Rail Gourmet or whatever they are called now loaded the southbound carts on the northbound services at waverley

 

[kkong]

It was the same set, they do load catering at Aberdeen, and I don't know for sure but that would make me assume that catering is also loaded at Inverness, as well as Edinburgh on the original trip.

There is no catering loaded for LNER at Aberdeen.

Which is partly the reason for their many temperature-controlled catering failures ex-Aberdeen.

Or are you telling me there is now catering loaded for LNER at Aberdeen?

If so, who provides the catering?

 

[SoloSR334022]

There is no catering loaded for LNER at Aberdeen.

Which is partly the reason for their many temperature-controlled catering failures ex-Aberdeen.

Or are you telling me there is now catering loaded for LNER at Aberdeen?

If so, who provides the catering?

If they don't put the catering on at Aberdeen, I stand corrected, but sure I've only ever seen the Northbound catering put on at Edinburgh? Might have just missed something?

 

[Butts]

If they don't put the catering on at Aberdeen, I stand corrected, but sure I've only ever seen the Northbound catering put on at Edinburgh? Might have just missed something?

I can remember instances when there were no breakfasts on Inverness Departures as the refrigeration had failed - ie it was already onboard and stored overnight.

Perhaps it is the same in Aberdeen ?

 

[kkong]

I can remember instances when there were no breakfasts on Inverness Departures as the refrigeration had failed - ie it was already onboard and stored overnight.

It's typically not the refrigeration failing, but the temperature monitoring (which - unbelievably - seems to require an internet connection to function) failing to report.

Lack of temperature readings = temperature-controlled food deemed to be unusable.

Clearly, a local on-board temperature monitoring solution is too much to ask for...

 

[westv]

Has the ridiculous new law the government has brought in re free refills affected the first class offer?

Oh and does anyone know when the Christmas menu will be announced?

What new law?

I am sure LNER will be excited to announce Christmas misery sometime this month.

 

[Bungle73]

What new law?

I am sure LNER will be excited to announce Christmas misery sometime this month.

The new law whereby when you into Wetherspoons, where as you used to be able to choose a hot chocolate as a part of their refill offer, now you (technically) have to buy each drink separately....although how they enforce that I have absolutely no idea.......

Having conversed with LNER, it seems the Christmas menu won't revealed until it comes into force...............

 

[Tetchytyke]

he new law whereby when you into Wetherspoons, where as you used to be able to choose a hot chocolate as a part of their refill offer, now you (technically) have to buy each drink separately

It's not actually a new law, it was implemented under the last government. It prevents multibuy deals for sweet items- and unlimited refills are technically an open-ended multibuy deal- so it doesn't affect complimentary items.

I wouldn't get excited about the LNER festive menu. It's usually rubbish.

 

[Bungle73]

It's not actually a new law, it was implemented under the last government. It prevents multibuy deals for sweet items- and unlimited refills are technically an open-ended multibuy deal- so it doesn't affect complimentary items.

I wouldn't get excited about the LNER festive menu. It's usually rubbish.

As it only came into force a few weeks ago, how is not a new law?

I'm not getting excited. As I said previously, I was hoping for the Full LNER...until I found out that my date of travel is when the menu changes, and I want to know what I'm going to inflicted with.

 

[ainsworth74]

As it only came into force a few weeks ago, how is not a new law?

Because the powers to do this came from the Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021 and the specific part of those regulations that restrict free-refills were given their implementation date of 1 October 2025 by the Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023. It may have taken some time for the law to come into effect (not entirely unusual to give businesses time to adapt) but it is not brand new law either. It's been on the statute books since 2021.

Admittedly this is quite nerdy and not all that exciting but it is correct that to say this was implemented by the previous Government, it just hasn't had effect until now.

 

[Strat-tastic]

What new law?

I am sure LNER will be excited to announce Christmas misery sometime this month.

No doubt they will be 'reaching out'...

 

[Willie Bee]

Monday 10th Nov, 10:28 Edinburgh to Aberdeen train .. will they serve a late breakfast or an early lunch ?

It's their 'dine' menu

thank you

 

[SoloSR334022]

Monday 10th Nov, 10:28 Edinburgh to Aberdeen train .. will they serve a late breakfast or an early lunch ?

It's their 'dine' menu

thank you

Every time I've been on that service it's been an early lunch.

 

[Segedunum]

Monday 10th Nov, 10:28 Edinburgh to Aberdeen train .. will they serve a late breakfast or an early lunch ?

It's their 'dine' menu

thank you

Last Friday it was the dish menu from Edinburgh onwards (dine from Leeds to Edinburgh). It was an early lunch but they were offering bacon rolls in addition - seemed like a fair compromise.

 

[kkong]

Monday 10th Nov, 10:28 Edinburgh to Aberdeen train .. will they serve a late breakfast or an early lunch ?

It's their 'dine' menu

thank you

This is a lunch menu service and alcohol is served if you are travelling in first class.

 

[Willie Bee]

This is a lunch menu service and alcohol is served if you are travelling in first class.

100% correct .. thanks for the reply

 

[ainsworth74]

Festive Menu lands on 3 December though interestingly with a twist. From 3 December to 19 December they're continuing with the full breakfast service on Dine trains but lunch and evening menus on Dine, Dish and Deli are immediately reduced. It doesn't say when normal service resumes but I'd assume 6 January as that's when the mincemeat desert option ceases to be available.

First Class Festive Menu​

From 3rd December
Teas, coffee and soft drinks will be served throughout your journey. Alcohol is available 7 days a week and is served with the lunch and evening menu.
Time of day will dictate whether the breakfast/brunch or the lunch/evening menu is offered and customers can choose one main item and enjoy snacks offered as well.
If you have a food allergy, please check our allergen page.

Festive Dine Breakfast (3 - 19 December)​

Full LNER​

Lincolnshire sausage, smoked bacon and black pudding all from Yorkshire-based Taste Tradition , rosti potato, baked beans, mushroom and free-range fried egg.
678 kcal
(Poached available if you prefer, just ask your host when ordering)

Full Veggie LNER* V GF​

THIS™ plant-based gluten-free sausages, roasted tomato, mushroom, rosti potato, baked beans and free-range fried egg.
543 kcal
(Poached available if you prefer, just ask your host when ordering)
*VE if ordered without the egg

Egg royale*​

A perfectly poached egg with smoked salmon sitting on a lightly toasted muffin with a velvet smooth hollandaise sauce. A touch of decadance.
431 kcal
*V if ordered without the salmon

Bacon roll*​

Taste Tradition smoked bacon in a soft white roll , served hot with your choice of Heinz ketchup or HP brown sauce.
297 kcal
(*GF panini available, please ask your host)

Plant-based sausage sandwich*​

THIS™ plant-based gluten-free sausages in a soft white roll , served hot with your choice of Heinz ketchup or HP brown sauce. 316 kcal
(*GF panini available, please ask your host.)

Apple, sultana and cinnamon overnight oats​

Jumbo gluten-free oats soaked in a vegan yogurt, with apple and sultanas with a hint of cinnamon.
268 kcal
A choice of fresh fruit and snacks, please check with your host.
If your journey time with us is less than 60 minutes, please check with your host on the food options available

Festive Menu​

Breakfast​

Bacon roll*
Taste Tradition smoked bacon in a soft white roll, served hot with your choice of Heinz ketchup or HP brown sauce. 297 kcal
(*GF panini available, please ask your host)

Plant-based sausage sandwich* V VE
THIS™ plant-based gluten-free sausages in a soft white roll, served hot with your choice of Heinz ketchup or HP brown sauce. 316 kcal.
(*GF panini available, please ask your host.)

Apple, sultana and cinnamon overnight oats V VE GF
Jumbo gluten-free oats soaked in a vegan yogurt, with apple and sultanas with a hint of cinnamon. 268 kcal

Toasted teacake* V
A comforting toasted teacake filled with a mix of sultanas and currants, served with creamy butter on the side. Simple, classic, and satisfying. 292 kcal
*VG if ordered with Flora instead of butter. 235 kcal

A choice of fresh fruit and snacks, please check with your host.

Lunch & Evening​

Christmas Dinner croque
A festive twist on a croque, tender chicken breast with sage and onion stuffing, cheddar,
cranberry sauce, rich gravy mayo, and topped with gooey mozzarella-cheddar and creamy béchamel . 463 kcal

Toasted teacake* V
A comforting toasted teacake filled with a mix of sultanas and currants , served with creamy butter on the side. Simple, classic, and satisfying. 292 kcal

*VG if ordered with Flora instead of butter

All the trimmings wrap V VE
All wrapped up for Christmas in a beetroot wrap, a mix of roasted bang bang cauliflower, potato, carrots and parsnips coated in a spicy Sriracha sauce made with creamy vegan mayo, spring onions and chopped green jalapeños. 557 kcal

Boxing Day box wth Olivier salad
All the flavours of Boxing Day in one box: pulled Wiltshire ham, Olivier salad, tangy cheddar, vibrant pickled red cabbage, onions and cornichons, cherry tomatoes, spinach and a touch of piccalilli. 298 kcal

Christmas fritter salad V VE GF
Golden parsnip fritters nestled in a salad of cranberry and red cabbage slaw, turmeric-infused black rice, fresh spinach, peppery rocket and tender artichokes. Finished with a festive pop of pomegranate seeds . 419 kcal

To finish​

Banana and maple dessert pot V GF
A luxurious creamy dessert pot blending rich maple flavour with the natural sweetness of ripe banana. Velvety and Indulgent. 196 kcal

Or
Orange frangipane mincemeat tart V GF
An indulgent Christmassy tart: buttery tart shell filled with rich sweet mincemeat, crowned with a soft, fragrant orange and almond frangipane - the perfect festive treat. 317 kcal. Only available from 20th December 2025 until 6th January 2026.

First Class All Day Menu | LNER

www.lner.co.uk

Not great, not terrible. Festive Menu has been much worse in the past.

 

[Gwr12345]

Festive Menu lands on 3 December though interestingly with a twist. From 3 December to 19 December they're continuing with the full breakfast service on Dine trains but lunch and evening menus on Dine, Dish and Deli are immediately reduced. It doesn't say when normal service resumes but I'd assume 6 January as that's when the mincemeat desert option ceases to be available.

First Class All Day Menu | LNER

www.lner.co.uk

Not great, not terrible. Festive Menu has been much worse in the past.

That's not too bad actually. Good that they're keeping the dine trains on.

 

[Butts]

That's not too bad actually. Good that they're keeping the dine trains on.

When you look at the Menu Calorie Counts is it an indicator of how meagre the portions are ?

This is a rhetorical question and if you'll pardon the pun food for thought - or lack of it !!

Are they sponsored by weight watchers!!

 

[richardderby]

gone are the days of a lovely roast turkey dinner with all the trims onboard a class 225 on the dine menu, it seems LNER are largely something in a box to eat these days..

 

[paul@skegby.org.]

Anyone point me to PDF showing food service available in first class.
Looking to travel 23/1/26 Newark to London
Was hoping for full LNER breakfast