TransPennine Express "West Coast Kitchen" (First Class) experience

[lrbvoyager]

Hi there, does TPE have any intentions of using metal cutlery and stoneware instead of bamboo cutlery and plates?

 

[800001]

Hi there, does TPE have any intentions of using metal cutlery and stoneware instead of bamboo cutlery and plates?

Probably not as that then creates a cost for the supplier to clean the equipment at a service centre when they have been used.

They obviously feel the current set up is more cost effective.

 

[lrbvoyager]

You would think they would want to provide a more premium service with it being first class but maybe not. Their prices are often in line with avanti’s who have a far superior menu and provide actual plates, cutlery, glasses and mugs.

 

[800001]

You would think they would want to provide a more premium service with it being first class but maybe not. Their prices are often in line with avanti’s who have a far superior menu and provide actual plates, cutlery, glasses and mugs.

All of which takes up space for the carts that would be required to be loaded.

 

[lrbvoyager]

If avanti can do it what can’t TPE?

 

[800001]

If avanti can do it what can’t TPE?

Cost

 

[Bletchleyite]

Cost

Specifically because Avanti have London at one end they can charge much higher fares per head.

 

[tutacre]

The Avanti fleet has industrial dishwashers fitted I believe, I doubt TPE have them. Aside from disputes with staff around who does the washing up, I suspect the industrial dishwashers reach far higher temperatures and have a level of sanitation which is necessary for frequent public reuse. TPE would have to rotate dirty and clean dishes on and off the train along the way, and rely on stations for the logistics.

 

[800001]

The Avanti fleet has industrial dishwashers fitted I believe, I doubt TPE have them. Aside from disputes with staff around who does the washing up, I suspect the industrial dishwashers reach far higher temperatures and have a level of sanitation which is necessary for frequent public reuse.

If it is like LNER they get taken off at stations (Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds and Kings Cross) where the plates, cups, glasses and cutlery etc get washed at a service centre (Gate Gourney).

So requires staff which will be factored into price that these charge the TOC which ultimately affects ticket price.

 

[lrbvoyager]

Fair enough then. Does anyone have a picture of the first class galley of a 397?

 

[Starmill]

Fair enough then. Does anyone have a picture of the first class galley of a 397?

It's not actually a public area. What are you looking for in it?

 

[notspy]

The turnaround times at MIA are only 19 minutes, and it’s rarely 19 minutes as it has to come through castlefield before.

 

[AlterEgo]

If avanti can do it what can’t TPE?

Cost and facilities/space at terminus stations, none of which they manage.

 

[lrbvoyager]

It's not actually a public area. What are you looking for in it?

Well obviously it’s not a public area… I just wanted to see how big it was and what facilities it has if that alright with you??

 

[800001]

Well obviously it’s not a public area… I just wanted to see how big it was and what facilities it has if that alright with you??

Microwave, hot water urn, food prep area and a couple of spaces for food carts.

 

[Starmill]

The Railmsartr blog has a good description and some photos. The menu has changed in the two years since this visit, though not by very much: https://railsmartr.co.uk/expert-tips/what-is-the-tpe-west-coast-kitchen/