Recent content by NottsPhil

Yes, food and soft drinks are included, alcohol is chargeable but not expensive. I have never had a problem turning up on spec but have occasionally reserved a seat just to be sure, especially if doing the whole journey. Also worth watching ATW Journey Check in case there is a set fault and...

I'd say west of the Junction is better - through the tubular bridge to Conwy, in the shadow of Conwy Castle and then you're right on the coast most of the way to Bangor.

Passengers travelling Grantham to London (or vice versa) receive the full offer even if the journey is slightly under 70 minutes, those from Peterborough don't. Joining on the southbound at Grantham they are always round promptly to take orders.

Yes, I did with a South Wales Rover ticket earlier this year (twice, actually!) and it wasn't queried at all. Obviously, time restrictions will preclude this going southbound.

When I have upgraded, I have just done it on board (and Cardiff to Shrewsbury at £15 is an absolute bargain!). I don't think it has ever been more than two-thirds full when I have travelled. Hereford would be a stretch for dinner (they have appear to have dropped the upgrade option for...

Yes, the EMT breakfast is good and freshly cooked on board. The Saturday offer isn't as good as weekdays - only the full or veggie available, no black pudding and no toast (although the egg is served on a toasted muffin). They will keep you topped up with regular runs of tea, coffee and juice...

I used this train last year and was surprised to see everyone offered both breakfast out of the Cross and then lunch after York, there was no differentiation for passengers who had just joined. The train was pretty much full in first too. It was the same crew, London-based I think. And yes...

Since the revamp and James Martin thing the VTEC breakfast is a lot better and the black pudding is gorgeous. I feel I should try the Bubble and Squeak as it sounds and looks quite good, but the fry up always wins out... On West Coast though the Eggs Benedict is absolutely excellent.

Yes, I travelled in October 2015 on the 07.02 off Inverness and by Wick there were four people on the train - the driver, conductor, trolley man and me. I think the trolleys switched with the rest of the crew at Lairg - he'd made less than £10 on that leg of the trip.

I'm on an ALR and haven't had best of luck with it this week! Initially intended to do the Cardiff-Holyhead dinner on Wednesday but it wasn't running. Got breakfast Thursday morning though after overnighting in the Travelodge. So did dinner tonight instead but only intending to go to...

The timetables on the VTEC website now include shading to show when the offer changes from breakfast to all-day, and also indicate where there is no chef, the most obvious one being the two morning services from Aberdeen. There is a chef on the Chieftain though!

The breakfast is pretty good - I thought the black pudding was among the nicest I've had anywhere and the fried egg is obviously better than the flan it replaced. I was going to try the moussaka on a recent journey but they'd run out, however I was given two of the chicken and bacon wraps...

I did a Scottish trip in October using a Highland Rover which is decent value and covers three of your top four. My itinerary was: Day 1: to Edinburgh, Borders Railway then Highland Chieftain to Inverness Day 2: Inverness-Wick and return Day 3: Inverness-Kyle, bus to Portree, bus to Armadale...

I did this in October while on a Highland Rover just before the summer timetables finished. The train into Kyle was late (which the guard said isn't uncommon) so I missed the 51 bus which leaves shortly after it gets in and got the Citylink coach up to Portree instead (12.15 I think). It is a...

Couldn't disagree more. I think its a great ride which offers a lot of variety, with Forths, valleys, Highlands and coast. The only slightly dull bit IMO is beyond Forsinard up to Wick and Thurso where it returns to farmland. On my trip I remember looking at my watch and being surprised I'd be...