GWR 80x trolley

[Bletchleyite]

So I am on a GWR 80x and there are no hot drinks, thus continuing my 0% success rate of getting a cup of tea on their services.

Has anyone ever managed to do so? Why is it so bad?

 

[davetheguard]

Unfortunately I have to say I've completely given up on relying on GWR's trolley service. Several times it's been 2.5 hours after departure before the trolley comes round.

Earlier this week on the way from Exeter to Padd I was lucky, the trolley came round about 10 minutes past Taunton; on the way back not until we were arriving at Tiverton Parkway. Needless to say, I didn't buy anything on the return journey; who buys a coffee when you're getting off at the next stop?

I now always try to buy a hot drink before boarding - or even take a flask sometimes. If the trolley appears I regard it as a bonus; but I'm not surprised if it doesn't.

 

[Andy Pacer]

I've used the trolley (in standard) once a few months ago. I was given a "deconstructed" coffee due to covid and had to put it together myself.

Pre Covid when on 1st class All Line Rovers I was always pretty pleased with GWR and their trolley availability.

 

[dmncf]

So I am on a GWR 80x and there are no hot drinks, thus continuing my 0% success rate of getting a cup of tea on their services.

Has anyone ever managed to do so? Why is it so bad?

I have tried to buy a hot drink, just at the point the trolley staff ran out of hot water! I assume they fill up with hot water from the staff area that's between first class and the driving cab, and that their hot water flask doesn't hold very much. Perhaps others know more.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Once again tealess. Record stays at 0%.

 

[Techniquest]

It's often a very mixed bag for me too, on my surprisingly limited GWR journeys in recent months. Frustratingly, when it does turn up, I've usually already sourced supplies or I'm on too short a journey to make it worthwhile. Not to mention that the lack of the awesome Lavazza SuprFilter coffee last time I wanted one. I will drink Nescafe Azera occasionally, but it's definitely not something I'd choose to buy when there's usually better options.

I'm guessing a lot of it is down to staff availability still?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes, the guy today apologised that he was on his own working a 9 car and had not managed to get to everyone.

Friday was a boiler fault.

 

[py_megapixel]

I think I've had a hot chocolate from a GWR trolley before. I don't tend to go for tea or coffee on trains as it tends to be poor quality.

 

[davetheguard]

I think I've had a hot chocolate from a GWR trolley before. I don't tend to go for tea or coffee on trains as it tends to be poor quality.

They've started using coffee bags (just like tea bags) on GWR which aren't bad at all IMHO - when/if the trolley comes round.

 

[py_megapixel]

They've started using coffee bags (just like tea bags) on GWR which aren't bad at all IMHO - when/if the trolley comes round.

What's in the coffee bags? Ground coffee, I assume (as if it's just instant granules then it will be just as bad as stuff from a sachet)

 

[Bletchleyite]

What's in the coffee bags? Ground coffee, I assume (as if it's just instant granules then it will be just as bad as stuff from a sachet)

They are indeed, they give you a brew a bit like a softer version of what you would get from a cafetière, as it works the same sort of way.

 

[py_megapixel]

They are indeed, they give you a brew a bit like a softer version of what you would get from a cafetière, as it works the same sort of way.

That sounds quite nice, much better than just some granules in water. I'll probably give it a go at some point (if the trolley shows up!). Hope they use the bags for decaf as well: I generally prefer that, especially in the afternoon.

Maybe they could start using better milk next... I don't generally mind UHT milk, but milk producers seem to reserve the absolute worst of it for those packets they use on trains (and in hotels etc) and it spoils an otherwise perfectly acceptable drink.

And while we're on the subject of those stupid little packets, why are they so small? I don't remember ever having a coffee where just one is enough for my taste, though maybe others will disagree.

 

[Parallel]

When I've had a hot drink from the IET trolley, quite often it will be just warm or lukewarm - I find the tea fairly ghastl,y unfortunately. The hot chocolate is better but still not great. The food offering seems quite limited too. I now will only use the trolley if I'm making a long distance journey and haven't managed to bring my own food and drink with me. I found the Rail Gourmet offering on the GWR Cardiff to Portsmouth services a bit better - sometimes they even had fresh milk. (I'm not a fan of UHT milk).

The trolley does take a long time to make its way down a well loaded 9 coach train.

 

[Mally66]

Yes, the guy today apologised that he was on his own working a 9 car and had not managed to get to everyone.

Friday was a boiler fault.

Ohhh to of only had 9 cars to work, we used to get through a 12 car VEP on a CST - HGS commuter run on a daily basis. Mind you it helped knowing your regulars orders in advance

 

[py_megapixel]

Ohhh to of only had 9 cars to work, we used to get through a 12 car VEP on a CST - HGS commuter run on a daily basis. Mind you it helped knowing your regulars orders in advance

Also helps that VEP carriages were substantially shorter than IET ones are. 9-car IET and your 12-car both about 240 metres.

I'd guess you didn't have to input every order into a tablet and then wait for a card payment to go through, either!

 

[Mally66]

Also helps that VEP carriages were substantially shorter than IET ones are. 9-car IET and your 12-car both about 240 metres.

I'd guess you didn't have to input every order into a tablet and then wait for a card payment to go through, either!

Yes that's true, technology is all well and good but it does slow you down I guess

 

[Techniquest]

I forgot to mention last week I had a trolley service on the 1734 Paddington to Hereford, for much of the way, but he had to be the most disinterested trolley bloke I'd ever seen. Couldn't get through the train quick enough (only a 5 car train) and by the time I'd noticed him coming back through on the second wave he was nearly halfway down the carriage.

First wave, he tried to mumble something to let people know he was coming through, second time when I was actually ready for a cuppa I didn't get one purely because I was not prepared to run down the train for it!