Hi. I posted a couple of pages back about my experience on the 20:05 from KX to Wakefield. Some replies have asked why I didn't just ask what was on offer, or read the menu. Good questions.
I did read the menu when I first sat down - I flicked to the evening menu as I assumed that is what would be on offer. And I decided that I would order the salmon!
Then there was an annoucement that the all day menu was operating. There was no word of explanation why it was the all day menu when it was just after 8pm on a week day train. First let down. So I looked at the all day menu and decided I would have the sandwich. I was then expecting to be served a plate with a whole sandwich on, and teh crisps! Instead the expectation is you will ask for each small triangle that you want, and be made to sound like a pig as everyone else is either declining the food or just having a couple.
jonmorris0844 has made some good comments and seems to resonate with my position. It was my first time in first class, so didn't know how the system operated. There were four other people sat near by my seat. Imagine how I would have felt if I had asked for desert and the member of staff had indeed said 'we'll bring that back round later sir.' Sniggers. People thinking 'what an idiot!' And then I would have to sit there embarrassed for two more hours.
The point is that I did not know how the system worked. No where and in no way is it explained that the trolley will come round once, and at that point you must request the hot option from the member of staff with the trolley if you want it as it won't be offered verbally, and that you must request any desert there and then. The opening question is highly confusing, especially for the first time traveller: "Any refreshments". It's so vague. I have never equated refreshments with a hot goats cheese tart. Or a sandwhich for that matter!
I'm not suggesting that they read out the whole menu. But I would expect that they would say something like "would you like any food from the menu sir? There are cold options on the trolly, or you can order the hot option. And would you like any desert?'
A few more seconds to say than 'any refreshments', but at least they would have a customer who was happy, understood what was going on, and would highly consider traveling first class again. I am now completely the opposite in all these!
Also, I didn't buy my ticket solely because of the extra space and quieter environment - though that was part of the attraction. The food on offer was part of the reason as it meant I wouldn't need to find somewhere to eat before catching the train, meaning I could work in central London right up to the time my train left.
The more i reflect on it the more I am disappointed - and annoyed that I've been treated like a mug by East Coast. I feel like they've taken £20 off me and are laughing behind my back.
