Virgin Trains First class

[Mojo]

The Virgin website says that the First class at seat service is available on selected services. Whilst the timetable details the trains on which breakfast & dinner is available; can anyone advise at what times the "lite bites" service is available, in particular I'm thinking after 7pm on Weekdays leaving Euston heading towards Birmingham?

 

[voyagerdude220]

The light bites menu should be available on all weekdays services leaving Euston after the evening meal offer has stopped being served, so you should be offered it 19:03-onwards, although i've always wondered about how late in the evening VT offer the at-seat service, as i don't get the impression that they'd still bother going up and down at say 00:26, which is the latest pick up timing i can see on the Euston-Brum/Wolves route?

Edit: During the day, the light bites menu is served 10:03-16:43 departures.

 

[Mojo]

Thanks! It's the evening service that I'm interested about; if anyone knows how late it's available that would be very much appreciated.

 

[Pumbaa]

Yes - you'll get light bites. It stops being served at 10pm. That's also when the xx03 xx23 xx43 set TTs get ditched for all shacks.

 

[Mojo]

Thanks. I last went First class with Virgin in 2005. Do they still serve alcohol at that time of night, and can you get complimentary alcohol in the First lounge at Euston?

 

[voyagerdude220]

I'm afraid alcohol in the FC lounge isn't complimentary, although I assume it'll be at a reduced rate etc.

I think that alcohol will be served alongside the snacks onboard, until the light bites service stops.

 

[Pumbaa]

^ Correct on both counts. Note the alcohol stocks get quite low from around 8 onwards. Bottles of beer etc run out, wine is usually left in plentiful supply.

 

[MKB]

I'm afraid alcohol in the FC lounge isn't complimentary.

...unless you're a Virgin Traveller member. And then only at the Euston upstairs lounge. I've used this benefit many times.

Not quite sure how VT square that with the Disability Discrimination Act for those who can't manage the stairs.

 

[djw1981]

It's offence to be drunk in charge of a wheelchair though.... (they couldn't the same as a mobility scooter) and H&S rules may indicate that serving any alcohol to anyone using crutches or unable to make the stairs makes an already vulnerable (to an accident) person more so.

Or the staff may be trained to offer to go and obtain said drink for them if they really want it.

 

[dk1]

^ Correct on both counts. Note the alcohol stocks get quite low from around 8 onwards. Bottles of beer etc run out, wine is usually left in plentiful supply.

Thank goodness for that. Enough to cause a panic attack otherwise.

 

[matrix]

I had the pleasure of a trip in first class on a pendo down to and back from Euston from Birmingham, breakfast was very good and there were no issues with the refreshments on the way back either, although I was near the fridge so it may have been a different story for people further down the train

 

[Fincra5]

I'm travelling in 1st class to stoke during the middle of the day, so its the light bites menu. Are the drink (alcoholic or otherwise) complementry?

 

[Old Timer]

The Virgin website says that the First class at seat service is available on selected services. Whilst the timetable details the trains on which breakfast & dinner is available; can anyone advise at what times the "lite bites" service is available, in particular I'm thinking after 7pm on Weekdays leaving Euston heading towards Birmingham?

Latest one I have been on out of Euston that serves food was the 2143.

I will ask and let you know tomorrow.

I'm travelling in 1st class to stoke during the middle of the day, so its the light bites menu. Are the drink (alcoholic or otherwise) complementry?

Yes they are.

 

[Pumbaa]

Latest one I have been on out of Euston that serves food was the 2143.

I will ask and let you know tomorrow.

Yes - you'll get light bites. It stops being served at 10pm. That's also when the xx03 xx23 xx43 set TTs get ditched for all shacks.

So yes 2143 is the last one on the EBW circuit. Food is served from the commencement of Breakfast on the morning routes, through till 10pm. Light bites is 10am to 5pm, Dinner till 7pm and then light bites again till 10pm.

 

[Old Timer]

Not according to the catering crew I spoke with this evening.

The service manager stated that they serve in first class up to and including the last Euston - Wolves at night.

 

[Pumbaa]

My CSH host thought otherwise this morning! She was based at L'pool mind you. Is there a difference perhaps? Does the EBW circuit continue later?

Speaking from personal experience, I've never had FC service after 10. That's been from L'pool and Wolves; and with both having to go to the shop to collect drinks.

 

[Old Timer]

My CSH host thought otherwise this morning! She was based at L'pool mind you. Is there a difference perhaps? Does the EBW circuit continue later?

Speaking from personal experience, I've never had FC service after 10. That's been from L'pool and Wolves; and with both having to go to the shop to collect drinks.

Wolverhampton crew, and a bit surpised when I asked, the reponse being yes of course we are open and serve at seat !

Having said that I assume it varies route by route.