This unique dining experience on rails invites guests to return to the ‘Golden Age’ of travel.
In the Roaring Twenties, train travel was an affair to remember—and savour. In the UK, a trip onboard the British Pullman was the height of luxury, and well-heeled guests would dress to the nines as they slowly traversed the country in Champagne-fuelled journeys as memorable as the destination. The elegance of this era is revived for the modern day through Belmond, which has restored the Belmond British Pullman to its former glory. Much like they did in decades past, guests can enjoy memorable dining experiences onboard beautifully refurnished carriages that date to the 1920s-1950s.
Each carriage is uniquely decorated and restored to its former glory, with various aesthetics to choose from. For Edwardian-style marquetry, book Minerva; for Grecian designs, look to Lucille; for Victorian frieze, request Ione. To sit in the seats of royalty, consider Audrey; recognisable by her Art Deco lighting and landscape scenery panels, this carriage was a firm favourite of the British royals including The Queen Mother, The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II in her heyday.
Some carriages were designed in collaboration with prestigious personalities. Cygnus, dubbed the Wes Anderson carriage (pictured above), was re-designed by the esteemed director filmmaker, who has long shared an affinity for rail travel. In a setting that could have come out of one of his films, the carriage features stunningly symmetrical marquetry, bold rectilinear shapes and a palette of greens and pinks.
While the carriages undoubtably set a glamorous scene, the Belmond British Pullman experiences comes down to exactly that—the experience. Guests are greeted at London’s Victoria station by Twenties-style singers greet them who usher them into the private Belmond lounge where they’re served welcome drinks and snacks before being invited onboard the train.
The train, which departs at 11am and returns at 4pm, takes a picturesque journey through the Kent countryside—and back in time. Each table setting is set for silver service and, upon settling into an comfortable armchair upholstered in lavish fabrics, guests are handed a glass of Champagne and served a meal complete with all the trimmings one would expect from a five-star hotel.
There’s a different themes for every season. The current festive lunch offering features an option of three and five-course set menus of British favourites: an example menu includes soup followed by mulled wine-cured H. Forman’s salmon to start; free range ballotine of Norfolk bronze turkey or fillet of south downs beef royale for mains; and valrhona chocolate yule log for dessert. Vegetatian options are also available alongside generous servings of cheese and truffles to close the meal. Throughout, guests’ classes are topped up with their choice of Champagne and wine, all of which is included in the surprisingly reasonable cost – around €700 per person.
Throughout the journey, performers pass by the train entertaining guests with musical acts and magic tricks, while the servers, many of whom have been with Belmond for 10-20+ years, add to the magic with tales of times past. The passing views are another prime source of entertainment as the train journeys through the Kent countryside as far as the coast and back again. Routes can vary and map is presented on each table, along with various gifts for guests, such as crackers at Christmas time.
Whether celebrating Christmas, New Year’s Eve, an anniversary, a birthday or just life, a travelling lunch onboard the Belmond British Pullman is an unforgettable affair. With incredible service and an experience that harks back to a more glamorous time in hospitality, it’s a luxurious treat for the senses that’s guaranteed to impress—during this season and next.
