JAMES4578
21-05-2012, 22:22
As many of you will know I was on the Orient Express last week, so here is a short blog of my experience. Accounts are on my Twitter and Facebook but thought I'd also put it up here and I have included a bit more information.
A Taste Of The Orient Express-A lap of Luxury
I had booked the Golden Age Of Travel trip a few months ago and was tremendously looking forward to the journey , hoping that it lived up to expectation s. The itinerary and arrived about a week beforehand, along with an invitation to board. However, seats are not actually allocated until the day itself. There are a limited number of steam hauled journeys and they are more expensive (this trip costs £375 per person) and I'm sure nearly everyone would realise you need to dress smartly for an occasion such as this, however it was stipulated not to wear jeans, T shirts or trainers. They also request that mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the journey.
The train boards approxmiately 20 minutes prior to departure and you needed to check in at the British Pullman Lounge beforehand, which is opposite Platform 2 at Victoria. I arrrived at 11.30 and was soon allocated my seat which was in Perseus Carrriage no 8. There is a limited seating availability in the lounge so most stand outside whilst waiting for the train to arrive! I believe the seating capacity on the Pullman is 242 and the train certainly was busy . Complimentary Tea/Coffee is served at the platform, though it is served plastic cups apparently due to Health/Safety regulations. However, it is a different world once you step the British Pullman and fair to say that everyone was eagerly anticipating its arrival. A brass band plays whilst you wait, adding to the sense of excitement!
Eventually the moment was here and I was informed Perseus was 4 carriages up, though obviously it's clearly marked. As I made my way to through the carriage one of the stewards Matt enquired if I was Mr Cole and certainly made me feel welcome.I asked him to take a photo and enquired if I could take his too, he was very happy to oblige! There are canapes already on your table and in due course ,once you have settled in you are offered a glass of champagne. Soon the train departs and throughout the jouney it passses through the suburbs of London towards Guildford and the Surrey hills for instance before making its way back. It stops at Shalford to take on water, the tender holds 6,000 gallons.
You are asked if you wish wine with your dinner and there is a wide variety available. I should point out that only the 5 house wines which are 3 white and 2 red are complimentary and the allowance for these is £22.00. I decided to take the Cote Du Rhone. The others available were Chainti Reserva,Bourgogne Chardonnay, Riesling Kabinett and Gavi La Battislina. Descriptions of all wines are included in the menu. Should you wish an alternative further charges will apply and some of the wines are very expensive. They have a full bar list available so all needs are catered for and any soft drinks cost £2.50. Apertifs were £6.00, Digestifs £7.00, Beers £5-£6.50, Brandy £8.00- £50.00 ,Single Malt Whiskeys £10.00 and a Jug of Pimm's £19.00. Water though is offered free of charge! However, there was certainly no pressure throughout the journey to buy anything extra, without the request coming from yourself. I shall detail the meal itself. It is a set menu and should you have any special requirements you do need to inform them beforehand, for instance one couple were having a vegetarian option.
Lunch
Tian of Smoked Chicken and Celeriac Remoulade with Mango and Coriander Salsa
Red Pepper and Tomato Soup flavoured with Chived Creme Fraiche
Supreme of Scottish Salmon topped with Cornish Crab, Tarragon Crust accompanied by Mange Tout, Green Asparagus and Buttered New Potatoes
Selection of Cheeses From the British Isles/Crackers with Homemade Chutney,
10 year old Tawny Port Ferreira available for £5.00
Marbled Raspberry Cheesecake
Glass of 2007 Chateau Laville, Sauternes available for £7.50
RainForrest Alliance Coffee with Chocolate
I certainly thought the lunch was delicious and the champagne/wine wonderfull too! The journey is a round trip but as we passed by I seen a few eager photographers on route and at one point noticed that someone was focusing on me with a camcorder! You are given a map of the route and whilst not all of it is scenic, it certainly was a very enjoyable journey. A few people were celebrating special occasions and I'm sure the trip would be very enjoyable for everyone on it. The service of the staff was excellent and they were all very pleasant. Should you wish to purchase souvenirs a trolley passes round midway through the jouney, though you can also order online. They have salt/pepper shakers for £35.00,silver Heart Earrings £65.00, Silver Plated Orient Express frame £42.00, Silk Tie £40.00,set of 6 Handcrafted Champagne Glasses £200.00 and 18 ct White Diamond Set Tennis Bracelet £6000 for instance!
The journey time is around 4 hours but the time seems to past quite quickly and it was a bit sad when it was all over, but it was obviously a fantastic experience! The British Pullman arrived back in Victoria a bit ahead of schedule but Matt said there was no rush to leave and you were free to take photos at the platform. You were also able to take the Menus and Magazines with you as a momento of the day which I thought was a nice touch.
I hope this account is interesting enough and at least I've given you a taste of the Orient Express!
Here is a link to some of my photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79055528@N07/?uploaded=32&magic_cookie=ee79175d36d9d524d7d63a7b17299175
A Taste Of The Orient Express-A lap of Luxury
I had booked the Golden Age Of Travel trip a few months ago and was tremendously looking forward to the journey , hoping that it lived up to expectation s. The itinerary and arrived about a week beforehand, along with an invitation to board. However, seats are not actually allocated until the day itself. There are a limited number of steam hauled journeys and they are more expensive (this trip costs £375 per person) and I'm sure nearly everyone would realise you need to dress smartly for an occasion such as this, however it was stipulated not to wear jeans, T shirts or trainers. They also request that mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the journey.
The train boards approxmiately 20 minutes prior to departure and you needed to check in at the British Pullman Lounge beforehand, which is opposite Platform 2 at Victoria. I arrrived at 11.30 and was soon allocated my seat which was in Perseus Carrriage no 8. There is a limited seating availability in the lounge so most stand outside whilst waiting for the train to arrive! I believe the seating capacity on the Pullman is 242 and the train certainly was busy . Complimentary Tea/Coffee is served at the platform, though it is served plastic cups apparently due to Health/Safety regulations. However, it is a different world once you step the British Pullman and fair to say that everyone was eagerly anticipating its arrival. A brass band plays whilst you wait, adding to the sense of excitement!
Eventually the moment was here and I was informed Perseus was 4 carriages up, though obviously it's clearly marked. As I made my way to through the carriage one of the stewards Matt enquired if I was Mr Cole and certainly made me feel welcome.I asked him to take a photo and enquired if I could take his too, he was very happy to oblige! There are canapes already on your table and in due course ,once you have settled in you are offered a glass of champagne. Soon the train departs and throughout the jouney it passses through the suburbs of London towards Guildford and the Surrey hills for instance before making its way back. It stops at Shalford to take on water, the tender holds 6,000 gallons.
You are asked if you wish wine with your dinner and there is a wide variety available. I should point out that only the 5 house wines which are 3 white and 2 red are complimentary and the allowance for these is £22.00. I decided to take the Cote Du Rhone. The others available were Chainti Reserva,Bourgogne Chardonnay, Riesling Kabinett and Gavi La Battislina. Descriptions of all wines are included in the menu. Should you wish an alternative further charges will apply and some of the wines are very expensive. They have a full bar list available so all needs are catered for and any soft drinks cost £2.50. Apertifs were £6.00, Digestifs £7.00, Beers £5-£6.50, Brandy £8.00- £50.00 ,Single Malt Whiskeys £10.00 and a Jug of Pimm's £19.00. Water though is offered free of charge! However, there was certainly no pressure throughout the journey to buy anything extra, without the request coming from yourself. I shall detail the meal itself. It is a set menu and should you have any special requirements you do need to inform them beforehand, for instance one couple were having a vegetarian option.
Lunch
Tian of Smoked Chicken and Celeriac Remoulade with Mango and Coriander Salsa
Red Pepper and Tomato Soup flavoured with Chived Creme Fraiche
Supreme of Scottish Salmon topped with Cornish Crab, Tarragon Crust accompanied by Mange Tout, Green Asparagus and Buttered New Potatoes
Selection of Cheeses From the British Isles/Crackers with Homemade Chutney,
10 year old Tawny Port Ferreira available for £5.00
Marbled Raspberry Cheesecake
Glass of 2007 Chateau Laville, Sauternes available for £7.50
RainForrest Alliance Coffee with Chocolate
I certainly thought the lunch was delicious and the champagne/wine wonderfull too! The journey is a round trip but as we passed by I seen a few eager photographers on route and at one point noticed that someone was focusing on me with a camcorder! You are given a map of the route and whilst not all of it is scenic, it certainly was a very enjoyable journey. A few people were celebrating special occasions and I'm sure the trip would be very enjoyable for everyone on it. The service of the staff was excellent and they were all very pleasant. Should you wish to purchase souvenirs a trolley passes round midway through the jouney, though you can also order online. They have salt/pepper shakers for £35.00,silver Heart Earrings £65.00, Silver Plated Orient Express frame £42.00, Silk Tie £40.00,set of 6 Handcrafted Champagne Glasses £200.00 and 18 ct White Diamond Set Tennis Bracelet £6000 for instance!
The journey time is around 4 hours but the time seems to past quite quickly and it was a bit sad when it was all over, but it was obviously a fantastic experience! The British Pullman arrived back in Victoria a bit ahead of schedule but Matt said there was no rush to leave and you were free to take photos at the platform. You were also able to take the Menus and Magazines with you as a momento of the day which I thought was a nice touch.
I hope this account is interesting enough and at least I've given you a taste of the Orient Express!
Here is a link to some of my photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79055528@N07/?uploaded=32&magic_cookie=ee79175d36d9d524d7d63a7b17299175