train food service

So then, for East Coast your answer is on their www.eastcoast.co.uk/on-board-our-trains/ webpage... happy wine...

I believe there is a separate food service car, but I didn't experience it for reasons I'll mention below. There may also be the usual cart of sandwiches and drinks that comes down the aisles. In October 2009, on our return from Edinburgh to London, there was a minor "situation" that required that they shut down the food car. (One conductor suggested that if a mouse was spotted, the health department requires shutting down until the scope of the problem could be determined.) In our case, there was no real food for our evening train until we reached London after 10pm. The announcement was made too late for us to get food before departure. The very nice staff, however, did put out free biscuits (shortbread cookies) and bottled water that they were legally permitted to distribute. I'm not suggesting this is a regular problem or that I wouldn't advise eating train food. These issues happen everywhere at all eateries all the time. What I am suggesting is that you don't rely on there being food available, especially if you are traveling during a main meal. I suggest buying a sandwich and drink at the station before departure to have on hand, just in case.

Everytime we have traveled that route there has been a resturant car and a cart that circulated. However, the items tend to be a bit expensive. Pick up something before getting to the station or at the station itself. Most larger stations have a Marks&Spensers Simply foods or a Whistlestop grocery/convience store and at least one or two quick food places. Many also have a pub or larger resturant. I've seen many people with "picnic" lunches/dinners or snacks that they brought onto the train.

I agree with Toni -- better to pick up something and picnic. Of course, you can buy a hot drink. There isn't anything "special" about the food served on buffet cars so I don't think its worth it. The choice was terrific in the Marks and Spencer in Waverley Station and I'm sure it's even better at King's Cross. We picked up a bottle of wine as well. There were cups / glasses that we picked up. Pam

Other posters have assumed that you are speaking of an East Coast Trains train from Kings Cross. That may be right, but you may also be referring to using Virgin Trains on the west coast route, from Euston station. Which class, first or standard? Which route? There's quite a lot of difference on the food provided or sold.

Thanks, all. To Nigel's question, we will be going Edinburgh to Kings Cross. We are very familiar with the picnic concept, do it often. My preference is to be able to make an early enough train to arrive London early enough for dinner. However, we are driving from Inverness, dropping a car at the airport, bus to the train station, and 4 1/2 train ride. We have had a diner dinner on the Crescent once here, but never in Britain/Europe. Given the much superior trains, I was curious as to first whether or not a dining car is on that run, and secondly, quality and price of food. Yes, I know we could find wonderful fare and wine at M&S, as we often have. I also have the "food at the Globe" thread going. The drift of my question was whether the M&S route is permissible. It appears that so long as we pour the wine into a plastic bottle it is allowed, but several have questioned the room/comfort.

Hmm, we didn't have any problem pouring wine direct from the bottle into our glasses / cups. Maybe we were busting a rule and didn't get caught, but I was traveling with friends from Holland and they do this trip fairly regularly and I think Ad always has wine. Pam

thanks again, all. Nigel, special thanks. I had been to the East Coast website and did not find the page you supplied, complete with menus and prices. Once again, a wonderful job, Nigel.