Meals on English trains

Most trains will have food service car. At least a snack and sometimes a sit down car. It tends to be expensive and of so so quality. For long train rides we pack a picnic, including wine, and enjoy ourselves.

Assuming that you are taking the direct Cross Country train via Birmingham, there is a small shop with microwave available to First and Standard passengers. Many trains on that route will wheel a trolley down the aisles from time to time selling hot (warm) and cold (cool) drinks and crisps a few sandwiches and crisps and Mars bars. If traveling First the service is a little better. No restaurant car. If you take the more convoluted route via First Great Western to Paddington, across London to Kings Cross and then up East Coast there may be a restaurant car. No guaranties as both companies are cutting back. Times are tough. We always hit the supermarket, or M&S, before departure.

John, There is usually a Marks and Spencer in the Station that has food suitable for bringing with you on the train. I did that for my last trip in the UK. I was traveling with friends so we also got a bottle of wine to share. They had plastic glasses as well as table ware. My friends had just come from the Netherlands so they also had some good cheese. ; ) Pam

Go the picnic route every time. Better food and you can eat when you want. I always take some picnic supplies. Plastic knifes/forks/spoons, handy wipes, disposable leak proof paper plates (which I fold up to save room), a couple small plastic tumblers and of course a cork screw. We also always travel with a good thermos each. Lightweight and sturdy is best. (We also fill up our thermos's after clearing security at the airport for long haul flights.) Love Marks' and Spencers.

marks and Spensers in London has pretty good pasties- maybe you will be lucky in Exeter.