Swanage Railway Dining In Dorset Style
DEMISE OF DINING CAR…NOT AT SWANAGE RAILWAY!
I am not sure what there is about it, but eating rather dining on a train is a very satisfying and relaxing experience.
Some of my recent trips on the rails have been in Europe although now many of them with a more pared down dining décor, however they too are getting thinner in numbers on the rails all over the world.
Boarding a fifty year-old dining car train in Southern England pulled by a steam engine it was going to be, one way or the other, interesting.
I will never understand why this potential almost magical of customer experiences is no longer widely available here in the UK. Yes, there are snack bars and trolley service, but the sitting down and the whole dining experience whilst the world passes by. This is so special and so very civilised!
I travel to London on a regular basis, a journey of nearly 3 hours. How I would love to sit there for a good part of that journey time enjoying a leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner. Perhaps I was born far too late and should have been taking my train journeys back in the 1930’s?
Well I did not need to go that far back in time. As I had the opportunity to enjoy this experience on one of Britain’s many private steam railways. This one was at Swanage in Dorset.
For over two hours as the Wessex Belle shuffled up and down its 7 mile track from the seaside town of Swanage to tiny hamlet of Norden. The food arrived at our table promptly served by a team made up of paid staff and un-paid volunteer’s. The volunteers give their time in order to help keep this dining service still very much on the rails!
Dining On A Train Lets Have More
Settling into deep comfortable, almost throne-like first class seating from a previous pampered era. The trip was getting off to a good start. A very pleasant bottle of Rioja was ordered. Although, a little chilled after some impromptu warming on the steam radiator under the table. And, we had the signal to go drink!
The three-course meal served by the restaurant car team to 80 other diners and myself went without a hitch. They seemed to know their stuff and deftly negotiated the narrow central corridor carrying hot soup and meals. With the train occasionally lurching as they do from time to time.
Returning to the starting point for the second time at Swanage. The journey came to an end far too quickly for my liking. If only I could have stepped off the train at London Waterloo after this interlude and the charming experience. But for me its back to the sometimes inconsistent trolley food service up to London next week.
If you want to try this more old-fashioned style dining service do check out the Swanage Railway website below. As they run a whole range of these dining trains throughout the year.
Fine five-course dining, bistro style menus services or even cream teas are possible. However, whatever menu you decide to go for the thrill of seeing the magical ruins of Corfe Castle pass by several times as you eat, is well worth it alone!
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