Train travel in the UK is often associated with delays and cramped carriages, but Great Western Railway (GWR) offers a surprising culinary experience. Its Pullman Dining service allows passengers to enjoy a three-course meal for £39.50, available to both standard and first-class ticket holders.
Travel enthusiast Emily Pettitt, 21, from London, shared her experience on X, calling it 'unbelievable' that such dining exists on the railway in 2024. She travelled from London to Exeter specifically to try the Pullman restaurant, ordering soup, steak with potatoes, and panna cotta. The steak incurs an extra £15, bringing her total to £54.50.
Pettitt praised the 'fantastic, friendly service' and described the steak as 'amazing', saying the extra cost was well worth it. However, standard class passengers cannot reserve a table and must walk in hoping for availability, while first-class travellers can book up to two weeks in advance.
Despite the appeal, some question the value. A comparable meal at Gaucho restaurant costs less, and when factoring in train fares—up to £84 for a London to Exeter ticket—the total can reach £138.50 for a three-course dinner without wine. GWR offers other dishes like spiced coconut and spinach soup, sage stuffed chicken, and aubergine tagine.
Transport for Wales Rail also provides a similar dining experience. Pettitt advises arriving early to secure a table, especially from Paddington rather than Reading. While the Pullman Dining may not be for everyone, it offers a unique twist on train travel for those willing to pay.
