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Why first class aboard UK railway operator LNER is truly First Class

By fintan horan-stear →.

On a recent trip from London to Darlington, I concluded that LNER offers a good quality first class service that may not quite match the golden age of steam but raises the bar for UK train travel. 

Having paid a mere GBP 20 for an upgrade via third party bidding platform Seatfrog , I was already in a good mood as I entered King’s Cross, London. This station is an awe-inspiring blend of Victorian history and postmodern renovation, with the cathedral-like original platforms wrapped in a cavernous modern concourse that houses shops and restaurants. 

King’s Cross is an excellent example of redevelopment done right. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

LNER maintains first class lounges at a few key stations along the route, and so I decided to spend some time at the lounge before departure, which is located on the edge of the platforms with the entrance facing onto the concourse. 

Upon arrival, I was greeted by staff and welcomed into a large room filled with different seating options organised around a refreshment bar.

The lounge retains the LNER red theme. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

The facility has places for groups to relax on sofas and look at live news coverage on large screens, but as I was travelling alone I made a beeline for the workstation pods hidden in a recess on the far side of the lounge. This space has desks, power ports and comfortable bench-styling seating to relax away from the crowds. 

After dropping my luggage off at the workstation, I went back into the main area to inspect the facility. The lounge itself is functional and well appointed but not very special. Whilst I appreciated the décor reflecting the destinations on the route, it was (quite literally) dated and in need of a refresh.

As much as I’m sure Hull is a great destination, things have moved on since 2017

Refreshments consisted of orange squash, a coffee machine, and individual packs of biscuits and crisps (chips). Overall, the feeling was of a comfortable waiting room rather than a business lounge, but this is in keeping with UK rail service norms, where you can arrive and board a train up to two minutes before departure with no need to wait at the station. 

Passengers can use the upper level exit from the lounge to board trains. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Boarding began 15 minutes before departure, and after a quick perusal of the station shops I passed through the majestic concourse to board the train. 

These trains are based on Hitachi’s A train family. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

I was travelling on one of LNER’s Hitachi class 800 “Azuma” trainsets. These are a mainstay of the British intercity service, being also used by GWR for their long distance services. RGN has covered these before , and the only difference from their western cousins is the red and maroon leather materials on the seats. They are comfortable but not luxurious. 

The interior felt quite dark thanks to the reds and maroons. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Each seat also has a menu outlining the meal service for the trip. LNER operates several different tiers of meal service called Dine, Dish, and Deli. These range from a full hot meal Dine service to cold sandwich Deli service. Options change throughout the day with menus advertised  online , but you can expect to pay a higher premium for the more extensive menu.

My train offered the Dish service, which included limited hot meals as well as snacks. 

Every train offers the same drink service and comes with dessert. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

The host took my order while also serving drinks. LNER offers hot, cold and alcoholic drinks including spirits from distilleries local to the route. On this occasion, however, I stayed sober with a ginger ale.

For my meal I chose the vegetarian curry, which was warm and tasty although the portions were on the small side. I also had a raspberry pot for dessert, which was creamy if a bit plain. This was then concluded with a tea and coffee service presented with a sweet treat. 

The meal was very nice, and felt like a great deal for the price I paid. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

I appreciated that this was served with actual dish and glassware rather than plastic or disposable ones. However, whilst the drinks had coasters, my dish did not come with a placemat and so it moved around a lot on the table. 

The crew passed through the carriage regularly to clear away tables, and executed a drinks service no fewer than four times in the 2.5-hour journey. Overall, the meal service was much more elaborate than I had expected, putting LNER above the UK average, and I could have easily spent the journey sampling local delights from the bar menu. 

Featuring local suppliers is a nice touch. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

After the meal I inspected the facilities on board.

LNER provides the same accessible seating and toilets as on other operators which is most welcome, but this train still requires a ramp for boarding.

My carriage did have its own toilet which was clean, but the flush was not working which was slightly awkward.  The train also has cycle storage throughout which can be booked via the LNER app and website. 

I did then try to pass the time using the onboard wifi, but it was very spotty and hard to use. This is common on UK rail companies, but not helped on LNER by the rail operator’s data caps and blocked streaming services. Fortunately I had prepared for this eventuality by downloading content to watch on board. 

I could also lodge my iPad into the seat back. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

Nevertheless, as I arrived at my destination I was impressed by LNER’s delivery of a first class product. Its lounge is functional and calm, giving passengers a relaxing place to wait, and the interiors of their trains are comfortable.

However, it is LNER’s onboard service that sets it apart, with good quality food and drinks celebrating local suppliers at the heart of the menu. Its professional, hard-working crew made the service shine, ensuring that LNER can provide an elevated experience.

An interesting tidbit: Darlington claims to be the birthplace of the railways, with services beginning in 1825. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear

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Featured image credited to Fintan Horan-Stear

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About Fintan Horan-Stear

Contributing Writer Fintan is a London-based aviation and transport ‘enthusiastic amateur’, writing about trends and developments in the industry with a specific focus on passenger experience and “soft product” elements. His interest in aviation was sparked by the golden age of Pan American and the jet age, and still feels the thrill of adventure on... Read More

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• At A Glance

Route summary:

Facilities summary:, boarding with seat reservations:, boarding without seat reservations:, assisted travel:, using the seating plan.

LNER Azuma (UK)

What to look out for so that you can make the most of the journey experience when travelling on a LNER Azuma train service.

At a Glance

Travel pass supplement, rail pass reservation fees, reservations.

Reservations are available

Time of Day

This train is solely used on daytime departures.

Food services available

Bistro (bar food and take away meals)

This train has a bar car with a counter at which hot food can be ordered along with snacks, sandwiches, salads and hot/cold drinks. These items can then be consumed in the bar car or taken back to your seats.

Accessibility

Accessing the train

Wheelchair Spaces

Dedicated spaces for wheelchairs are available on this train.

Bikes Allowed

Non-folding standard bicycles, can be taken on to this train, but must then be placed in the bike spaces. Check the info below regarding whether bike tickets and/or reservations are required pre-boarding.

Train Specification

Attributes of the train

Has a Conductor

A conductor will be present on board the train, their role includes making announcements and responding to passenger queries.

Which country these trains operate in.

Great Britain

This train operates on routes within Great Britain

Travel Comforts

A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.

Travel Passes

At seat catering.

According to the time of day of travel, passengers will be able to choose from a menu of catering options, which will then be served at their seats.

Power Socket (UK)

The power sockets on this train are compatible with the standard 3-point plugs as typically used in the UK.

The First Class seats are arranged 2 + 1 across the aisle instead of 2+2 and another difference with Standard Class seats is that you can use a button to recline them.

The food and drink service:

Complimentary food and drink is served to first class passengers at their seats, but one of three menus will be available per departure; and this offering will be consistent throughout the journey. Though as stated on the LNER website, it's website cannot yet indicate which menu will be available on each train.

The three menus are:

• Deli = hot/cold sandwiches + salads
• Dish = hot/cold sandwiches + salads + pre-prepared hot light meals
• Dine This is similar to the Dish menu, but depending on the time of day, either a cooked breakfast will also be available, or a three course meal with dishes cooked to order by the on-board chefs. So the Dine menu is in effect the equivalent of a full restaurant service, as is typical on other European trains which offer this service, but on LNER it is only available in First Class and is included in the ticket price.

Prior to the introduction of the three menu options, the equivalent of the Deli menu would have been available at weekends and the equivalent of the Dine menu would have been available on early morning and late afternoon/evening departures on Mon-Fri, with the 'Dish' menu available at other times on Mon-Friday. Though on the longer-distance services between London and both Aberdeen and Inverness the Dish menu is typically available at weekends. Two meals are also typically served when travelling between London and destinations north of Edinburgh.

Trolley Service:

A catering trolley with hot and cold drinks and snacks should be taken through the train at some point during its journey.

An unusual feature for a British train are the window blinds which can be used to shield from bright sunlight, though when using them be aware that it won't only be your seat(s) which will be impacted.

The food and drink service

On virtually all departures at some point during the journey a catering trolley will be taken through the train, from which you can order hot/cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches at your seat.

There is also an on-board café where you can order hot food and a more extensive range of food/drink items.

You can now also use the LNER app to order food/drink from the on-board cafe menu and have the chosen items delivered to your seat(s).

LNER Azuma travel guide:

The operator LNER is understandably keen to showcase the experience of travelling by these Azuma trains on its website .

Also when looking up a journey on the LNER website, you can see which departures will be by these new Azuma trains.

These Azuma trains either have five or nine coaches, though on some departures two five coach trains are joined together to make a 10 car train. Here are the seating plans for both types of train.

LNER is now using these trains on most departures on the London <> Leeds route plus most departures on the London <> Edinburgh route. All of the services which continue beyond Edinburgh to Aberdeen, Inverness and Stirling are now operated by Azuma trains The London <> Hull service operated by LNER is also now an Azuma train.

Eight things that are good to know about travelling on an Azuma train:

(1) Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the train.

(2) Power sockets are available at all seats and USB sockets are also available at table seats in First Class.

(3) All First Class seats have tables, but in Standard Class there is a mix of tables and an airline-style seats; when booking tickets for Standard Class journeys on the LNER website, you can select table or airline seats as a preference.

(4) When buying tickets on the LNER website ShowMeTheJourney recommends checking the location of the seats you'll be assigned on the seating plan you'll be able to access during the booking process You can check if you have been offered a forward facing seat; there is a direction of travel indicator at bottom right on the plan and if you’ll be travelling with luggage, you can also check how near you will be to the luggage racks. If you want to, you can then select alternative seat(s) on the seating plan.

(5) Though something you won’t be able to confirm on the seating plan is whether the seat(s) you have been assigned will have a good view, not all of the seats in both First and Standard Class line up well with the windows; though seats with hardly any window access at all are marked with an R for restricted view.

(6) An at-seat catering service is provided in both First Class and Standard Class (second class)

(7 The luggage allowance is three pieces of luggage per person, but another positive of the Azuma trains is that they have more space to store luggage than the trains they have replaced.

(8) Up to two dogs can travel for free with an individual or group of travellers.

At King’s Cross and the stations in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Hull, Inverness and Leeds where these Azuma trains commence their journeys, the number of the platform (track) that a specific departure will be leaving from, normally appears on the information screens 10 -15 minutes prior to departure.

This will signal the start of a race to board the train, but if you don’t have luggage, and do have a reservation, you can take your time as your seat(s) will be waiting for you to occupy them.

If you will be boarding at a station the train calls at during a journey, there are now usually signs on the platform (track) which will show you where to wait for speedy boarding into each coach/carriage.

Don’t just check the coach/carriage numbers by the doors, also check the seat number info that’s on the outside of the train. Most coaches will have two doors, one at each end and the other door may be nearer to your seat.

Also worth knowing:

Worth knowing is that you don’t have to occupy the seat you have been assigned, for your travel ticket to be valid; the train conductor will check the ticket, but not the reservation.

So if for any reason you want to travel in a different seat, you can do so, as long as you check that the alternative seat(s) you want to move to hasn't been reserved, so will be available for your journey. As you enter the coach/carriage check to see what other seats are free, which is comparatively easy to do thanks to the seat-sensor devices that LNER has installed above each set of seats. Green = unreserved and therefore available for the entire journey Orange = reserved for some of the journey, so check the stations indicated as the seat may be available for your entire journey Red= reserved for the entire journey and therefore unavailable.

If you don’t have heavy luggage, after departure it can be worth having a walk through the train, to see what seats are available in other coaches. It’s not unknown for some of the coaches on the train to relatively busy, while others will be comparatively empty.

On the main information screens at the larger stations, at the foot of the information for each train departure (below its list of calling points), you should be able to see something which resembles a table/chart. This info will show which of the coaches on the train will be busy, because most of the seats in them have been reserved, and which will be comparatively empty.

So if you don’t have a reservation, you can identify which coaches are likely to have the most seats available and head for them when boarding. On most Azuma services coach C in is set aside for Standard Class passengers without reservations, though there is no guarantee that spare seats will be available in coach C when boarding.

These trains have both wheelchair spaces and seats with additional leg-room, but even if you don’t require these specific services, the LNER assisted travel team can help with planning a journey and booking tickets.

Bike rack storage spaces are available for non-folding bicycles - more info is available here .

Spaces for non-folding bikes must be reserved ahead of travel, but these bike spaces can’t be booked online, instead you can call the LNER support team on 03457 225 111. ShowMeTheJourney recommends booking your bike space and travel tickets on the same call.

When booking on the LNER website it will automatically assign seats, but there is the option to use a seating plan to check the position of the seat(s) you have been placed in - and more crucially you can use it to select alternative seat(s). The trick is to take up the option of clicking on the 'Manage your seat reservations' tool.

This is an example of a seating plan for a First Class coach, the Second Class coaches will have different layout. The seat(s) that has assigned will be highlighted in green. Seats which have already been reserved by other travellers are greyed out. The non-numbered rectangles are the tables and note the position of the luggage racks is also marked.

Those who want to face forward can use the Direction of travel arrow and the shapes of the seats; back of the seat = straight edge, front of the seat = rounded.

If you will be travelling to/from destinations to the north of Newcastle and want to be sat the side of the train with the sea views, choose seats on the opposite side of the train to the Direction of travel arrow.

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Yorkshire Wonders

What do you get extra in First Class on LNER? LNER First Class Review

What do you get extra on LNER Trains First Class? – I first wrote this post a few years ago from before LNER took over the East Coast main line.  I have travelled in first class several times of late and wanted to do a complete overhaul of the post with up-to-date information as well as a bit about the first class lounges in York and London Kings Cross (which is my usual route).

I don’t often get to travel first class when it is the four of us (my budget won’t stretch that far), but if it is just me I can sometimes justify it. It’s especially attractive to save money on your train journey if there is some sort of sale or deal on.

Travelling LNER 1st Class on the East Coast Line

Sometimes LNER have offers or sales on, usually at the start of the year. During the sale, if you look hard enough, you can get First Class return tickets at a bargain price.  When I was debating this I wanted to know just what I would get for the extra money, but didn’t find a great deal of information. 

I wanted to know if you got free food on First Class LNER, or whether you got free alcoholic drinks.  So, I am writing this for you! I took photos of the menu (excuse if they are a bit blurry/wonky – the train was moving!)  I’ll intersperse them throughout the post.

LNER have three different menus in First Class, and it’s random which one you might get (though you can see this ahead of time in the LNER app).  The best one if you have a choice is DINE (cooked meals), next best is DISH (mix of cooked meals and sandwiches) then DELI (just sandwiches).

So, what do you get in First Class LNER train journeys?

Now, first of all the seats in First Class are roomier, so that is good. They also recline, so much more comfy. The arrangement of the seats is different to Standard class, in First Class you have tables of four and tables of two. (As well as forward facing singles and doubles).  A table for two is perfect for a leisurely chat on your way to check out a show or see the sights!  

Choose your seat on the LNER Trains Seating Plan

When you book ahead (which you should as this is when you get the best prices – seats are released 12 weeks ahead of time) you can also choose your seat from the LNER Trains seating plan. This means that you don’t have to elbow your way onto the train and fight for a seat. Much more relaxed!

So, other than more bottom room, “What else do you get included in 1st Class on LNER Trains?” I hear you cry! Well, quite a bit actually!  You get access to First Class Lounges at either end of your journey (providing the station has a First Class Lounge) – see my review of the lounges further down this post).

LNER Trains First Class Free Alcoholic Drinks!

If you travel down to London in the morning and are lucky enough to have the DISH menu then you will be offered the Full LNER breakfast.  My breakfast can be seen below (I don’t like beans or cooked tomatoes!).  The DISH menu also includes a bacon roll and veggie options.

We were also offered tea, coffee and juice.

I have also travelled and experience the DISH menu.

The DISH menu is very similar to DINE on a morning – but sadly no Full English!

The Lunch and Evening Meal is the same on DISH:

I’ve tried the Hog Roast Sausage Roll in the past:

On a different occasion I tried the Chicken Caesar roll.

On a lunchtime and an evening, alcoholic drinks are complimentary.  Nice to see Mason’s of Yorkshire Gin on the menu.  Have a look at the other soft and alcoholic drinks on the menu.

Free LNER Trains WiFi

In 1st Class on LNER Trains WiFi is free – always good I think!  Update – Standard Class now also has free WiFi.

First Class Lounge York Station

The First Class Lounge at York Station is fairly new.  It’s a bit tucked away, so if you are entering the station at the main entrance, turn left at WHSmith then left again at the passenger lift and it’s in front of you.  You will need to show your ticket as you enter.

Inside the lounge you will fine (fairly) comfortable seating, with some desk space where you can charge devices.

They also have a drinks machine where you can help yourself to tea, coffee and hot chocolate etc.  Bottled water is usually available in fridges.  

They also have complimentary snacks (usually crisps and biscuits).

First Class Lounge at London Kings Cross

You will find the London Kings Cross First Class Lounge next to Waitrose in the main part of the station.  It’s easy to miss as it’s just a door on the ground floor, but leads to a lift to the first floor lounge.  Again, you need to show your ticket on entry.  Once in, there is (again fairly ) comfortable seating.  Like at York, there are drinks machines and complimentary snacks.

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LNER 1st class - London North Eastern Railway

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I was travelling solo, so had purchased a return ticket to Edinburgh from Peterborough in first... read more

Absolutely terrible ...... traveling London to Leeds and have been on here 45 minutes now and not... read more

LNER 1st class

I had decided since I wasn’t in a rush to get to my destination, this would be a nice way to see the English countryside. I opted for the first class cabin which served a full English breakfast . The crew seems quite busy with all the passengers but still had a lovely smile and disposition. To sum it up, would I do it again? yes!

I travelled on a Sunday. I paid first class fare. All i got for it was a sandwich, a tiny bag of crisps and a very small piece of cake which wasn't fresh. The sandwich was given in a box. James Martin should be embarrassed about endorsing such disgraceful food in first class. I would expect better in standard class let alone first. Really not a first class service. I was told if I wanted wine I could pay for it from the buffet. I thought I had already paid for it in the first class fare. I did without. Overall an extremely disappointing experience Never again

✨❤️LOVELY LISA & LUSHICIOUS LINSEY❤️✨ ✨Well ladies and gentlemen what can I say ?? ❤️The service I have received today is IMPECCABLE. I felt compelled to write even though I haven’t even left the train 🚊..!! ✨From the moment I arrived at First Class Lounge at LNER from Donald greeting us to the delicious food offered in the lounge which was bright and airy and well presented. ❤️Upon boarding the train we have been given comfortable seats and sat with some lovely people. ✨Linsey one of the hostesses is an absolute GEM she was so bright and colourful a GREAT BRAND ambassador wearing lipstick and hair colour to match the uniform. Linsey was really bubbly and I really appreciated the exceptional customer service she provided to me today ..!! ❤️Lisa also a hostess has also been SUPERB giving us light refreshments of peppermint ☕️ tea, water, yoghurts, fruit, eat natural bars and pain au chocolat. Lisa was so approachable and happy she clearly loves her job and this shines through. ✨The train itself is smart, clean and spacious. I love the fact there are plug sockets to charge your phone. ❤️It’s great that the refreshments are complimentary and the ladies really go above and beyond ..!! This is something I really VALUE as I myself have my own customer focused business. ✨Lisa and Linsey have really enhanced my experience today in 1st class and I feel privileged to of met them and been a customer ..!! ❤️LNER your staff are such a credit to you and I really APPRECIATE the service provided to me today ..!! ✨I am utterly DELIGHTED I choose your company to travel to Edinburgh for my Birthday celebrations on NEW YEAR’s EVE ..!! ❤️Lots of Love & Abundant Appreciation ✨Baker-Girl✨ ❤️🚊❤️✨xx

Amongst some pretty grim reviews it seems only fair that I report on our on-time, direct service from Stevenage to Edinburgh at the weekend. We departed on time at 06.34 on Friday morning and enjoyed a reasonable cooked breakfast, plenty of coffee, tea and water and arrived into Edinburgh a couple of minutes early at 11.08. There were no dramas, it was comfortable in first class and it wasn’t ridiculously expensive as it was booked early. Just to even things up a bit as it seems people only review when things go wrong.

I had a return journey from Lincoln to London - the outbound train was crowded but we had reserved seats so at least that was a comfort, that being said the train was filthy, when we got to our seats there were empty bottles of beer and wine, full coffee cups and empty sandwich packets - I managed to clear it all away but had to go into several carriage to find empty bins - it was disgusting. On the return trip it was slightly better until we changed at Newark - on boarding the train was was rudely yelled at by the platform staff who stopped me from getting on the one carriage train. I told him there really was no need to shout he need only advise me, what I found out later was that my son had also had a run in with this same man who was unhelpful, rude and sarcastic! When we finally got on the train there were no seats - having paid in excess of 200GBP for my tickets I think it really is disgusting to be treated with such contempt by the staff member and then made to stand especially as I was travelling with my elderly mother who was ill at the time and my severely epileptic son! No thanks won;t be repeating this, feel sorry for those that are subjected to this service on a daily basis!!

Outbound I joined the train that had started in London. It was on time and kept time all the way through to Inverness. The train was busy and the luggage rack was full, there's space for about 6 large cases and 3 smaller cases to cover about 30+ seats. I had a wander up and down the carriages before having to leave it wedged next to the rack with just enough room for trolleys to pass. The amount of space for a long distance train is far from ideal. I managed to find some space when the train cleared a bit at Edinburgh.. The rolling stock was quite old and where I was at one end of the train, it was quite a bouncy ride. Other than for the first food offer where the guy was speeding down the carriage giving you very little chance to catch him and put an order in, the staff were very attentive. When the early evening service came round they made sure to ask everyone. I had the gnocci which was excellent. Coming back, being at the starting point I managed to grab some luggage space easily. It was older rolling stock again but a much better ride and newer seats which were very comfy. It was a Saturday so no hot food but the staff were even more attentive and regularly passed by with snacks and drinks. We were a little late into York, still plenty of time for my connection which was a Cross Country service which as usual was delayed anyway. All in all, more of a first class service unlike East Midland or Cross Country which doesn't make much if any effort. Punctuality was good, minor delay on the return due to a late train in front and the carriages were clean and comfy.

LNER - Azuma 360

A 360 VR walkthrough

In the summer of 2018 the Interference Pattern team produced this stunning 360 VR walkthrough animation for LNER, demonstrating some of the new features and highlights of the new Azuma rolling stock. Originally created as an Oculus Go VR experience for the Great Exhibition of the North in summer 2018, the film subsequently became part of LNER’s marketing and information campaign prior to the trains launch on the LNER rail network in 2019.

Working with local rail industry training solutions provider 3DVSL, who wrapped the animation into a deployable app for the Oculus Go. The project was rendered entirely within Unity 3D utilising the speed and flexibility of real-time rendering.

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First class on LNER and GWR

• Thread starter bradleyd
• Start date 3 Jan 2024

Hey all, not sure if this is in the right subforum or not (please move if not admins), but next Friday, as a birthday treat to myself, I'm going to be travelling on first class from Lincoln to kings cross, and then paddington to cardiff. (Separate tickets, and both booked separately Lincoln London and london Cardiff) Will be leaving Lincoln at about 11 and getting to Cardiff at about 5. Anybody got any idea of what food/drink I would be likely to get on these, and also whether I'll be able to use the first class lounge at kings X and Cardiff at the end of each journey?  

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Established Member

Normally I'd point you to https://www.lner.co.uk/the-east-coast-experience/first-class/menu/ for LNER's menus, but they still have the Christmas one up - check back tomorrow). If you use the website to replan your trip (without buying a ticket, obviously!) it tells you which type of menu you'll have. The 11.27 direct service on Friday 11th is the Deli menu.  

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bradleyd said: Hey all, not sure if this is in the right subforum or not (please move if not admins), but next Friday, as a birthday treat to myself, I'm going to be travelling on first class from Lincoln to kings cross, and then paddington to cardiff. (Separate tickets, and both booked separately Lincoln London and london Cardiff) Will be leaving Lincoln at about 11 and getting to Cardiff at about 5. Click to expand...

bradleyd said: Anybody got any idea of what food/drink I would be likely to get on these, Click to expand...

bradleyd said: and also whether I'll be able to use the first class lounge at kings X and Cardiff at the end of each journey? Click to expand...

Paddington to Cardiff you can expect crisps, biscuits, some limited soft drinks and tea/coffee. In a nutshell, buy something decent at Paddington then enjoy the extra space and legroom.  

yorkie said: How long have you allowed to change trains? (For future reference, the forum's site will sell such split tickets and there is also the option to pay for the cross-London transfer separately) Very little (other than unhealthy biscuits and crisps) in all probability; the new LNER menus are unknown but portion sizes are small. There is no guarantee of anything decent on LNER; on my last journey I was only offered biscuits and crisps (despite asking platform staff if the full catering was available and being told yes!) but you usually do get something small that's worth having. Not really substantial enough to be called a "meal" (even with the full "Dine" menu, which you won't get from Lincoln, the "main" is more like a starter!) Certainly at King's Cross (but I'd skip that and go straight to Paddington personally), and I'd assume so at Cardiff too. Click to expand...

YorksLad12 said: Normally I'd point you to https://www.lner.co.uk/the-east-coast-experience/first-class/menu/ for LNER's menus, but they still have the Christmas one up - check back tomorrow). If you use the website to replan your trip (without buying a ticket, obviously!) it tells you which type of menu you'll have. The 11.27 direct service on Friday 11th is the Deli menu. Click to expand...

The GWR lounge at Paddington is worth a visit to enjoy a bit of railway history, Queen Victoria's waiting room. When you walk into the lounge go straight ahead and not left in the first bit you see. It's a bit dark and gloomy but has some comfy seats and sofas in.  

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LNER 1st class - London North Eastern Railway

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I was travelling solo, so had purchased a return ticket to Edinburgh from Peterborough in first... read more

Absolutely terrible ...... traveling London to Leeds and have been on here 45 minutes now and not... read more

LNER 1st class

I had decided since I wasn’t in a rush to get to my destination, this would be a nice way to see the English countryside. I opted for the first class cabin which served a full English breakfast . The crew seems quite busy with all the passengers but still had a lovely smile and disposition. To sum it up, would I do it again? yes!

I travelled on a Sunday. I paid first class fare. All i got for it was a sandwich, a tiny bag of crisps and a very small piece of cake which wasn't fresh. The sandwich was given in a box. James Martin should be embarrassed about endorsing such disgraceful food in first class. I would expect better in standard class let alone first. Really not a first class service. I was told if I wanted wine I could pay for it from the buffet. I thought I had already paid for it in the first class fare. I did without. Overall an extremely disappointing experience Never again

✨❤️LOVELY LISA & LUSHICIOUS LINSEY❤️✨ ✨Well ladies and gentlemen what can I say ?? ❤️The service I have received today is IMPECCABLE. I felt compelled to write even though I haven’t even left the train 🚊..!! ✨From the moment I arrived at First Class Lounge at LNER from Donald greeting us to the delicious food offered in the lounge which was bright and airy and well presented. ❤️Upon boarding the train we have been given comfortable seats and sat with some lovely people. ✨Linsey one of the hostesses is an absolute GEM she was so bright and colourful a GREAT BRAND ambassador wearing lipstick and hair colour to match the uniform. Linsey was really bubbly and I really appreciated the exceptional customer service she provided to me today ..!! ❤️Lisa also a hostess has also been SUPERB giving us light refreshments of peppermint ☕️ tea, water, yoghurts, fruit, eat natural bars and pain au chocolat. Lisa was so approachable and happy she clearly loves her job and this shines through. ✨The train itself is smart, clean and spacious. I love the fact there are plug sockets to charge your phone. ❤️It’s great that the refreshments are complimentary and the ladies really go above and beyond ..!! This is something I really VALUE as I myself have my own customer focused business. ✨Lisa and Linsey have really enhanced my experience today in 1st class and I feel privileged to of met them and been a customer ..!! ❤️LNER your staff are such a credit to you and I really APPRECIATE the service provided to me today ..!! ✨I am utterly DELIGHTED I choose your company to travel to Edinburgh for my Birthday celebrations on NEW YEAR’s EVE ..!! ❤️Lots of Love & Abundant Appreciation ✨Baker-Girl✨ ❤️🚊❤️✨xx

Amongst some pretty grim reviews it seems only fair that I report on our on-time, direct service from Stevenage to Edinburgh at the weekend. We departed on time at 06.34 on Friday morning and enjoyed a reasonable cooked breakfast, plenty of coffee, tea and water and arrived into Edinburgh a couple of minutes early at 11.08. There were no dramas, it was comfortable in first class and it wasn’t ridiculously expensive as it was booked early. Just to even things up a bit as it seems people only review when things go wrong.

I had a return journey from Lincoln to London - the outbound train was crowded but we had reserved seats so at least that was a comfort, that being said the train was filthy, when we got to our seats there were empty bottles of beer and wine, full coffee cups and empty sandwich packets - I managed to clear it all away but had to go into several carriage to find empty bins - it was disgusting. On the return trip it was slightly better until we changed at Newark - on boarding the train was was rudely yelled at by the platform staff who stopped me from getting on the one carriage train. I told him there really was no need to shout he need only advise me, what I found out later was that my son had also had a run in with this same man who was unhelpful, rude and sarcastic! When we finally got on the train there were no seats - having paid in excess of 200GBP for my tickets I think it really is disgusting to be treated with such contempt by the staff member and then made to stand especially as I was travelling with my elderly mother who was ill at the time and my severely epileptic son! No thanks won;t be repeating this, feel sorry for those that are subjected to this service on a daily basis!!

Outbound I joined the train that had started in London. It was on time and kept time all the way through to Inverness. The train was busy and the luggage rack was full, there's space for about 6 large cases and 3 smaller cases to cover about 30+ seats. I had a wander up and down the carriages before having to leave it wedged next to the rack with just enough room for trolleys to pass. The amount of space for a long distance train is far from ideal. I managed to find some space when the train cleared a bit at Edinburgh.. The rolling stock was quite old and where I was at one end of the train, it was quite a bouncy ride. Other than for the first food offer where the guy was speeding down the carriage giving you very little chance to catch him and put an order in, the staff were very attentive. When the early evening service came round they made sure to ask everyone. I had the gnocci which was excellent. Coming back, being at the starting point I managed to grab some luggage space easily. It was older rolling stock again but a much better ride and newer seats which were very comfy. It was a Saturday so no hot food but the staff were even more attentive and regularly passed by with snacks and drinks. We were a little late into York, still plenty of time for my connection which was a Cross Country service which as usual was delayed anyway. All in all, more of a first class service unlike East Midland or Cross Country which doesn't make much if any effort. Punctuality was good, minor delay on the return due to a late train in front and the carriages were clean and comfy.

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Hornby Railways LNER, Class 801/2 Coach Pack - Era 11

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Description

The Hornby LNER, Class 801/2 Coach Pack - Era 11 is part of the Hornby Coaches range and accurately recreates the real life coaches in stunning detail.

Shortly following the popular British Rail Class 801 'Azuma' EMU were the nine-car 801/2 sets, with two units (801205 and 801207) entering service on 18 November 2019 onto the London King's Cross - Edinburgh route. As of November 2020, all Class 801 units have now entered service with LNER.

This LNER Coach Pack contains four 801/2 units total: 827214, 826214, 824214, and 823214.

Manufacturer: Hornby Model: R40350 LNER, Class 801/2 Coach Pack - Era 11

Wonderland Models deliver throughout the UK and Overseas. We endeavour to dispatch orders immediately but certainly within 48 hours of receipt. Orders will only be dispatched once payment has been received.

UK Delivery:

Please be sure to give us your mobile phone number when ordering as DPD offer an email/text message option to enable you to receive notification of despatch and estimated delivery time. The express service requires a signature on delivery and must be ordered before 2pm for next working day delivery. The courier does not deliver on a weekend or bank holidays.

Express delivery is two days to some postcodes, and these incur a £6 surcharge. A list of applicable postcodes can be seen here .

Overseas Delivery:

European deliveries are sent by DPD. For details of delivery costs and times by country please click here .

For full shipping details please see the delivery section of our website here .

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