Great Western Coffee Shop

Very good source says that the First Class Lounge at Bristol Temple Meads will be closing down around easter time :'(

Havn't they recently refurbished it?

Not surprising when you think that services to London run every 30 minutes with an HST almost always on the platform to board straight away.

No they haven't D_M, They have however refurbished the London "Modern" First Class Lounge


Not to mention that the majority of London Services arrive and depart from platform 13 & 15. The First Class Lounge is located at the end of Platforms 9 & 11. Which is probably not so appealing to someone if their train is due within the next 15 minutes. What makes it worse in the morning is that around 8:20 ish 2 trains arrive on Platforms 9 & 11, A surge of bodies decend onto the stairs all going down, your the only one trying to go up the stairs. Not Fun!

Also FGW I'm lead to believe don't publicise the Lounge's existance. Also what may passengers don't know is that any First Class Ticket is valid in the Lounge regardless of The Operator your travelling with.

Trout ;D

Really?

I've spent about half an hour waiting at Bristol with a first class ticket before for XC and presumed I wouldn't be allowed in!

Yes, you would be very welcome i'm sure ;D

I've used XC & SWT tickets in the lounge before without any trouble. Once the staff get to recognise who is the regular, you won't even be asked for your ticket. You will be asked what you would like to drink though ;D

I know VT can be very picky over First Class Lounges. Even if you have First Anytime or First Day tickets. Yet the silly thing is that VT Tickets are accepted at other operators lounges ??? Political Nonsense >:(

*Reminds self to post letter to VT* ;)

I love the First Class Lounge at Bristol Temple Meads - one of the few left which genuinely offer a first class service (particularly if they recognise you)

It's galling to know they take other operators' tickets though when FGW First Class Tickets don't even get you through the door on other routes - as discussed here previously
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=1414.msg8234#msg8234

I will second your comments on that Phil. The 2 Gentlemen who run the place do a brilliant job and always make you feel welcome. It's nice to go there on a cold misrable morning for that essential kick start caffeine boost ;D It will be a shame to see it go.

I have used othe First Class Lounges within the UK and although the Bristol one is small, It's got alot going for it and certainly does have it's regulars.

I've heard the Cardiff and London lounges will however remain open.

I have also had my experience of differing operators tickets and First Class Lounges. I made a thread not so long ago that can be seen here

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=4313.0