Buffet Car Removal and Good service from the Travelling Chef

[whole diary]

[John R]

http://www.therailwaycentre.com/News%20February%202008/070208_FGW.html

Sorry if this has been reported elsewhere. Interesting that the first diagram is on reasonably non-contraversial workings, so unlikely to have much negative PR^▸ (Public Relations).

This morning I caught the 0730 BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI)) to Padd (from Nailsea), and was delighted when visting the buffet to order my cooked brekkie to be invited to sit in the 1st class buffet car whilst my brekkie was cooked and then consumed. It was then plated for me and I ate it in the buffet car. Only took me 20 minutes after which I went back to slum it in Standard, but I was delighted at the opportunity, and it was so much nicer than eating it out of a cardboard box balanced on a seat back table.

Is this a new policy or was I lucky? It really gave me a feel good factor either way.         

[Chris from Nailsea]

Is this a new policy or was I lucky?

Unless you managed to present yourself as a pregnant female while ordering your breakfast, John, I'd assume you were just lucky!  But as you say, a very civilised way to enjoy the meal.   

[Conner]

I seem to remeber when a restaurant style service is onboard both First Class and Standard Class may eat in Coach F provided their is space. However First Class gets priority. Was it busy?

[vacman]

http://www.therailwaycentre.com/News%20February%202008/070208_FGW.html

Sorry if this has been reported elsewhere. Interesting that the first diagram is on reasonably non-contraversial workings, so unlikely to have much negative PR^▸ (Public Relations).

This morning I caught the 0730 BTM^▸ (Bristol Temple Meads (strictly, it should be BRI)) to Padd (from Nailsea), and was delighted when visting the buffet to order my cooked brekkie to be invited to sit in the 1st class buffet car whilst my brekkie was cooked and then consumed. It was then plated for me and I ate it in the buffet car. Only took me 20 minutes after which I went back to slum it in Standard, but I was delighted at the opportunity, and it was so much nicer than eating it out of a cardboard box balanced on a seat back table.

Is this a new policy or was I lucky? It really gave me a feel good factor either way.         

It's called the "Brasserie", basicly a restaurant service with a simpler menu.

[John R]

Not especially as I ordered as soon as I got on at Nailsea. All finished and well fed by Bath Spa, before the train started getting busy. Must pace myself more next time, if it's the norm.
(I'll resist replying to your comment Chris.  )

[Chris from Nailsea]

Cheers, John! 

On a more serious, and perhaps even cynical, note: was the travelling chef's invitation to you to take a temporary seat in first class perhaps motivated by self-interest?  As FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are proposing to do away with buffet facilities, did the customer host/chef offer you that 'temporary upgrade' in the hope you'd feel so good about it that you'd reply 'strongly disagree' to any survey about whether buffet cars should be removed from HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train) in future?

[John R]

Well I did wonder that, but qprrule seems to imply that it's policy, not an individual doing his own thing. 

[Conner]

Well I did wonder that, but qprrule seems to imply that it's policy, not an individual doing his own thing. 

For the Pullman Dining it used to be a full restaurant served in Coach F.

The Travelling Chef used to be eat at your seat.

Now The Brassiere is a bit more posh Travelling Chef it may be restaurant style dining in Coach F.