The refurbishment of Night Riviera sleeper berths is almost complete with most coaches now having led lighting, power points and hotel style entry keycards.
Last week the first of the new look lounge cars entered service. It is currently on a diagram which sees it going down to Cornwall on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights and back up the following evenings.
There are now more seats as the kitchen area is smaller and the luggage racks, which were rarely used, have been removed.
Here are some views taken last night
There are a number of pairs of single seats around a table. They look like they should swivel - but they don't!
There are also the bench seats reminiscent of the Caledonian Sleeper
Variously called toadstools or mushrooms, these in the bar area have caused much comment from staff and passengers alike. The temptation is to try to sit on them - but apparently the idea is to lean against them while propping oneself up on the bar.
The range of drinks behind the bar has been increased with Tarquins Gin, as served on the Pullman, now available along with Luscombe tonic. There is also Prosecco and a wider range of soft drinks. There are some additional food items including a deli selection of meats with cheese wedges, olives and crackers or a houmous dish. However there is a distinct lack of hot food apart from a tuna panini. I do think there is scope for improvement there.
The bar area is divided into two. The area you can see above is for sleeper berth passengers. Through the door there is the service area for seated passengers. Currently one member of staff is trying to do both and it may be that a second person will be required, especially on busy nights.
The first accessible berth is now also in service
..and adjacent to it is the accessible toilet - with very little danger of you forgetting to lock the door
Passengers boarding or leaving the train at Paddington have long had a lounge facility and showers. This has now been extended to both Penzance and Truro in a joint project with Cornwall Council. You can book a shower through the customer host on board the train and then make use of the facilities in Cornwall.
During the summer months a single berth supplement is £80 but reduces to £70 from September 1st. However there often advance tickets which undercut that. I recently had a solo berth for £74 which included travel.
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