TonyK
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Posts: 6594
The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!
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« Reply #960 on: February 26, 2015, 23:04:23 » |
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There is also a huge disparity between the amount of alcohol sold in this country and the amount we admit to consuming, with 40% of sales unaccounted for.
It's a fair cop... |
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Now, please!
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JayMac
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« Reply #961 on: March 19, 2015, 15:44:37 » |
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On the 1107 from Par to Taunton today. Not time enough to dine in the restaurant so had to make do with buffet fare for lunch. I went for the Steak and Ale Pie (image attached). Very nice. Arrived at my sister's in Taunton and discovered we're having pie and mash for dinner this evening. The pie filling? Steak and Ale!
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« Last Edit: March 19, 2015, 20:17:30 by bignosemac »
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
"Moral indignation is a technique used to endow the idiot with dignity."
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TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
Posts: 6594
The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!
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« Reply #962 on: March 19, 2015, 17:11:59 » |
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It is impossible to have too much steak and ale pie - one of my favourites!
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Now, please!
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chuffed
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« Reply #963 on: March 19, 2015, 18:45:35 » |
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I wonder what attracted BNM more ...the steak or the ale ??  |
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JayMac
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« Reply #964 on: March 19, 2015, 20:13:42 » |
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I'd rather have had some fillet steak and a nice red in the restaurant. Maybe tomorrow...
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
"Moral indignation is a technique used to endow the idiot with dignity."
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #965 on: March 19, 2015, 21:31:33 » |
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It is impossible to have too much steak and ale pie - one of my favourites!
A sentiment worthy of member 'broadgage' himself, I think.    |
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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stuving
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« Reply #966 on: March 23, 2015, 19:30:36 » |
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This is what DfT» says about the new mini-franchise in their consultation response: Food & drink: FGW▸ ^s research demonstrates research that there is a very strong preference amongst customers for an at-seat trolley service in standard class, rather than a standalone buffet bar. This is because they find it both more convenient, and it removes concerns about the security of luggage or personal items.
Unlike the current fleet, there will be a kitchen on every IEP▸ train, which could provide hot and cold food to both first class and standard class customers on all our trains.
During in-service trials last year, FGW reports that 9 out of ten customers believed the trolley improved their journey experience and wanted to see it on more routes. In the same trial more than half of those who bought from the trolley wouldn^t have left their seat to buy something from a buffet car.
This is good for customers, and would also have a positive impact on the viability of the food and drink offer, which would give greater security for staff. In this light it would be difficult for us to implement any other solution.
It is anticipated that more, rather than fewer, staff would be needed to operate a trolley service, particularly on a 10 car (2 x 5 cars) formation IEP. For this solution to work effectively FGW would need to recruit additional on-board staff and indeed we currently expect an increase in on board FTE of approximately 100 over the Direct Award period. Why does that say "it would be difficult for us to implement any other solution"? Who "us"? DfT don't implement - maybe they lifted a bit of an FGW report and didn't adapt it. |
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Timmer
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« Reply #967 on: March 23, 2015, 20:01:58 » |
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Completely the opposite to what Virgin East Coast are saying with a commitment to maintain a buffet counter service on their IEPs▸
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JayMac
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« Reply #968 on: March 23, 2015, 20:07:05 » |
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So, was it difficult for VTEC to 'implement any other solution'?
Smoke and mirrors with FGW▸ and the DfT» manipulating things to suit a decision already made I suspect.
Can we see the survey results? Find out which services were surveyed, what the questions/options were, what the sample size was...
I doubt FGW will publish them.
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
"Moral indignation is a technique used to endow the idiot with dignity."
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broadgage
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« Reply #969 on: March 23, 2015, 20:23:25 » |
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A survey can show almost whatever result is desired.
To justify the absence of buffets on new trains ask the following question of trolley customers "would you rather be served at your seat, or would you prefer to walk along the train and queue ?"
To justify the provision of buffets, ask the following question of buffet customers "would you prefer to make your selection at a well stocked counter where the range includes snacks heated to order. Or would you prefer waiting for a trolley to come past with a much more limited selection"
I can guess which question was asked in order to justify new "purpose designed inter city trains" without a buffet.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
Posts: 6594
The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!
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« Reply #970 on: March 24, 2015, 16:15:40 » |
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I can guess which question was asked in order to justify new "purpose designed inter city trains" without a buffet.
Er... Have you stopped beating your wife yet? |
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Now, please!
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ChrisB
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« Reply #971 on: March 24, 2015, 16:19:55 » |
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I'd like to see a survey of those on the trains over the next month - Offered a trolley at seat service or a buffet that pax would have to get up to, most will say I don't care by a big margin.
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bobm
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« Reply #972 on: March 27, 2015, 22:30:42 » |
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Just a note for anyone intending to use the Pullmans after Easter - they are suspended from the 7th to 10th April inclusive. Haven't seen it publicised anywhere but I am told the staff have been deployed to other duties that week.
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JayMac
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« Reply #973 on: March 30, 2015, 14:19:53 » |
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From my roving reporter colleague bobm comes a picture of one of the main courses from the current Pullman menu 2:  Ox Cheek Braised in Sharpham Wine with Somerset quince |
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
"Moral indignation is a technique used to endow the idiot with dignity."
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bobm
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« Reply #974 on: March 30, 2015, 21:02:29 » |
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(It would have been bad manners to post while I was eating)
I must admit the ox cheek was delicious. I have not had it before and for the benefit of those who also haven't tasted it before, it is a fairly rich meat which flakes away under the knife and almost melts in the mouth.
I should also point out it comes with courgettes and cauliflower cheese - although I skipped them such is my legendary aversion to vegetables!
However all this fine dining lark was wasted on someone who sent me a text asking what I had for lunch. When I replied ox cheek I got the reply "Is that cow's bottom"!!!
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