Sunday Lunch Aboard A Steam Train
If you know me well, you would know that I have a thing for the twenties and thirties. It is an era that just fascinates me. Those after war times where people were full of hope and life was to be grabbed with both hands. Well sadly, I do not have a time machine to pop back and party with Gatsby. However, Sunday lunch aboard a steam train gave me a little glimpse into these times gone by. So, if the mood takes you, (and why wouldnt it..), pop on your flapper dress, grab a coup of champagne, and settle on your chaise lounge while I tell you all about the experience. It really is a few hours escape from the modern world……
I first experienced lunch aboard this steam train last year. Nik and I were gifted the experience pre-covid by my Father in Law, so it felt like it had been since the thirties that we had been trying to book it! We eventually got to board the Wealden Pullman in Autumn last year and it was magical. It was 100% worth the wait. So, when I was given the opportunity to accompany my Mum for lunch aboard the steam train this month, (my Dad was unwell so couldnt go), I of course jumped at it! It was lovely to be able to experience it in the Summer months for comparison too.
Lunch aboard a Steam Train – The experience
The steam train experience we booked was with Kent and East Sussex railway. You board the train in the sleepy East Sussex village of Northiam, which is about 12 miles from Hastings. Your experience really does start as soon as you pull into the car park of the station. A uniformed Station Master greets you, and directs you to the platform on the opposite to the car park, to board the train. You are given a document with your table number and carriage details, to guide you to the right dining carriage.
It’s worth noting that Gentleman will be checked to ensure they are wearing a tie by the Station Master…
Again, you are greeted by two beautifully uniformed carriage staff. Wearing pristine white gloves, they have silver trays laden with your choice of either sherry, (sweet or medium), or orange juice to enjoy while you board. You are also asked if you would like to place a drink order for when you are seated. It makes the service very seamless and I think is a great way to do things.
Both times I have experienced Sunday lunch aborad the steam train, I have been seated in the dinig cart “Barbara”. There are four carriages, and Barbara is the first carriage. It is all tables for two in Barbara, with tables for larger parties being in other carriages.
The moment you step aboard, you are transported in time. Rich cherry wood panneling with lighter wood decoarative inserts adorns the carriage walls. Heavy tapestry wing back chairs are set at every table, inviting you to take a seat and relax into their tradiotional upholstery. Beautifully starched linen table cloths and napkins dress the tables, making the silver cuttlery and glassware sparkle. Each table has a classic lamp with fabric shade, casting just the right amount of shadowy light onto the table. It really is perfect.
Once settled on board, we were brought the cold glasses of prosecco that we had ordered on the platform. Authentically attired staff attend to you with impecible service, and give a little detail on the journey through the Rother Valley that you are to undertake. Then, with the gentle chug chugging of the steam train accompanying you, the slow meander through the English countryside starts.
Enjoying a glass of prosecco aboard the steam train
Sunday Lunch aboard a Steam Train – The details
Your journey aboard the steam train is around 50 minutes each way. You leave Northiam and, at around 8 – 10 miles per hour, gently make your way to Bodium. If you are sitting on the right hand side of the carriage, (as you go towards Bodiam), you will see beautiful Bodiam castle in the near distance. Nestled on the hillside, it feels perfect to be looking out on it from the steam train. Just another layer in the experience of times past.
Tip – Take some flat shoes with you. If it is a nice day, you could make the short drive to Bodium after and walk your lunch off around the castle. It is well worth a visit.
Also, look out for the many people that wave to the train as you pass. It’s just lovely to see little children’s excited faces and waving furiously as the train chugs past. Of course we enthusiastically waved back. It may be worth admitting here that yes, I did have the urge to wave my napkin at them all, like I had seen ladies do in those classic 1920’s, 30’s films………
Dinner service starts about 10 minutes into your journey. We had booked the Sunday lunch option, (there are also Saturday evening dinners, and champagne afternoon tea dates available), so our dinner was a traditional, 3 course Sunday dinner.
Again, a huge point of note is that I had received a call from the Chef, Meg, in the week prior to our visit, to discuss my vegan requirements. She talked me through what she was going to make for me, to ensure I was happy. I was blown away at the care shown.
All of the food is made on board the train. It is delicious. The sort of food that you would get at any decent restaurant. The starter that we had was a refreshing combination of melon and grapes, in a ginger wine light sauce, (in the Autumn we had homemade soup, just as a point of reference). Then, a traditional Sunday lunch for Mum, (beef and Turkey were the meat options), and stuffed roasted pepper for me. Both were serve with the freshest vegetables, fluffy roast potatoes and home made stuffing. You certainly will not go hungry!
Once you reach Bodium, the train makes its way all the way back along the track, past Northiam, and up to Tenterden. Gazing out of the window, the beautiful East Sussex countryside slipped by. Lots of baby lambs frollicking with their patient Mums standing close by. Meadow fields with gentle streams bordering them. Cow parsley lining the edge of the track, gently dancing on the breeze as the train made it’s way past. Puffs of steam floating past the windows as the engine pulled us along. It is just beautiful and just like a page straight out of The Railway Children.
The return journey is also when the dessert trolley makes an appearance. Wheeled along the middle of the train by two of the Pullman attendants, the trolley is heavy with rich, decadent desserts. White chocolate gateaux, Lemon and Lime cheesecake, banoffee pie, even a buttery rhubarb and apple crumble. All are hand made from scratch and incredible. Meg the chef had made me a vegan chocolate mousse, (made from avocado), with a serving of fresh, juicy Kent strawberries, and a little dish of vegan chocolate chip cookies. Literal heaven!
The last 20 minutes or so of the journey you are served tea/coffee and mints. As we slowly made our way back towards Nortiam, and of course, back to 2022, I felt like I really had spent a little time in another era. An era of attention to detail, impecible manners/service, and a a little glimpse of and appreciation of how the landed gentry really lived in the 1920’s. It was just perfect!
If you too like the idea of Sunday lunch aboard a steam train, or indeed any of the meal options on offer, I urge you to do so. You will need to book quite a way in advance, at least 4 months, as it is incredibly popular. Not only will you have the most wonderful experience, but you will be helping to keep this snap shot of the past alive. The revenue created by these experiences all go towards the conservation and restoration of the steam train. All of the staff are volunteers, and their passion for making sure that you have a lovely time really does shine through. You will not be dissapointed xx I have popped some links below for you to investigate, should you wish to. I would love to hear if you decide to book xx
Dining options aboard the Pullman
** If you enjoy a day exploring the UK as we do, I have lots of recommendations under the Inspired Days Out heading. Another day out in this area of the UK I would recommend is a visit to Hever Castle.
Oh my goodness what an experience, sounds fantastic. Very impressive how they catered and thought of everything regarding your vegan requirements, that’s excellent. This is something i’d love to do, I’m already starting to think it could be a good birthday treat for Mark in January hehe xx
Ohhh Heather it really is a lovely experience. Very calm and chilled, with the most beautiful food. I would fully recommend it x