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This train network is launching the ultimate on-board culinary experience
You can combine your love of train travel and exquisite food with Transport for Wales' First Class service
Why visit Wales by train?
With towering mountains, serene lakes and rolling hills framed by a beautifully rugged coastline, a trip to Wales is undoubtedly a feast for the eyes. And when you make your way to this charming corner of the world using Transport for Wales’ First Class service, you can look forward to a journey that’s just as enticing as the destination.
A very special Welsh-inspired menu
Passengers can now enjoy a bespoke, limited edition menu* created by renowned Welsh chef James Sommerin, owner of the Michelin-starred Home restaurant in Penarth. The menu boasts irresistible dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, and James has worked closely with Transport for Wales’ Head Chef Mark and his team to ensure your three-course meal is freshly prepared on-board to the highest standards.
“Transport for Wales’ First Class is all about the experience we offer on-board,” says Mark. “We are hoping to be able to offer a lot more thanks to our new on-board kitchen. With the opening of our new prep kitchen in Newport, we will be able to offer even more than what we currently do.”
When and where can you experience it?
James' uniquely designed menu will be available for eight weeks from 7 April on selected journeys between Cardiff and Holyhead and Cardiff and Manchester, so there’s never been a better time to travel with Transport for Wales.
First Class fare: what's on the menu
Taking inspiration from the Welsh landscape, James’ menu highlights some of the country’s most celebrated ingredients, with delightful starters such as roasted parsnip soup with Vadouvan spice, truffle cream and chives, and a ham hock, leek and mustard terrine with a caramelised onion and thyme compote.
When it comes to main courses, the tantalising picks include succulent, slow braised Welsh feather blade of beef with caramelised shallot, beef fat, sage and Blaenafon crumb, as well as rosemary poached cod with potato mousse, parsley, capers and croutons. If you want to finish off with something sweet, the Wye Valley rhubarb and pink peppercorn tart with clotted cream is not to be missed.
Speaking about the new menu and the importance of sourcing ingredients locally, James says: “For me, it’s about elevating the service to another level. It’s a genuine partnership. As a country, we don’t champion it enough but it’s important that we bang the drum and make the most of our local products.”
“This is a really exciting opportunity for our chefs to work with someone with a Michelin star,” adds Transport for Wales’ Rebecca Wilson of the partnership. “We want our customers to try the food we offer on-board and show how great it is. We also want people to see how affordable it can be to travel First Class with Transport for Wales.”
The exclusive James Sommerin menu
Starter
- Roasted parsnip soup, vadouvan spice, truffle cream, chive oil
- Ham hock, leek and mustard terrine, caramelised onion and thyme compote
- Seaweed egg custard, fresh crab, apple and dill salad
Main
- Slow braised Welsh feather blade of beef, caramelised shallot, beef fat, sage and Blaenafon cheddar crumb
- Rosemary poached cod, potato mousse, parsley, caper, croutons
- Wye Valley asparagus, broad bean, spinach tart, soft poached egg, hazelnut vinaigrette
Dessert
- Warm dark chocolate fondant
- Wye Valley rhubarb, pink peppercorn tart, clotted cream
- Selection of Welsh cheese
Travel in style
Transport for Wales brings affordable luxury to train travel in Wales and its borders with its First Class service. Along with wonderful food, you can also expect extra space and legroom, plus wider seats. Better still, it doesn’t cost as much as you might think. Tempted?
Are you ready for your most delicious voyage yet with Transport for Wales?
* Refreshments and snacks are included in the cost of a ticket, however, dining options come with an upgrade cost.