THE BRITISH PULLMAN
Tel: 0845 077 2222
It had become a rare and unusual sight - the sun was shining! In fact, the day ahead was forecast to be the best of the year so far. We had deposited the children with the Grandparents. Things were looking good. We put our glad rags on and made our way to London Victoria, following signs to the ‘Venice Simplon Orient Express’. Checking in was a very civilised affair, with fresh coffee and tea served as we waited for the train to arrive.
I am by no means a train spotter, but I do have an appreciation for old trains- especially ones of the steam variety that hail from a more romantic era. The sight of The British Pullman gliding majestically into the platform made me tingle with excitement. It really is an impressive train, albeit without the steam, with it’s distinctive cream and brown exterior, and beautifully detailed embellishments. We found our assigned carriage “Cygnus”, posed for a photo to capture the moment, and boarded the train.
The train is made up of eleven British Pullman carriages; each one with its own name, unique personality and décor. Having been designed and built in the 1920s and 30s each carriage also has its own fascinating stories to tell. From being caught in a bombing raid in the blitz, to being part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train in 1965, to carrying presidents, royalty and heads of state including The Queen Mother, Prince Charles, the Russian leader Khrushchev and General De Gaulle; to name a few.
Taking your own tour of the train is an absolute must, so you can appreciate the rich variety and splendour of each of these carriages. The quality of the craftsmanship is evident in every corner; the marquetry wall scenes, mosaic floor designs, custom-loomed fabrics and sold brass work have all been meticulously restored, and have earned these carriages the well deserved description ‘Palaces on Wheels’.
There are a variety of ‘Best of British’ day trips available, including a journey to Sandringham House; the Queen’s country retreat in Norfolk, a trip to Cambridge and Ely, taking in the magnificent cathedral or the sights of Historic Salisbury including, of course, the ancient monument Stonehenge. Our destination for the day was the seaside town of Folkestone, a journey that would take us out through London and along the scenic Kent coast. There are, of course, other journeys available from London to other European destinations, including a classic trip to Venice which maybe we should cover in a future review!
From the moment we took our seats we were made to feel like guests of honour. The train edged out of the station amid a buzz of excitement and guests toasted the beginning of a special day with a delicious glass of Bellini (sparkling wine and peach juice). Fresh Fruit salad, served with yoghurt provided a refreshing first course. The dish to follow comprised Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon served on a warm crumpet with pan-fried mushrooms, all beautifully presented and served from silver platters. Leisurely pauses between courses allowed us to take in the scenery and attempt to identify some of the stations we were rushing through. Brunch was concluded with a wedge of warm Banana and Walnut cake with whipped cream, and coffee.
The last leg of the journey provides some beautiful scenery as the train passes along the coastline. Our arrival at Folkestone West brought a wonderful surprise; a Jazz band playing lively British classics from the platform. Again the air buzzed, as guests in high spirits, made their way to the next stage of their journey.
We were taken by coach to the Leas, an Edwardian-era clifftop promenade, and left to enjoy the surroundings in whatever way we chose until it was time to return to the station. This really is a beautiful seaside setting, and one that we had never discovered before. We took some steep steps down to the beaches below and found a peaceful spot to take in some rays. Others chose a more cultural way to spend their time, following the Folkestone Art trail, that includes work by eminent British Artist Tracey Emin. A walk up the zig-zag path took us through landscaped gardens back up to the cliff top and we made our return to the station, where the Jazz band played to herald the start of our return journey.
No trip on The British Pullman would be complete, it seems, without partaking in that quintessentially British pastime: Afternoon Tea. We enjoyed a selection of traditional finger sandwiches including my personal favourite; Ham and English mustard, along with freshly baked scones with jam and cream. This was accompanied by a glass of Balfour Rose; described on the menu as “England’s most exclusive pink fizz” from the nearby Hush Heath estate in Kent. An impressive selection of cakes followed that threatened to strain our waistbands to breaking point! I would defy anyone to finish every morsel, but it would be criminal not to at least sample each of the dainty creations. A cup of classic tea is the only thing to conclude such a feast, but if this is not to your taste there is a wide selection of other brews to choose from.
Finally we arrived back at our initial starting point, Victoria Station. It had certainly been a day to remember, and one that I could not recommend highly enough if you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, give someone a well deserved treat, or simply want to sample the ‘Best of British’.
The British Pullman offers and extensive programme of luxury day excursions to Britain’s historic towns and stately homes as well as fine dining experiences. Aboard meticulously restored cream and umber 1920’s and 1930’s carriages, passengers enjoy fine foods, wine and champagne as Britain’s countryside unfolds at the window. Prices start from £205.00 per person. For further information call 0845 077 22 22 or visit www.orient-express.com