The Exclusive Train Experience In Europe Adding Michelin-Starred Menus

In a world where traveling has grown more and more cumbersome, the romance of train travel is still very much intact. It's still one of the best ways to travel throughout Europe. In fact, as recently as 2023, Europe logged the most rail passenger kilometers ever recorded. Despite its widespread popularity, train travel is not simply a utilitarian means for getting from point A to point B. For some, it's an indulgent experience, especially aboard Europe's luxury train rides.

Among Britain's most legendary trains is the British Pullman. Built in the 1920s, this train has escorted the wealthy and powerful across the English countryside for over 100 years. Each exquisitely appointed car tells a different story: from the Audrey that was damaged by an air raid in 1940 and lovingly restored to escort the royal family in 1953 to the Cygnus that has appeared in several films and was recently redecorated by Wes Anderson. Now, this gorgeous piece of mobile history is offering an innovative new dining series for 2025.

Starting in April and ending in October, The British Pullman will be hosting four different dining experiences that each highlight a different aspect of Britain's food scene. Each menu will be designed by a different Michelin-starred, U.K.-based chef. 

First up on April 18th is Theo Randall, who rose to prominence during his tenure at River Café. He will be creating a five-course menu using fresh, in-season ingredients to elevate his signature take on rustic Italian cuisine. On May 22nd, Phil Howard (known as the "chef's chef" who held two Michelin stars for 17 years) will take over to present his trademark brand of modern French cuisine. On June 13th, two-Michelin-starred chef Andrew Wong of London's A.Wong will be seamlessly combining traditional Chinese flavors and British ingredients, as is his specialty. The series ends on October 24th with Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef to earn a Michelin star. He is known for leading the charge in changing Britain's perception of Indian cuisine and continues to impress with his take on British-Indian dishes.

You will begin your culinary journey at London Victoria Station, where you will board the beautiful Art Deco-style British Pullman wearing your finest attire and ready to be whisked through the charming English countryside for a five-hour round trip. Once your steward escorts your party to a flawlessly set table, your evening begins with a champagne reception. Gradually, each course will emerge paired with fine wines expertly selected by a sommelier to perfectly compliment the dish. Finally, as the meal draws to a close and coffee and petit fours are passed out, the star chef will appear to greet the passengers. This one-of-a-kind dining experience starts at around €674 or $703 USD per passenger.

If none of these dates line up with your calendar, fear not. The train runs daily from February through December and offers many other unique experiences. Whether it's a Great British Sunday Lunch or an immersive event like a Moving Murder Mystery, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this incredible remnant from a more elegant time.