Members and their guests embarked on the Northern Belle for an evening of which memories are made. Changes due to Network Rail conspired in our favour to ensure we could have more time on the train. So we departed from Chester Station early and returned a little later than originally planned.

Once settled in the sumptuous Warwick Car, we were served champagne and some indulged in a cocktail as well. As the train rolled gently northwards into Cumbria, we enjoyed a leisurely five course dinner of seasonal British food.

Our starter was a trio of fish, including a nice halibut gravadlax. A warming Brown Windsor soup was next. The main course of duck was followed by a medley of British cheese plus a complimentary Port kindly provided by our hosts.

Finally sticky toffee pudding was served with a delightful Madeira whilst being pleasantly regaled by musicians and watching a firework display given the date.

The Northern Belle is currently a part of Belmond. New owners with market leading expertise in the heritage railway industry take it over in 2018.  So, we shall look forward to our next excursion on this beautiful train which is an exciting piece of British history!

Ian Bailey
Conseiller Gastronomique