Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, known for his visually extravagant films such as Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, has designed a new private dining and events carriage for the British Pullman, a Belmond Train. The carriage, named 'Celia', is set to launch in summer 2026 and will operate as a self-contained private carriage within the train, departing from London's Victoria Station.
Designed in collaboration with Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin, the Celia carriage seats up to 12 guests and features a dining area, lounge, bar, pantry, and kitchen. It will have its own dedicated stewards, and on request, a private chef can design customised menus using British seasonal produce.
The interiors of the carriage are inspired by Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. According to Luhrmann, the character of Celia was imagined as the leading lady in a West End performance as Titania, Queen of the Fairies, for which she was given her own Pullman car in 1932. The carriage will feature an elaborate fabric ceiling, thick velvet upholstered furniture, floral motifs, and rich greens, yellows, reds, and purples. Heavy theatre-style curtains divide the space, and a mosaic and hand-painted ceiling and walls adorn the separate powder room.
Luhrmann described the project as 'a once-in-a-lifetime experience' and said that stepping inside the carriage is 'like being transported into another world'. He added: 'Celia, at its heart, is a magical mystery tour - a traveling dining experience for friends or an intimate celebration, filled with food, music, wine, laughter, and performance.' Prices for exclusive use of the Celia carriage start from £15,000 and include transfers within Greater London.
