For many travellers in Britain, purchasing a first-class rail ticket can feel like an unjustifiable extravagance, offering little more than a slightly roomier seat and a basic snack for a premium price. However, a clever and underpublicised upgrade option now allows standard-class passengers to indulge in a luxurious dining car experience for a fraction of the typical cost.
The Pullman Dining Upgrade: Fine Dining on Rails
Passengers travelling on selected Great Western Railway (GWR) services have access to a unique opportunity. Those holding a standard ticket can pay an additional £40 to upgrade to the Pullman Dining service, gaining entry to one of the few remaining proper restaurant cars on the UK's mainline network. This transforms a routine journey into a fine dining event.
The experience is a world away from typical train catering. It includes full table service on linen-covered tables, with meals freshly prepared by an onboard chef. The menu, which changes monthly, focuses on seasonal ingredients, moving beyond pre-packaged or reheated food. Recent dishes, as highlighted by The Telegraph, have featured Thai-spiced pumpkin and coconut soup, poached hake with burnt caper butter, and a chocolate and cherry delice.
Significant Savings Compared to First Class
The financial benefit of this hack is substantial. On the London Paddington to Plymouth route, for example, a last-minute first-class ticket can cost around £230. This often only includes a complimentary snack and drink. In contrast, a standard advance ticket for the same journey can be secured for as little as £74. Adding the £40 Pullman Dining upgrade brings the total to approximately £114 for travel and a gourmet meal—nearly half the price of the first-class fare alone.
Access is not restricted to first-class ticket holders, making this a rare chance for all travellers to enjoy a high-end culinary experience on Britain's often expensive railway system.
The Catch: Limited Availability
The primary drawback of the service is its scarcity. The Pullman Dining car is not a common sight. It operates on just six specific services each day:
- From London Paddington to Plymouth at 13:03 and 19:04.
- From London Paddington to Swansea at 17:48.
- From Swansea to London at 12:22.
- From Plymouth to London at 13:15 and 18:16.
Passengers can use the restaurant on journeys longer than 50 minutes. However, guaranteed reservations are only offered to those who book first class more than an hour before departure. Other travellers must inquire about availability once on board, hoping space remains. The dining experience itself is priced at £40 for two courses or £49 for three courses.
Another Expert Travel Hack for Cheap Fares
This dining tip follows another money-saving strategy shared by travel expert Chelsea Dickenson, known online as @cheapholidayexpert. She promotes using services like Avanti Superfare, which matches passengers with flexible travel times to empty seats at reduced prices. Instead of selecting a specific train time, users choose a morning, afternoon, or evening slot, potentially securing significant discounts.
Together, these hacks highlight that with a bit of knowledge and flexibility, travellers can still find value and even luxury on the UK's rail network, avoiding the steepest prices for a more enjoyable journey.
