Celebrity chef and food campaigner Jamie Oliver has served up a scathing review of Avanti West Coast's onboard catering, delivering a verdict that's left rail bosses with a bitter taste.
Culinary Criticism at 125mph
The renowned restaurateur and healthy eating advocate didn't hold back when sharing his experience travelling from London Euston, describing the train food as "so bad" in a social media post that's since gained significant attention.
Oliver's criticism comes at a challenging time for the rail operator, which has faced ongoing scrutiny over service reliability and customer experience on the crucial West Coast Main Line route connecting London with major cities including Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.
More Than Just a Bad Meal
This isn't the first time Avanti West Coast has found itself in hot water over its catering offerings. The train company, which operates one of Britain's busiest and most important rail corridors, has repeatedly faced passenger complaints about both food quality and availability during journeys.
The timing of Oliver's comments is particularly awkward for the operator, coming as the industry faces increased pressure to improve services and justify fare increases to a sceptical travelling public.
Industry-Wide Implications
Oliver's intervention highlights broader concerns about the quality and consistency of rail catering across Britain's train network. With food prices rising and customers increasingly value-conscious, the critique from such a high-profile food expert raises questions about whether train operators are meeting basic expectations for onboard dining.
The celebrity chef's comments have resonated with regular commuters and occasional travellers alike, many of whom have taken to social media to share their own disappointing experiences with rail catering.
As the railway industry works to rebuild passenger confidence post-pandemic, high-profile criticisms like Oliver's serve as stark reminders that customer experience extends far beyond punctuality statistics and ticket prices.
