FIRST CLASS DINING ON THE GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY, LEICESTERSHIRE

Last Updated on 11th June 2024 by Bejal

This is one of Leicestershire’s most memorable and unique experiences, first class dining on the Great Central Railway from Loughborough in Leicestershire.

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Read on to find out what it’s like to experience this journey from Loughborough Central station, through the Leicestershire countryside passing through other stations along the route on, Britain’s only preserved double track mainline railway. Enjoy a five course fine dining menu, admiring the views of the surroundings whilst riding through history.

If you love train journeys and afternoon tea, you may also be interested in Afternoon Tea on The Great Central Railway

A Little History: The Great Central Railway.

In 1841, Thomas Cook, a pioneer of popular tourism, arranged his first day trip by chartering a steam train and taking 500 passengers from Leicester to Loughborough – he only charged them a shilling.

Along with other excursions Thomas arranged, led him to  establish his own travel company, which gave Leicester the accolade of being the ‘birthplace of popular tourism.’ His company is known globally to have changed the world landscape of tourism.

Fast forward to present day and visitors to the Great Central Railway can still ride that same landmark route, through the Leicestershire countryside by boarding a restored steam engine from Leicester North station in Birstall to Loughborough Central.

At its peak, the Great Central railway linked cities in the North of England to the Midlands and London. Today the journey that the retired diesel and steam trains take is truly one that captures the UK’s heritage, taking passengers between four charmingly restored stations, signal boxes, water towers, and the Swithland viaduct as it makes its way through the county, 

The stations lining the route are Loughborough Central, Quorn & Woodhouse, Rothley and Leicester North. All stops are equipped with conveniences such as ladies and gentlemen’s rooms, a tea room for refreshments with some even having a bar. The platforms are lined with old world luggage stands and signs in keeping with the heyday of the line.

In recent years, the restored stations along the line have been used as a backdrop for filming locations in the popular Netflix series, The Crown, the TV production of Victoria, Goodnight Mr Tom, and also The Hours starring Nicole Kidman. 

First Class Dining On The Great Central Railway

An Overview of the Experience

The evening starts at 18:30 at Loughborough Central station when guests are invited onto the platform to board the carriages of the dining train. We were seated on the Patricia-Eileen carriage, aboard  the Charnwood Forester locomotive. 

Be-lavie Tip: Download a copy of the online ticket or take a paper ticket if you booked in person. We didnt’ require it but it’s best to have confirmation for peace of mind. Additionally have a record of your menu choices with you, just in case you forget what you opted for.

The staff at the platform are very efficient and friendly. Guests are checked in at the carriage entrance and escorted to their seats. Stepping inside the dining carriage is like being transported to the charm of a bygone era, whilst you sit and pursue the drinks menu.

The bar carriage has a wonderful drinks list including everything from cocktails, to beers, wines, champagne, spirits, aperitifs as well as a selection of soft and non-alcoholic beverages. Table service applies to the complete experience throughout the journey.

Once guests have had a chance to settle in and look through the drinks menu, the waiters come through and take your orders.

The Charnwood Forester departs Grand Central Station at 19:00 prompt, with a three hour journey duration, after which starters are served followed by the main courses, then desserts and finally a cheeseboard. The evening ends with coffee and mini chocolate brownies. The time between courses is timed perfectly, so you are just about ready to move onto the next stage of dining.

Upon booking the first class dining experience, a confirmation email is sent with a menu of the offerings for the evening. There is a choice of two starters, six mains (including vegan, vegetarian, meat and fish options), four desserts, a traditional cheese board as well as tea or coffee and mini chocolate brownies. All the dishes are clearly labelled with Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free to simplify selection. 

The First Class Dining train, heads through the 1940’s Quorn & Woodhouse station, moving over Swithland reservoir, where there is an interlude to take in the views of the water with the local wildlife, from your carriage. Next it’s onto Rothley Station with the 1912 gas lamps and finally to Leicester North Station in Birstall. Here diners get the chance to alight and watch the steam locomotive change sides. It’s definitely something to witness and gives a great perspective on the workings of the steam engine. With guests back on the train, it takes the same route back to Loughborough Station. 

Back at Loughborough Central and after a short break to stretch your legs, its back aboard to repeat the journey, but this time with a longer stop at Rothley. The cheeseboard is served on the way out again, shortly followed by tea. Coffee and accompanying mini chocolate brownies. A beautifully romantic part of the journey is when the train goes over Swithland Reservoir via the viaduct and guests can catch a glimpse of the sun setting against the blue waters.

Keep an eye out for Rothley station in the dark as the 1912 gas lamps are lit up during the second journey. Finally it’s time to head back to Loughborough station as the skies darken. As the bar is still open onboard, the waiters will come around to take more drinks orders for you to enjoy during the return journey.

The Dining Experience

We opted for a bottle of wine to accompany our experience and selected the Las Pampas Shiraz Malbec from Mendoza Argentina, It was perfect with the meal due to its damson and plum fruits and a light yet toasty character.

The five course menu is well chosen, plated neatly and delicious. Here is a sample of what we had during our first class dining experience.

*Note: GF: Gluten Free, V: Vegetarian, Ve” Vegan

To Start (Course One)

Carrot and coriander soup (GF, V, Ve) arrived piping hot, served with croutons and a dash of cream to taste. It was flavoursome and a beautiful pale orange colour and thick in consistency.

The crab and avocado duet is a fresh salad, with delicate crab flavours and light to start.

All starters are served with a seed or plain roll.

For Mains (Course Two)

The sweet potato, cashew & apricot chutney tart (Ve) has a crispy savoury pastry that works well with the sweetness of the potato and apricot, with the cashews give the filling a little crunch. It is served with a vegetarian jus.

Lamb lovers, the Lamp rump with wild garlic and watercress pesto is a winner. The lamb falls apart beautifully and marries well with the green hues of the pesto. 

Mains come with the chef’s  selection of seasonal vegetables which on our visit included, baby potatoes, carrots and green beans.

 The Sweet Course (Course Three)

The white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake (V) is a perfect proportion of a thin buttery biscuit base and a thick creamy delicate white chocolate top covered in a slightly tart raspberry sauce, topped with a raspberry.

The chocolate and cherry torte (V, Ve) is definitely one for the chocolate lovers. Decadent rich chocolate which is served with cream. 

Traditional English Cheeseboard (Course Four)

A lovely grazing board with helpings of Red Leicester cheese, Cheddar and an apricot crumbly cheese, water biscuits, crackers, grapes and celery. 

Tea & Coffee (Course Five)

End the evening with coffee or tea and mini chocolate brownies. 

Leicestershire Weekend Getaways

If you don’t fancy heading back home, especially if you are celebrating a special occasion, why not make a weekend of it by booking a hotel close by. Leicestershire has a wonderful selection of beautiful hotels.

Here are some personally selected hotels we can recommend:

• Quorn Country House Hotel I A four star property located on the banks of the River Soar with a great restaurant. It offers 36 well designed rooms plus there’s a relaxing lounge area. The hotel is a calm haven to take life at a slow pace. Onsite parking available. (Price Range: ££. Find it Here: Map Location)
• Novotel Leicester I Located in Leicester City Centre and within walking distance of the main parts of the medieval city, shops, restaurants, museums, theatre and cinemas, The Novotel is a good option for those who like a more contemporary style with minimalist rooms. The hotel has a bar and restaurant on the ground floor and parking is available in a nearby carpark. (Price Range: ££. Find it Here: Map Location. Read More: Novotel Leicester)
• Winstanley House I Located on the outskirts of Leicester City Centre, in a Grade I listed Georgian house and surrounded by pretty parklands, Winstanley House truly is a beautiful venue. There are 19 stunningly decorated rooms and a wonderful bar and restaurant as well as an afternoon tea salon. There is ample onside car parking. (Price Range: ££/£££. Find it Here: Map Location)

Pick from these local tours to add to your weekend plans

FAQ First Class Dining On The Great Central Railway

Is parking available at Loughborough Central Station?

There is no designated car park, however there is plenty of free parking available on the road outside the station.

Can children dine on the first class service?

This dining experience has a focus on more adult dining, there is no children’s menu.

Are vegans catered for on the dining experience?

Yes absolutely, there is a Vegan option for each course.

Is there Gluten-Friendly options available?

Each course has a gluten friendly option and you can further confirm this and other dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Are drinks included in the booking price?

The price of the experience does not include drinks. A separate bill will be bought to you at the end of the evening.

How do we pay for drinks on board the train?

Credit cards, cash and debit cards are all accepted. 

Is it possible to get off at the stations along the Great Central Railway route?

Yes, there are designated stations you will be invited to alight such as Rothley and Leicester North station (where the steam engine changes ends). Just before the second round trip, guests can also take a short break at Loughborough Central.

Is there a dress code to follow for the evening?

There is no formal dress code but this is a first class dining experience so do make an effort to dress up. A pretty evening dress for ladies and shirt and trousers for men would be ideal. 

Dining on The Great Central Railway Round-Up 

This wonderful dining experience is perfect for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays or just even to treat yourself and a loved one to a lovely evening out, enjoying a slice of local history amongst the Leicestershire countryside. 

The whole experience is incredibly well priced when taking into consideration the dining offerings as well as the attentive service and is most definitely a unique and memorable activity.

The team at Great Central railway have certainly put a lot of effort into the execution and whole dining experience and making it a truly individual evening.

The Details

• Address I Great Central Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire. LE11 1RW I
• Find it Here I Map Location
• Website & Bookings I The Great Central Railway
• Tel I +44 (0) 1509 632323
• Office Opening Hours I Mon-Sun 09:00-17:00
• First Class Dining Price I £79 per person excluding drinks

Related Articles

• Afternoon Tea on The Great Central Railway
• The Most Beautiful Hotels in Leicestershire
• A Local’s Weekend Guide to Leicester

Full Experience Disclosure: First Class Dining aboard The Great Central Railway is a sponsored activity, in exchange for social media coverage. We were under no obligation to write this article. All views and opinions are our own and along with the photography, remain a copyright of Be-lavie.

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