Exploring English Heritage in The Chocolate City Aboard the Belmond British Pullman

ENGLAND

Images courtesy of Jennifer Chee

Departing from London’s iconic central hub for locomotive travel, embark on a limitlessly refined journey aboard the British Pullman by Belmond. From the sunny South coast of England, to the aged grandeur of Oxfordshire, each route is an invitation to experience refinery among the heritage of Belmond's historic carriages.

Step aboard the pinnacle of luxury train travel, and immediately immerse yourself in the echoes of England's historic eras. While you indulge in locally-sourced dishes, watch the settings beyond your window seat transition across England’s finest landscapes, as you travel across the most established British travel routes. Reclining into the plush upholstery of the carriages historic armchairs, watch as inner city London fades away and you welcome the rolling countryside beyond. Join CSP Times onboard the Belmond British Pullman, travelling from Kings Cross St Pancras to York.

The Phoenix Carriage

Early morning at Kings Cross St Pancras Station, we stepped on board the Belmond British Pullman, to Phoenix, and was immediately transported through time. As the Belmond team walked us through the historic details of the Phoenix carriage gilded past, it became clear that no Belmond carriage bears a more fitting name, with a transformative tale that echoes through the interior. Phoenix’s story undergoes a transition from First Class parlour, Rainbow, built in 1927, until 1937 where the carriage ceased operation as it faced destruction by fire. However, like a phoenix from the ashes, out rose the car it is today, with a revamp for the Golden Arrow that ensured the carriage remained in operation to transport glamorous movie stars like Sophia Loren, alongside revelled royals including HM The Queen Mother; it is believed that she favoured Phoenix as her preferred transport method.

Since it’s gilded golden age, after 35 years Phoenix has returned to the rails, refreshed and revitalised by Belmond in an 11-month restoration. Now, this beacon of history embarks on new journeys, its legendary tale continuing to weave unforgettable stories across the British countryside. Subtle nods to its legacy of flames and fame are threaded throughout the design, with Philippe Allemand’s art deco touches and exotic wood panels serving as a tribute and reminder of the regal blue carriage that has risen again.

Brunch Onboard the British Pullman

As we trundled out of The Big Smoke to the refreshing expanse of the Greater London countryside, our breakfast service was soon underway, courtesy of the craftsman behind the Belmond menu, Jon Freeman. Joining the British Pullman team almost two years ago, Jon's passion for sustainable agriculture shines through his cuisine, as he champions produce sourced from the very farms and fields by which the train passes. The menu incorporates the best of British ingredients, creating a culinary journey that explores the best of what the English countryside has to offer.

The table was set with a delectable array of freshly baked, luxury Assorted Pastries. A steaming cup of coffee accompanied the assortment as we watched the morning unfold, the countryside gradually waking beneath a rising sun. The pastry duo consisted of a deeply rich, melt-in-the-mouth Pain au Chocolate, and an indulgently dense and moreish Sesame Banana Scroll—a buttery breakfasted take on Bananas Foster, with an exterior that was golden and crisped with caramel, that then gave way to soft, flaky pastry.

To compliment, a luxurious selection of chilled and steaming drinks, starting off the morning right with a Seasonal Bellini. Inspired by the celebrated Renaissance painter, Bellini, ice cold Prosecco and pressed white peach fruit puree honour the sister hotel and legendary Cipriani. This signature drink, born from the original owner of the Orient Express, has since become a luxurious staple of the Belmond legacy.

Next came the Battersea Brunch Bowl, which offered a vibrant display of fresh berries, whipped yoghurt and tangerine syrup. Homemade baked granola delivered a perfect spiced crunch to elevate this breakfast staple, with a unique take that nodded to the best of British produce.

Equally light, the Smoked Salmon Royale from H. Forman & Son—a refined dish that left us savouring its brilliant balance of classic flavours. Brined bursts of caviar mingled with the richness of a perfectly poached egg, perched atop the lightest, crispiest toasted English muffin. Rippling down the side, a velveted hollandaise that sliced through the creaminess with its sharp, vinaigrette-like tang. This savoury staple brought the entire breakfast together in a harmonious conclusion to classic-style brunching.

Belmond's Best of British Five-Course Menu

Following an afternoon of revelry around the cobbled streets of York, England's historic Chocolate City—a title that nods to its heritage as the confectionary capital for supermarket shelf staples, we stepped back onboard the British Pullman to meet the refreshing "pick me up" of thirst-quenching Veuve Cliquet flutes. As we waved goodbye to York, with more understanding of the saturated history woven into the city walls, thanks to the thoughtfully organised private walking tours courtesy of the Belmond team, we watched the hills roll by on our journey back to London. The sun set over the English countryside, and our dinner service began with yet another stunning display of British culinary mastery.

To begin, delicate flaked Cornish Hake melted in the mouth, accompanied by Windsor beans and red pepper. This refreshing and light starter was the perfect pair for another glass of champagne fizz. The fillet lay centred in a smooth, lightly creamed tartar sauce, with fresh notes of lemon that added a deliciously bright touch to this dish.

Next, a subtly rich and satisfying Spinach Soup provided an appreciated and comforting warmth after an afternoon in the brisk English chill, with crumbles of White Lake feta offering ribbons of flavour throughout as it melted down against the vibrant bowl.

As day turned to night, Rump of Kent Lamb was delivered to a perfect pink, with melt in your mouth tenderness that is impressively executed on a travelling locomotive.

Paired with Sharpham Park pearled spelt, spring greens, sweetcorn puree, and rich lamb sauce, the dish struck a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and gamey flavours. Preparation was equally considered, as textures nodded to the quality of the locally sourced British ingredients.

As we entered into Greater London, what better way to bid a fond farewell to a refined Northern excursion than with a Glazed Lemon Tart, perfectly punchy and complimented with a fluffy preserved-lemon cream and crunchy hazelnut praline.

True to the finest traditions of British dining, no meal is complete without a Great British Cheeseboard. Paired with chutney, crackers, and warm fruit bread, the bold, locally sourced cheeses combined beautifully with a rich caramelised onion chutney and fresh grapes. It was a perfect conclusion to our classically British culinary expedition, as we arrived into London full circle with another steaming cup of coffee from HR Higgins, as well as an indulgent selection of Anne’s Hand-Rolled Truffles.

Explore the Belmond British Pullman destinations.