The Steam Dreams Rail Company has announced that its exclusive festive train, The Spirit of Christmas, will run on Wednesday 20 December. The train will depart from London Paddington at 18.00 for what Steam Dreams promises will be “a magical evening of celebration aboard the only evening vintage steam train departing London this season”.
The trip will last five hours as the train travels through Berkshire and Wiltshire before returning to Paddington. The vintage carriages will be adorned with festive decorations as the journey creates an atmosphere on the theme of Christmas past.
Passengers will be able to choose between four classes of travel:
- a new elevated Pullman Dining class, The Helicon Club
- Pullman Dining
- First Class
- Premium Standard.
Passengers in The Helicon Club will be required to wear jacket and tie and cocktail attire, and will start the evening in the Hippocrene Bar, with its combined historical and contemporary style, and continue in the restored Bar Car 6708, Mt Helicon.
There will be the opportunity to socialise, enjoy entertainment and sample champagne and canapés before being escorted to their dining carriage. Stewards in livery will serve a four-course Pullman Dining carte du jour including a cheeseboard and a bottle of wine per couple, at linen-tables with fine crockery, fresh flowers and glassware. The menu is created on-board by Executive Chef Nicholas Allen and his culinary team. After dinner, passengers will return to the Hippocrene Bar for drinks and coffee.
- Tickets are £400 per person.
- Table for two supplement: £150 per table.
Juliet Soley from Steam Dreams commented: “We are very excited to be launching a stunning new Christmas Dining Experience; The Spirit of Christmas and an elevated and exclusive dining class; The Helicon Club. A conclave of decadence and luxury. The Helicon Club is limited to 42 people with exclusive use of the sophisticated Hippocrene Bar and a private dining carriage. Guests will experience the finest hospitality, enjoy live entertainment and an elevated Pullman Dining Menu.
“Passengers love the nostalgic experience travelling by steam train affords. This coupled with its luxurious interiors reminiscent of a bygone era, locally sourced menus with an exciting array of dishes (for those choosing the dining option) makes for an exquisite evening out and a lovely alternative to traditional festive dining, creating memories to last a lifetime.”
Pullman Style Dining passengers will travel in festively-decorated, restored, vintage carriages with plush interiors, armchair seating, wood panelling and period details. Guests will be served champagne on arrival, followed by a four-course seasonal menu, cheeseboard, and bottle of wine per couple, at linen-laid tables with fine crockery, fresh flowers and glassware.
- Tickets are £275 per person.
- Table for two supplement: £125 per table.
Credit: Steam Dreams
First Class passengers will be welcomed onboard with a glass of sparkling wine and will travel in comfortable carriages with cushioned seating. Each will receive a snack box, tea and coffee.
- Tickets are £125 per person.
- Table for two supplement: £100 per table.
Premium Standard passengers will sit in a restored, period carriage with large picture windows, giving good views of the evening skyline. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available.
- Tickets are £95 per person.
Passengers in First Class and Premium Standard may visit the restored buffet car, which offers a choice of champagne, wine, beer, spirits and a snacks to buy. They are welcome to bring their own picnics on board.
Online bookings can be made here.
