Back from the cruise - had the most wonderful time - REALLY struggling to get back to the real world...
Back from the cruise - had the most wonderful time - REALLY struggling to get back to the real world Rache :)
Member since:07.07.2005
Reviews:24
Members who trust:11
When 2 friends of ours invited us for a meal but told us that we had to be at their house by 4pm as we would need to set off by 4.15pm I was somewhat confused. When they followed this by "and make sure you are dressed smartly" I really couldn't work it out. Then when we had to make our menu selection 2 weeks before the date of the meal my mind was blown.
I swiftly realised that we may be making quite a journey and they were driving - I don't travel well so popped a travel sickness tablet in my mouth and we set off.
The Journey There ==============
In fairness I cant really remember much about the journey because of the travel sickness tablet. I was asleep before we even left Rotherham and woke up still none the wiser as to where we were going in the middle of the countryside in North Yorkshire.
First to the Pub ===========
The end of the road for us was Pickering in North Yorkshire. It's a lovely little village with quaint shops and a railway where steam trains still run. I know Pickering fairly well because in my teens I used to go camping a lot with a musical group that I belonged to at a place called Levisham which is about 5 miles away from Pickering.
Here they took us into a pub - well when I say they took us in - I really mean - she took us because he had disappeared the second we got out of the car. I had absolutely no idea where he had gone and she wouldn't tell me.
Then
I saw him coming out of the Railway Station - I was totally confused. Come on then drink up he said - the train is ready for us.
Yes, you've got it we were having our meal on an old steam train whilst travelling through the North Yorkshire Moors. Its called Pullman Dining and is one of the most fantastic experiences I have had.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway =======================
On the North Yorkshire Moors Railway steam trains run along an 18 mile line between the Pickering and Grosmont, through the North York Moors. The railway passes through lovely scenery and goes through a few villages on the way. These include Levisham and Goathland.
The Railway is one of the earliest in the North of England. Its origins go back well over a century and a half, and was an important trade link between Pickering and Whitby. The complete 24 mile stretch of line was fully opened in May 1836. The line operated for well over a century, however modifications were made and steam locomotives took over. However in the 1950's traffic began to dwindle and by 1965 the line operated its last passenger service. Pullman Dining ============
The unique first class dining service on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway provides a wonderful dining experience. In my opinion it it suitable for many occasions, we recently returned and took my partners father on the train to celebrate his 70th birthday. Whatever the occasion, be it a romantic dinner for two, a family Sunday Lunch or a wedding reception, the 'Orient Express' style service, excellent food and quality wine will provide a glorious memory long after you have left the train.
Though the Train does offer a lunchtime service I have no experience of it so this review will concentrate only on the evening service aptly names "Pullman Dining"
You can go on the Pullman on most Friday and Saturday evenings through May to October however some of them are saved for special theme nights like Murder Mystery nights and such like.
You do have o book a long time in advaice and so it is probably a good idea to check the website for available dates before making you plans. http://www.northyorkshiremoorsrailway.com
Generally Saturday evenings depart from Grosmont, travel to Pickering and then back to Grosmont. If I recall correctly on this journey we were pulled by steam in both directions. The Friday night one goes the opposite way - it departs in Pickering and travels to Grosmont. On this one we were pulled by steam to Grosmont but were pulled back by an electric engine (this is because the steam engine goes to sleep at Grosmont).
The train regardless of which evening you leave on departs at 19.20pm and does not wait - if you are late it does go without you and you will miss your tea.
The evening is quite expensive - the meal alone costs £42.00 per head and then you have to buy drinks on top of that. It is well worth it though the food and the service is second to none and very authentic with waiters dressed as you would traditionally expect and the driver a typical old man with dungarees on and a mucky bib.
Here is the current menu:
Starters
Chicken Liver Paté Slices of Chicken Paté served with Cumberland Sauce, crusty White Bread and Salad Garnish
Melon au Porto Half Baby Melon filled with Forest Fruits topped with Taylor's Porto
Seafood Salad Cold Water Prawns and Crayfish Tails served with a mixed Salad and Mayonnaise Dressing
**** Pullman Soup served at the Table Steaming hot Vegetable Soup finished with Cream and Herbs served with Hot Roll and Butter ****
Main Course Choice
Poached Salmon Steak Served with Hollandaise Sauce, garnished with Shell Prawns and Watercress
Entrecôte Au Poivre Pan-fried Sirloin Steak served with a sauce of Green Peppercorns, Brandy and Cream
Chicken Chasseur Sautéed Chicken Breast served with a rich sauce made with Wine, Shallots, Mushrooms and Tomatoes
Vegetable Stroganoff Fresh Vegetables cooked in Paprika and Cream Sauce, served with Steamed Rice
****
Dessert Choice
Chocolate and Orange Torte Served with Pouring Cream
Jamaican Sundae Sliced Banana and Coffee Ice-cream laced with Rum, served with Whipped cream and Tropical Fruit and Nuts
Apple and Apricot Charlotte Served with a Creamy Custard Sauce
Yorkshire Cheese Board A selection of Cheeses from our County, served with Biscuits, Celery and Grapes
Freshly brewed Tea or Coffee served with Truffles and Pullman and Orange and Mint Chocolates
So you can see there is a good selection to suit everybodys needs and I am sure that if you call them far enough in advance with any special requirements then they would be happy to deal with them.
An important thing to note at this point is you must let them have your menu choices at least 2 weeks before travel. Another thing to note is that smoking is not permitted at any point on the train.
We have had on both occasions that I have done this trip a table for 4 but I have noticed tables for 2 and I think tables for either 6 or 8 people.
The way that it works with the meal is that when you board the train you are shown to your table and can order drinks. Your starters are already at the table (though they are fresh so must have only just been put there).
You have your starter, soup and main course on the first leg of the journey. Then at your destination point you can get off the train and wander around the station whilst you watch the driver and his helpers eat their meal off a tray say on the platform of the station. On the return leg you have your pudding and coffee etc. You can enjoy the scenery and sip a brandy too on the return let.
All drink you would normally expect in a restaurant are available on the train as is an extensive choice of wine.
You return to your start point at about 10.20.
My Overall Opinion ===============
A wonderful night out and a wonderful experience.
I think it is probably only something you would do on special occasions. For a couple you will not have any change out of £100 and also if you live a fair distance away you will need to cover the travel costs as well.
The evening is worth every penny - you feel special and are looked after very well - the staff are great and the train has been made very comfortable.
I would recommend it to anyone but remember to dress nicely - whilst I am sure you would be let on in jeans I didn't see any one in them - a nice pair of trousers and perhaps a jacket for the men and smart going out dress for the ladies.
Enjoy a great night out!!
Pictures of North York Moors Railway
The Pullman Train
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
exceptional by (22%):
very helpful by (76%):
helpful by (2%):
