Media Centre

Teatime tradition takes to the tracks as National Express launches new catering selection

19 May 2008

Enjoying afternoon tea, with a tasty array of sandwiches and tempting scones with jam and cream, is an enduring British tradition.

From today (Monday 19 May), train operator National Express East Coast is offering First Class travellers the chance to relax in style with this classic teatime treat – served at your seat for only £5.95.

The afternoon favourite is part of a brand new range of food and drink introduced this week on trains between London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, North East England and Scotland.

Other changes include healthy breakfast options, a new Bistro-style lunch selection and a tempting new dinner menu.

The new on-board restaurant menu is based on advice from catering experts Eugene McCoy and Marcus Bennett. Highlights include:

• Breakfast – new gourmet dishes introduced alongside existing favourites, including Eggs Benedict and Nova Scotia Pancakes with maple syrup or blueberry jam. Available on most weekday morning trains until around 11am
• Lunch – a ‘bistro-style’ menu including better value options, in many cases at reduced prices. New choices include: Premium Signature Aberdeen Angus Burger, freshly prepared pasta with a choice of bolognaise, carbonara or arrabiata sauces; and for those seeking a lighter option, chicken Caesar salad, fish cakes and soups. Available on many weekday trains between 11am and 4pm
• Dinner – a selection of aperitifs, including Kir Royale, Vodka Martini or Gin and Tonic, introduced for the first time as part of a rotating menu over a four-week cycle
• Main dinner courses include: Chicken Breast with Sweet Chilli Noodles; Pan-Fried Salmon Steak served on a rosti potato cake with a lemon butter sauce; Mascarpone and Red Pepper Tart; Sea Bream and Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto; and Vegetable Tagine.
• Delicious desserts to round off your meal include Chocolate and Amaretti Tart; Mixed Summer Berries Gratin; Orange Crème Caramel; or Chocolate Trifle with Grand Marnier Cream. Available on 22 weekday trains between 4pm and 8pm.

A selection of fine wines continues, with a new addition – Prosecco, a northern Italian sparking wine. National Express East Coast continues its relationship with trusted North Yorkshire based wine supplier Playford Ros, whose expertise contributes to the excellent selection available.

At the buffet and from the at-seat trolley service throughout the train, a new hot food selection is available.

National Express East Coast customer service director Helen Thornton said: “With help from our customers and feedback from employees, we have created a range that reflects modern tastes and eating trends in the high street, with many items carrying ‘green light’ labelling to help customers make healthy eating choices.

“We’re very proud of the new catering offer and we look forward to serving our customers”.

Full details of weekday National Express East Coast services offering on-board Restaurant services are available in the free timetable at stations and online at www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com. All our trains have an on-board Café Bar offering a range of delicious hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and sweet treats: an at-seat trolley service is also available throughout Standard Class on most trains, while our First Class At Seat menu offers a selection of hot and cold snacks to enjoy from the comfort of your seat.

ENDS

Note to editors:

National Express East Coast operates 95 weekday restaurant services. At railway privatisation in 1996, 66 restaurant services were offered.

The train operator employs over 80 chefs who create freshly prepared, high quality restaurant meals within the small confines of the on-train kitchens.

Eugene McCoy is one of Britain’s most respected restaurateurs with an international profile. He is co-owner of North Yorkshire’s renowned Tontine restaurant and hotel with his brother Tom.

Marcus Bennett is chef proprietor at the Baltic rooftop restaurant in NewcastleGateshead, which offers diners a stunning view of the Tyneside quays and cityscape, with top-class food to match created in association with the McCoy brothers. The restaurant gained an Egon Ronay recommendation in 2004.

For more information contact:
Media Centre

t: 0845 059 3988 or 0845 059 3494
e: media.centre@nationalexpress.com

About National Express East Coast

National Express East Coast operates 137 weekday train services along the East Coast Main Line, linking London King's Cross, the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside, North East England and Scotland, carrying more than 17.4 million passengers a year.

Out of normal office hours (17.30 to 09.00 hours) please call 08700 005151 and ask for the duty press officer to be paged.

Visit the National Express East Coast Media Centre at mediacentre.nationalexpresseastcoast.com for a full image library and press release archive.