Rail Catering
A VIEW FROM THE TRAIN On the right track
Roger Williams is general manager at specialist rail caterers, Rail Gourmet. Here he updates us on lastest developments on Europe’s railways
Biggest news among rail operators is currently the landmark launch of high-speed services between Finland and Russia. The new high speed train service, called Allegro, is now operating between Helsinki in Finland and St Petersburg in Russia run by a joint- venture between Russian railway company RZD and Finland’s state railway company VR. Using a new fleet of trains purchased specifically for the new service the catering on-board is a high-quality offer with complimentary meals provided in First Class and a swish café bar offering a wide range of hot and cold food an drinks in Standard. The catering services are being supplied
by Avecra, Rail Gourmet’s JV company in association with VR. Tiina Nieminen, Avecra’s managing director said: “We are very proud of the new services and had a very successful launch. The number of customers has been higher than forecast. The shorter running time and quality of service has really attracted customers to use this route instead of travelling by plane.” The service is slightly complicated by the border security process which requires for all visas to be checked and the crew have to take stock for customs checks too. However, even this mid-journey break doesn’t stop the new trains completing the trip between the centre of these two great cities of culture in a much faster time than the old Sibelius trains that it replaces. A journey that previously took over five hours now takes just over three hours and delivers passengers directly into the heart of each city and within touching distance of some of the most wonderful architecture, museums, cathedrals, and restaurants you could ever wish to experience. Definitely a journey to add to the list!
First class focus Elsewhere, on the East Coast Main Line – one of the key main line rail routes in the UK - a major change has been introduced to the way
40
www.onboardhospitality.com
A glimpse of the new high-speed Allegro running between Helsinki and St Petersburg.
the operator caters for First Class customers. Operating between London’s Kings Cross station to the north of England and into Scotland, visiting key cities such as Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, the East Coast Main Line has always been synonymous with providing glamour on the rails with famous named trains such as the Flying Scotsman. It has been through a period of management change during recent times, with Directly Operated Railways (a company set up by the UK Department for Transport) taking over the running of this railway and preparing it for a new
franchise operator to take over in the future. One of its tasks has been to regenerate interest in its First Class services and it has worked closely with RG to agree exciting new menus for its new complimentary offer which will be served to seat throughout the First Class. This will replace the need for customers having to walk through to a separate and quite limited restaurant car seating area where it was often difficult to get a seat.
Reducing food miles Product selections and menu formats have been finalised and the new service commenced in May 2011. As well as food quality and local provenance, criteria includes commercial aspects to ensure that the
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52