First Class Retaurant Car Services | Griddle Car Services | Clotted Cream Teas | Charter Services & Group Bookings

Railway travel offers countless pleasures, but best of all must be dining aboard a steam train. Back in the 1950s, travelers could take their seats in the restaurant cars of crack expresses like the 'South Yorkshireman' and the 'Master Cutler'.

They could become immersed in the thrilling experience of combining good food with excellent service at speed, whilst enjoying the ever absorbing countryside flashing by. As their train ran into a busy platform those people waiting opposite could only enviously regret that they were traveling second class.

Today, on Britain's only main line steam railway, passengers can reserve a table and be wined and dined in similar style, savouring sumptuous first class fare with every detail catered for. So, whether you're old or young, climb aboard, relax, and prepare yourself for an experience without equal.

First Class Restaurant Car Services

Sample our traditional luncheons on Saturday and Sunday or, for a memorable evening, join us for our six-course ‘Charnwood Forester’ menu on Saturday, or our five-course ‘Master Cutler’ menu on most Fridays (during the summer).

During daylight journeys, we pause on Swithland viaduct, with its magnificent views across the reservoir to Charnwood Forest. Evening journeys pause at our preserved Edwardian country station at Rothley, still complete with its original gas lighting.

For an evening of drama and detective work, in addition to a sumptuous five-course meal, join us for ‘Murder’ at the Great Central Railway on selected dates from April through to October.
At 7.00pm, as passengers are waiting to board the Express a foul murder is committed. The murderer must have boarded the train! The drama unfolds during the evening’s heart-stopping journey, but can you work out 'whodunit' before the train returns to Loughborough?

Alternatively, sample one of our Special Restaurant Car Trains, with menus appropriate for those extra special days.

Griddle Car Services

What better way to start the day than with a hearty Great Central All Day Breakfast, with eggs, bacon, Cumberland sausages, black pudding, fried bread, sauté potatoes and tomatoes, all served aboard a steam train. For breakfast connoisseurs, our griddle car service provides this veritable feast all day long.

You'll find these favourites aboard our griddle car, along with a bar serving beers, wines, spirits and hot drinks on most trains. Children's meals are also available.

The Griddle car is available on selected trains, as per the timetable

Clotted Cream Teas & Refreshments

Imagine taking tea on board a famous steam train in the fifties. Now you don't have to. Today on the Great Central Railway you can relive that experience.

Clotted Cream Teas
A giant fruit scone, jam and clotted cream served with a cup of tea.

This is usually available on Griddle Car Services, please order before the train leaves Loughborough.

Charter Services & Group Bookings

Whether you are planning a private party or a business dinner, a Great Central Railway Private Charter can guarantee you a unique and memorable event for up to 100 people. Private dining experiences for small parties and large scale dinners can be accommodated on a range of beautifully restored carriages. The first-class comfort of our Restaurant Cars are matched by the superb menus that our Chefs will plan with you to suit your guests.

Discounts for group bookings are available, please enquire.

The Directors' Saloon

Our Directors’ Saloon, the Arrowvale Belle, is a beautifully restored private carriage which is available for hire for that extra special occasion. Wine and dine your friends and family in style, with your own private steward and personal chef serving buffet style menus through to sumptuous 5 course meals.

Enjoy the exclusive use of this carriage which comfortably seats up to 10 people. The Arrowvale Belle has two seating saloons, one at each end of the carriage, with large observation windows that offer an unparalleled view of the countryside. Attached to our steam hauled first class dining trains, enjoy the exclusive use of this charming carriage for a day to remember.

For all enquiries, please contact our booking office on 01509 230726