GTW’s Emma Parkes and Tracey Carroll enjoy
a nostalgic, steam-driven dining experience VICTORIA STATION ON a sunny Tuesday lunchtime was a hive of activity as Emma Parkes and I eagerly awaited the arrival of the 1940s Mayflower for our first ever steam train journey,” writes Tracey Carroll. “As we walked along platform 2, gazing through the windows of the vintage carriages, we were taken back to a bygone era. “We were warmly welcomed by our charming hostess, Mandy, and seated at a table dressed in spotless
white linen. We were swiftly offered a glass of champagne and sat back to breathe in the ambiance of the wood panelled Pullman carriage. “We sank into our plush wing
backed seats as we pulled out of the station, feeling like royalty with bystanders photographing the charming scene from the platform – plumes of steam passing gently by our window as the industrial landscape slowly changed to more gentler rolling fields as we neared Windsor. “Brunch was served – eggs royale, perfectly presented and followed by tea or coffee – or in our case more champagne! Service again was top class and welcoming as we were lulled by the rhythmic sound of the Mayflower as she powered on to
Windsor, pausing only to take on more water. “If, like us, you have never been on a steam train this would make a fantastic first trip, travelling in style
and making memories, but equally you can travel standard class and
bring a picnic. There are different options to choose from with Steam
Dreams: travelling in Pullman, first or standard class all offering their own
unique steam adventure to suit your budget. “We travelled Pullman style from London Victoria complete with a champagne brunch journeying to Windsor, but other excursions include The Royal Windsor Lunch Tour and The Sunset Steam Express.” n The Steam Dreams Rail Co offers day trips to over 35 destinations and has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2015.

Visit steamdreams.co.uk GTW