One of the inspirations for the Birmingham2London site was the realisation that most of my friends and colleagues weren't aware of the great service being offered by Chiltern and by its companion company, the Wrexham & Shropshire Railway.
Chiltern, of course, don't offer a First Class service and weren't included in my first week of blogging so it was with great pleasure that I turned up at Moor Street for the 8.15 Clubman to Marylebone this morning.
Moor Street is definitely the nicest and most interesting of the Birmingham and London stations that I frequent, and, of course, is undergoing a further make-over in preparation for the 2011 Chiltern Mainline upgrade. However, Platform 2 can be bleak, and the waiting room, whilst warm and tidy, is rather bare...
As ever, the 8.15 carried a strong commuter flow both to Moor Street and onwards to Solihull. Seats were available but tables were at a premium. Although quieter after Solihull, there was another commuter influx at Warwick Parway and Warwick bound for Leamington and London.
So a busy train but not crowded. No problems for ticket checks nor for the refreshment trolley. The power points worked ok, the toilets were ok, and the train ran comfortably to time. For a return fare of £31.90 and a reasonable arrival time in London of 10.27, what more could one ask?
Came back on the 11.20 Wrexham & Shropshire service to Leamington Spa which, as it is followed by the 11.24 Chiltern service to Moor Street, gives a 130 minute journey between the two cities.
There is no doubt that the W & S 'spoil' their standard class passengers. The refurbished coaches give plenty of room around the numerous tables aligned to the large windows (with curtains), the toilets are the best of the standard class provision, and the buffet service is superb. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere quiet and comfortable.
Had the sausage and bacon bap (excellent value at £3.75) along with tea and Welsh cakes. The freshness was certainly a contrast to the ok but rather packaged offerings from the Virgin Shop yesterday - and the availability of the buffet was announced!
Leamington station waiting room is fine but rather drab. One wonders why the owning train companies don't adorn their waiting rooms with bright posters or other artwork.
The Chiltern Clubman onto Birmingham was quiet, and ran to time... another successful day of travel!
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Waiting rooms would be a lot better if use of white or grey was simply banned. More or less any otehr colour woudl be better.
ReplyDeleteBest waiting room I've experienced: Newark North Gate. It's like sitting in your living room, with tea and chocolate brownies available.