Saturday 7th August

Following on from last Sunday's Virgin Weekend First experience, I took the opportunity to try out the Wrexham and Shropshire equivalent today.

I left Snow Hill on the 7.52 Chiltern Clubman service. Unsurprisingly, very quiet compared to its Monday-Friday 7.45 equivalent so plenty of tables, all with working sockets! No catering trolley of course... Train ran happily to time to Banbury.

Had to drop off at Banbury so re-started my journey south on the 9.50 Clubman / Class 165 train. Despite the fact that Chiltern was extending the journey time due to Mainline project works (see below), there were numerous passengers crowding onto the Clubman portion at Banbury so I joined the rear 165 set. Not brilliant for working in as no tables nor power points. Glad I don't commute on these sets...

The train continued to get busier at Bicester and Haddenham and Thame Parkway, and again at Aylesbury and Harrow on the Hill after reversal at Princess Risborough. Due to the reversals, the timing was a shade under 2 hours so not ideal when compared to the normal hour or so from Banbury but at least the service ran to time.

The 12.18 Wrexham and Shropshire was waiting and passengers were allowed on around 12 noon. No reservations on the train due to the changed timings but this didn't seem to matter as the loading looked lightish. I confirmed that Weekend First was available so found a table in the relatively busy First Class coach.

Complimentary coffee served in a coffee pot with milk in a jug before departure, accompanied by biscuits and papers. A refurbished set was being used so power points available BUT no Wi-Fi (apparently the boxes are working reliably as yet). As ever, the staff were friendly and attentive.

Departure from Marylebone on time for a quick run to Neasden Junction where the train reversed onto the Dudding Hill Freight Line so that it could reverse again at Acton and so access the West Coast Main Line from Euston to Birmingham.

Lunch was offered so I choose Mushroom Soup with a warm roll along with Roast Vegetable with Wensleydale Bake and salad from the fairly extensive menu. Both were nicely served and delicious, and accompanied by orange juice and coffee - certainly a very pleasant way to pass the gentle timing of 2hours and 24 minutes to Tame Bridge Parkway!

I had hoped that the meal was included in the Weekend First upgrade price of £15 and indeed nothing on the Menu seemed to indicate that this wasn't the case. However, it turned out to cost me £12.50...

Nevertheless, compared to the First Single walk-on fare of £70, the upgrade with meal was reasonable value at £43.50 (arrived at by including £16 for the outward half of the £32 walk-on standard class return fare). NOTE that on a 'normal' Saturday, an Advance Single First Class fare of £35 is available which does include the meal.

Still impressed by the Wrexham and Shropshire service but it needs to get its Wi-Fi sorted out and it needs to be clearer about Weekend Fares on its website and in its printed publicity.