Great Central Railway’s dining experiences bring together steam-train travel, Leicestershire countryside and local food and drink.
Running between Loughborough and Leicester North, the heritage line offers a changing programme of onboard meals and tastings, from afternoon teas and Sunday lunches to fish and chip suppers, cheese events and wine dinners.
The setting does much of the work: plush seating, white-gloved service, views over Swithland Reservoir and the steady soundtrack of a working steam railway.
Some events celebrate nearby producers. The Rothley Rosé evening, for example, pairs a three-course menu with wines from Rothley Wine Estate, whose vines sit close to the line. Guests taste wines such as High Hopes fizz, King Richard white and Battle Royal rosé alongside seasonal dishes.
Great Central Railway runs afternoon teas, cheese tastings, Sunday lunches, fish and chip suppers and other special dining events.
Food varies by event, but recent highlights noted by GFC writer Tim Burke included duck terrine and a light chocolate cheesecake.
For anyone looking for a relaxed food-and-drink experience with a strong sense of place, Great Central Railway’s dining trains offer a memorable way to see Leicestershire from a different angle.
Visit gcrailway.co.uk for details online.
