Food for thought – but only if you travel first class

Published on Monday 5 January 2009 21:05

RESTAURANT cars have been withdrawn from most National Express east coast trains, with lunch now served only at passengers' seats.

Watchdogs hit out at the cuts by the Scotland-London train operator, which they said had come despite a promise to operate dining cars on most trains.

The changes, from yesterday, mean passengers can now eat in a separate restaurant car on only some 15 morning and evening peak hour trains a day, compared with more than 100 last year.

These include just one southbound morning train and two evening trains from Edinburgh, and seven northbound evening services.

On other trains, first-class passengers will be served at their seats, while standard class passengers can order similar food at the buffet.

Guy Dangerfield, manager of Passenger Focus, the official watchdog, said: "Some passengers will be disappointed there will be fewer traditional restaurant cars on the east coast main line. We are asking why an apparent commitment to provide a restaurant on 87 trains each weekday has been abandoned."

Barry Doe, who produces annual surveys of train catering, said: "My feeling is that this means dining is now for first-class ticket-holders only."

The train operator denied it had made any commitment to the restaurant cars when it took over from GNER in 2007. It said the changes would "bring the best of the restaurant direct to the customer".