During our trip to the UK in October 2015 we
bought one-way 1st class train tickets online from London Euston
Station to Birmingham New Street Station with Virgin.
It meant we had access to the 1st
class departure lounge in London and the arrivals lounge in Birmingham.
Euston Station was at the time going
through a renovation, so there were some building sites, but I guess the end
result will be a more beautiful building and better infrastructure.
The Virgin 1st class lounge was
located on the 1st floor, airy, contemporary with some unusual
design elements and colors. We felt welcomed and right at home. It was already
busy, but not noisy.
There was a quiet area to work and a
central point for magazines, newspapers, snacks and drinks, like orange / apple
juice, soft drinks and hot beverages. There were also snacks (biscuits, Uglies
and fruits).
We spent around an hour there, before
making our way to the train. The interior was kept mostly in brown, blue and
some signature Virgin red.
The seats had been already selected for us.
We had a table which could be used/seated by four people.
The air conditioning was over our head and
on full blast, which we didn’t enjoy that much.
The table and one of the seats were unclean
and full of crumbs, but I assume the turnaround times for the train are too
short to properly cleaned by the staff.
The seats were comfortable.
The journey began on time, and we really
liked it, watching the English countryside pass by.
Soon after leaving London behind lunch
service arrived with juices, other cold and hot beverages, beer, wine, snacks,
chocolate and a choice of Mediterranean Vegetable Pastry, Potato and Bacon
Salad and Poached smoked salmon sandwich.
He had the salmon sandwich, while I had the
pastry. Both were good.
We also arrived on time in Birmingham. The journey
had passed very quickly and it was pleasant.
New Street Station was unrecognizable. It
has been completely renovated and looks stunning.
We would take this train trip again.
Service was friendly, the seat comfortable and travel time not too long with
ca. 1.5 hours.
©2016
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