I thought I would a short trip report on my recent use of Virgin Trains (VT) to the PCP in Manchester.
Having decided not to drive up I looked for some fares to Manchester and chose VT as my preferred company. As I booked an advanced saver, a 1st class single was just 30 compared to a return of over 100.
Arriving at Euston I soon sought out the VT 1st class lounge which is located upstairs next to the pub but with no lift, means carrying luggage up 2 flights. There is also a coffee lounge beyond the ticket office.
Make no mistake, this is not a Clubhouse. No free booze, no cocktails, no wi-fi etc. etc. There is free tea, coffee, biscuits, fruit etc. Is really just somewhere to sit down away from the drafty concourse. A word of warning though, there is a monitor but no announcements so keep an eye on the time.
The train itself was a pendolino but I forget the name. I remember the BR fiasco of the old APT of the 70's and 80's so was intrigued to see how their much younger cousin fared. The answer is very well. Sitting in the seats, you can barely feel the tilting although the hisses and beeps tell you the system is working. Standing up is a different ball game. A walk along the corridor is an 'interesting' experience requiring the balance of a unicyclist, the grip of a wrestler on the handrails and a strong stomach. Using the toilet is fraught with risk. On the subject of toilet, VT really need to sort the smelly vestibule problem out. They reek!!
Being a weekday 1st, you get hot food. As Breakfast had finished I had the 'hot bowl' option which was Chinese chicken with noodles and bread. In itself the food was good but a bigger portion or seconds are needed. The tea, served in little china cups was superb [y]
The train punctuality was spot on as we left and arrived exactly on time.
Overall an excellent service that has renewed my faith in the railways. Just a shame about the toilet smell.
Having decided not to drive up I looked for some fares to Manchester and chose VT as my preferred company. As I booked an advanced saver, a 1st class single was just 30 compared to a return of over 100.
Arriving at Euston I soon sought out the VT 1st class lounge which is located upstairs next to the pub but with no lift, means carrying luggage up 2 flights. There is also a coffee lounge beyond the ticket office.
Make no mistake, this is not a Clubhouse. No free booze, no cocktails, no wi-fi etc. etc. There is free tea, coffee, biscuits, fruit etc. Is really just somewhere to sit down away from the drafty concourse. A word of warning though, there is a monitor but no announcements so keep an eye on the time.
The train itself was a pendolino but I forget the name. I remember the BR fiasco of the old APT of the 70's and 80's so was intrigued to see how their much younger cousin fared. The answer is very well. Sitting in the seats, you can barely feel the tilting although the hisses and beeps tell you the system is working. Standing up is a different ball game. A walk along the corridor is an 'interesting' experience requiring the balance of a unicyclist, the grip of a wrestler on the handrails and a strong stomach. Using the toilet is fraught with risk. On the subject of toilet, VT really need to sort the smelly vestibule problem out. They reek!!
Being a weekday 1st, you get hot food. As Breakfast had finished I had the 'hot bowl' option which was Chinese chicken with noodles and bread. In itself the food was good but a bigger portion or seconds are needed. The tea, served in little china cups was superb [y]
The train punctuality was spot on as we left and arrived exactly on time.
Overall an excellent service that has renewed my faith in the railways. Just a shame about the toilet smell.
Thanks
Darren
Darren
