Rail-Blue Charters will be operating a circular lunch special on Saturday August the 9th. The train, formed of Cargo-D MkIII first class blue and grey Inter-City vehicles will be an all-dining train, offering a leisurely lunch experience.
In addition, 'Deltic' locomotive 55022 has been booked to haul the train. It's Rail-Blue livery will complement the MkIII blue and grey coaches perfectly. Not only that, we can't recall a Class 55 hauling MkIII carriages before - no doubt someone will put us right!
We will also be offering a first-class only carriage for those who do not wish to partake of lunch. This can be booked for £59.
This train will be one of the first of a brand of 'Executive' trains that will deliver a full first class dining service based on shorter days out that aren't too taxing. Some will be circulars, such as the Hope Valley train, with others having destinations, such as Carlisle or York. In this case, a brunch would be served on the outbound part of the trip and a sumptuous 'afternoon tea' on the return.
The 'Executive' brand has it's roots on this occasion with Inter-City, when, in the mid 1980s, British Rail hit back hard against motorists with an 'Executive' first class package designed to take the businessman out of his car and onto the train. We intend to take the brand a little further! However, it complements the Inter-City MkIII carriages very well.
August 9th's Hope Valley Executive Circular will leave Crewe at around 11.30 and pick up at Warrington Bank Quay, Earlestown and Manchester Victoria, before heading across the picturesque Hope Valley South Pennine route to Sheffield. From there the train heads towards Leeds and turns to head west over the trans-Pennine Standedge route back to Manchester, Warrington and to Crewe, arriving around 18.00.
The cost per person will be £99.
A four course lunch will be served en-route.
If you wish to receive more information about this special lunch charter train or to book a seat, please call reservations on +44 (0) 161 850 0559.
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