Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails
Transport for Wales (TfW) is set to introduce a new premium food experience onboard its First Class train services from 7 April. This initiative, created in collaboration with acclaimed Welsh chef James Sommerin, will run for eight weeks on routes connecting Cardiff with Holyhead and Manchester. The limited edition is a fusion of fine dining and public transport that brings contemporary Welsh cuisine to the rarely esteemed dining public transport side.
The partnership marks a notable shift in how regional train services cater to passenger needs. Instead of snacks and light meals, First Class will deliver meals created by a Michelin-starred chef. The menu focuses on local produce and is a capsule of modern culinary thinking in Wales. The aim is to enhance the quality of long-distance rail travel and offer passengers a unique, restaurant-standard experience while onboard.
Travellers will be able to enjoy dishes such as braised Welsh feather blade of beef with shallot and Blaenafon cheddar crumb, a seaweed egg custard paired with fresh crab and apple salad, and a rich dark chocolate fondant accompanied by Merlin and orange cream. Every dish is created to keep flavour and quality intact while in transit so you can enjoy food of high class. Passengers can choose between two courses for £24.95 or three for £27.95, with wine available as an optional extra.
Beyond the menu, TfW has also extended its catering scope to include freshly prepared and sustainable food all at a brand new kitchen in Newport of its own. To make the First Class offering more accessible, TfW has also partnered with Seatfrog, a platform that allows passengers to upgrade seats through bidding, opening up fine dining opportunities to a wider group of travellers at competitive prices.
This development signifies more than just improved meals—it reflects a broader trend of rail operators redefining what train travel can offer. For travellers, it means longer journeys can now be something to savour rather than endure. With the integration of quality cuisine, Welsh identity, and sustainable practices, TfW is elevating rail travel into a more appealing and experience-driven option for both leisure and business passengers.
