1930s Glamour Rolls Back on the Rails This Summer
A new luxury rail experience is set to appear on Britain’s tracks this summer with the launch of Celia, a restored Pullman carriage joining the Belmond British Pullman. The carriage takes its name from a fictional West End actress imagined by film director Baz Luhrmann and designer Catherine Martin. Inspired by 1930s theatre culture, Celia is designed as an intimate, private space rather than a standard passenger carriage.
Celia is housed inside an original 1932 Pullman carriage and will operate as a reception space by day, before shifting into an evening venue with dining, entertainment and a cocktail bar. Access is limited to private bookings, with up to 12 guests at a time. Each event is planned separately, with staff taking care of meals, timing and service on board.
What the Celia carriage includes
The carriage is fitted out to reflect both its heritage and modern expectations, with features designed for private use:
- Lounge, dining and bar areas
- Personal chef, butler and steward
- Custom brunch, lunch or dinner menus
- Guest Experience Curator for event planning
- Private transfers within Greater London
Each booking is tailored, with daytime and evening formats available.
Celia introduces another way to experience Britain’s classic rail journeys, pairing slower travel with a strong sense of place and narrative. British Pullman routes pass through well-known landscapes and historic towns, turning the carriage into a setting for private events, performances or small gatherings. The unhurried schedule allows guests to focus on the journey itself, as well as the destinations reached along the route.
The launch shows continued interest in rail journeys where the experience matters more than speed. With a small number of guests and interiors inspired by classic theatre and 1930s design, Celia focuses on time spent on board rather than rushing between stops. For travellers who value period detail, careful craftsmanship and slower-paced trips, the carriage offers a distinct alternative to modern luxury rail travel.