The Vintage Treat

Enjoy a Treat onboard The Vintage Train

Prosecco & Summer Berry Eton Mess

Step back in time on selected weekends and enjoy a special treat onboard The Vintage Train.

Dating back to the 19th century, Eton mess is a landmark British dessert consisting of whipped cream, crumbled meringue, strawberries, or other fruits. First mentioned in print in 1893, it is commonly believed to originate from Eton College and is served at the annual cricket match against the pupils of Harrow School.

Enjoy a round trip on ‘The Old Gents Saloon’ this summer, taking in a piece of film history with the Saloon featured in 1970 family favourite ‘The Railway Children’. While travelling along the Worth Valley, our attentive waiting staff will serve you a delicious Eton Mess and a glass of Prosecco.

Dates

No upcoming dates

The Old Gents Saloon

The coach was withdrawn from traffic in 1969 and purchased for preservation by Society Member John Dawson. It found fame as the “Old Gentleman’s” carriage in the 1970 EMI feature film The Railway Children. In the 1990s, ownership of the coach passed to Chris Lawson, who paid for British Rail Engineering Ltd at York to restore the carriage to its LNER condition.

Due to its age, the coach was used sparingly on the KWVR during the following years, mainly for private parties and vintage train days when cream teas were occasionally served.

Latterly, the coach has been reunited with the story of “The Railway Children,” taking on its role as the “Old Gentleman’s” carriage for both the Waterloo Station and Kings Cross productions of the story in London.

The treat

Summer Berry Eton Mess

  • Fresh Raspberries, Strawberries & Blackberries
  • Crushed Meringue Pieces
  • Freshly Whipped Double Cream

A glass of prosecco or orange juice

  • A supplement per person, you will be required to have a travel ticket.
  • Book online in advance or on the day at a Booking Office
  • No dietary options are available.

Restricted Accessibility

The very nature of the vintage carriages fleet is that the coaches come from an age where access for disabled passengers was not a priority. Therefore, as the vehicles are restored to their original condition, those wishing to travel onboard our vintage train and have a disability may have difficulty boarding it.

The only way to board the ‘Old Gents Saloon’ is by stepping onto the carriage from the Platform, a ramp cannot be used.

In addition, Accessiblity passengers with wheelchairs or motorised ‘buggies’ should be aware that the nature of the coaches means there is nowhere to store them on the train, except in the guard’s van. Please speak to a station staff member who may be able to assist.