Don't waste you money on First Class. LNER Edinburgh to London. First Class on the AZUMA

[@itismepetr]

Hi Dale, just came across your YT channel and this video. Reminded me of me working for Rail Gourmet at Euston station several years ago. I made a couple of journeys on former Virgin Trains up to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. Always travelled in low cost classes as I knew what kind of catering stuff we were delivering on board. Remember my trip to Glasgow having two bottles of nice Czech Pilsner Urquell bottled beer and home made sandwiches with me. The service was not really busy as far as I can remeber. Having that four-seats with a table just for myself. It was the same like traveling in 1st Class. Just sitting back and enjoying my time on train. Greetings from Brno, Czech Rep. Nice videos you have on your YT channel. Keep it up.

[@peterashby0410]

I've had the "pleasure" of using the LNER first class lounge in Edinburgh and London Kings Cross, as well as the true pleasure of accessing the Avanti west coast lounge at Glasgow. Arriving there from the Caledonian sleeper to see some delicious chocolate chip banana bread, and in my opinion was the best first class lounge I've seen. Hello from Peterborough.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I did like the lounge in Edinburgh, it was comfy and quiet. Ok the food and drinks options were limited but it did the job

[@kthgodw1]

You travel more in a week than I have in the last 10 years! LUL are paying you too much. Very enjoyable videos - thanks.

[@pewdiepiebro35]

Your face when you looked at the bacon roll is honestly exactly how I'd react LMAO. They couldnt even pay for the butter? Depressing.

[@iantaf5559]

Can't say I was impressed with the first-class coach you sat in, Dale. Whole area looked very spartan, wouldn't fancy sitting on a seat like that four 4.5 hours. The standard class in the good old Mk IIf used by Intercity West Coast were better appointed inside.

[@THEOMD57]

Greetings from Greece. 1st class lounge seems cozy !

[@curtw8827]

Thanks for another trip, editing just right

[@evelynsutton4411]

l have travelled this route many times, and the most comfortable was on the old fashioned chartered trains with the Herts Rail Club. Huge squashy seats, toilets all wallpaper and polished wood and proper old fashioned locks! The modern trains don't hold a candle to this old stock. Those were the days!

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Just goes to show new is not always better

[@evelynsutton4411]

​@@dalecharmantravels8057l know that you are into aeroplanes so hope this is not too out of place . . . You remember that the cockpits of old were full of dials and meters that the pilots had to read and manage manually, well the Embraers that started at London City had little television screens where information was displayed. These used to get hot, so to cool them down they had little fans. One day one of the fans stopped working, so the flight had to be grounded till it was repaired. Another case of progress . . .

[@michaellittlejohns7968]

Great video dale

[@drashp]

Used to regularly do York -Waverley on the East coast main line. £10 upgrade to 1st. Worth it just for the leather recliners. But free tea and biscuits too. Nothing has got better over time. Love the honesty. I travel vicariously now so I've always got the best seat. Not sure I could manage your schedule, it is fun to watch though.

[@AaronD_]

Nice review Dale! You say you live in Peterborough, do you commute all the way from there to your Tube Job? That seems quite a large commute 🥲

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I do yes. I drive to Cockfosters every day. It’s 150 mile round trip

[@AaronD_]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 That is some commitment! You must get back quite late on those late shifts!

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Generally I am home between 0200-0300. Some times a little earlier but not often

[@Sozbear]

I've genuinely never had a problem with LNER first class. By far the best offering that I;ve come across on a long distance British train. I'd pay it simply to have more space and a less frantic environment, let alone the food, which I consider to be a perk rather than something I'd specifically book for. Added to which unless there's a notable bargain fare available I always use SeatFrog for my first class seats so don't pay the full fare anyway.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I wouldn’t say they are bad. Depending on the price can make it worth the upgrade. Based on that trip and that price I didn’t feel it gave value for money

[@robelvery]

Hiya Dale. I always enjoy your videos particularly the Piccadilly Line cab rides and railway themed videos. I'm more in the train set than the jet set! 😂 Sorry to hear you didn't have a very good experience with LNER's first class. I normally rate their on board hospitality quite highly. Last time I went to Edinburgh with them I had a full English breakfast albeit a small portion but ample I thought for a breakfast. If I remember rightly we also had a sandwich in the afternoon as well as ample drinks and other snacks. I know Azuma seats aren't that comfortable but at least in first class they are more bearable than in standard. I notice lately the headrests seemed to have disappeared from the seats. Someone informed me they are being replaced with something a bit more comfortable. Not sure if that's the case or not. My favourite trains on the ECML are the Class 91/225 sets. They still operate between KGX and Leeds and KGX and York. They give a much smoother ride and have much more comfortable seats in both first and standard. Maybe you could do a trip to Leeds or York for a video review? As far as the ticket cost goes I'm surprised LU staff don't get a discount on National Rail services.

[@thesloaneranger1]

If you think walking to the front of a train at Waverly is tough, try running with a hangover lol! Im originally from Edinburgh, but the only other walk to rival yours would be the front train departing from platform 15 at Glasgow Central...... when that platform is announced, you can hear the audible groans of the passengers around you lol! As an extra bonus, its was nice to see the Class 37-hauled inspection train at Newcastle :)

[@IVA4651]

did I just see a class 810 at Newark Northgate if so, is it in service or not apart from that great video Dale love your videos can't wait for new ones

[@pewdiepiebro35]

Planning my trip down south for Christmas this year as a student, Stirling to Kings Cross Direct train. Was tempted to go up to first class but after watching this, naff. Probably will get the megabus back up to! Clubcard vouchers gotta be used for something

[@jamesrichardson4458]

Thinks Dale foe another great video mate.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

You are most welcome

[@principalsignal]

Another very helpful insight - thank you for such a good video, despite your not having slept well on the way up to Edinburgh. I haven't used that route in maybe 9 or 10 years - I think the operator was GNER back then - with the 225s and the big, comfy solo seats in 1st class and a decent at-seat offering. How times change! For the journeys I make nowadays, I tend to use Avanti West Coast, and they, too, are rather poor (and incredibly expensive) in comparison with their predecessor, Virgin Trains. I can no longer justify paying for 1st class, as I don't perceive there is sufficient value for money; instead, I tend to book Standard Premium instead, if only to get a solo seat when travelling alone - but that's an extra £30+ for not very much... no at-seat service, no lounge use, no complimentary food/drinks/newspapers, etc. As you have observed yourself, post-pandemic offerings from many firms seem to have followed a trend of supplying less but charging more for what you get, sometimes a lot more - not just on the railways, but in so many areas of everyday life! Anyway, it's time for me to climb down from my soapbox and to thank you once again for a very enjoyable video!

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I think GNER was the last real first class train experience on that route. It’s all down hill now

[@Blade_Daddy]

Love your travel videos. And, of course, your tUber videos.

[@steveastill997]

great video dale I agree with you on the price a bit steep maybe get a better deal on split ticketing safe onward journey

[@brianball2002]

Great video again Dale. Just in case I missed it in the video, what would the economy price have been for us menial peasants?

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I didn’t actually mention it. Sorry. I think as an advance it was around half the price. Advance tickets can vary from one train to another. I would imagine the walk up fare would be a lot

[@johnallan4826]

The benefits of the lounge is all in your head, a “free coffee and biscuits” can be bought cheaper at the cafe, and you have a Greggs at the stairway. Same on board, a couple of free teas, and a warm up plate if you’re lucky. Could be so great, if it was done properly, like a buffet breakfast in the lounge, and free beer on board

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

I find that train companies don't operate the same lounge standards as seen at airports.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

The lounge was acceptable in my opinion. Some fizzy drinks wouldn’t go a miss. But it’s some where comfortable to sit if nothing else

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 The above comment may refer to the domestic BA lounge at LHR where passengers can avail themselves of a hot breakfast (if flying Y as BA would normally serve a cooked breakfast for domestic CE).

[@ThamesShips]

Great review. I totally agree that the LNER first class catering declined after Covid. Before that, you were able to have good breakfasts in the morning or decent food at other times of the day and the same menu was available on all the services. Now, the food you have depends on the service that you are travelling on. I also agree that the 225 sets have better seats than the Azumas but believe they only operate on the London to Leeds route now. I know everyone is different but I prefer travelling in the direction of travel and always amend my seat on the LNER website if they don't give me a forward facing one to start with. I know you more about travelling from Peterborough station than I do but there was one thing that I found out in the past. Although the LNER website does not list Peterborough as having a first class lounge, in the past I have been able to pick up a voucher from the station reception and this entitled first class passengers to use the lounge at the hotel over the road from the station entrance. I don't know if this is still the case now though.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I believe you can still use the Great Northern Hotel as the first class lounge. Not some thing I have ever tried

[@itismepetr]

22:36 Nice view from the train at Arsenal stadium.

[@jamesmartin746]

Hope you enjoyed Edinburgh!

[@ElizabethMckay-x2t]

Hello Dale, must feel a tad strange, you not driving the train, but seeing familiar places.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It’s nice not having to worry about passengers. Let some on else do the work

[@RoamingAdhocrat]

I used to commute occasionally on the Caledonian Sleeper. I somewhat miss it

[@deathpod1975]

Thanks for Video Dale. That Bacon Roll looked all wrong, I think I would prefer a Feasters or a Rustlers. Lumo are supposed to be decent, but limited stops so they can get the track access plus they have to sneak around the back of York. As you so good to use I think you should try the Aberdeen to Penzance on Cross Country lol. All the best.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I do want to try both LUMO and the Aberdeen to Penzance service. Some thing for next year maybe

[@richardmorgan4485]

Thanks. I enjoyed that does anyone know how many driver changes on this route?

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

If I was to guess it was one change. It used to be a London driver could only go as far as Newcastle and back. So assuming it’s still the same the driver from Edinburgh would have got off and taken a train back north

[@richardmorgan4485]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 Thank you Dale

[@TheBadCivilServant]

Thank you for the brownie, Dale. It was delicious. As a Canadian living in Florida, my American co-workers are always asking me for “special” Canadian brownies.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I won’t ask what’s in the special brownies 🤣🤣

[@mukeshvig174]

Looking at LNER, I miss the East Coast and Virgin trains. They had quality about them and standards were high, even when the East Coast trains being not that new. The First Class at LNER looks anything but First Class, it's more like how government controlled trains are run. They're camafloucging an ordinary train, seating and environment with a so-called Free food menu ! London Edinburgh is an important sector but with falling standards and lack of competition, it's becoming more ordinary service in England. Compare to the trains in Europe, England, the country with the oldest rail history, is now badly trailing behind. When I'm in London, I love to use the train for travel to Scotland but this el-cheapo culture will be driving consumers away to flights and driving instead, to how it started ! Thanks for showcasing, Dale.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

I've seen others' videos of this route, Dale, but your version was a refreshing change. Personally as a single traveller I would take first class because of the solo seat. But for a family (two adults + two children) using a Family Railcard it would be better to book a four seats around a table and of course it would cost less. I wonder if the catering standards have been cut back to save money ? I mean when LNER took over its first class onboard catering was praised.

[@TikTokBrian]

Great video, Dale. The seats on these new trains are called ironing boards ... which describes them well. First class are OK but standard numb the bum. Oh, and I'm sure the disabled toilets on the HSTs all had faulty door locks. They would often open even when definitely locked from the inside. You had to jam your foot against the door which wasn't easy 😂

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Most modern trains now have the iron board seats. Not great especially for the price they charge

[@thisis_mudchute]

none lf the 80x trains have ironing boards

[@Grid56]

The best seats round us are the Northern 158s, they still have deep cushions.

[@ElizabethWilliams-k3i]

HEY Dale. I would say the best part of the trip was the lounge. It looked nice . I like that you could look out of the windows and see the trains and people watch. Thanks again g.

[@jonsworkshop]

Hi Dale, good honest review. Found your channel last week, I am recovering from an operation and your tube journeys with your wit have got me through mate, thank you. I am originally from Lincoln myself (live in Scotland now), so I am guessing you went to NK or RP school? Your accent was instantly recognisable to me lol. You can take the boy out of Lincoln but you can't take Lincoln out of the boy!!!! Cheers, Jon

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Hey it’s great to have you with us. I wish you a speedy recovery. I actually went to Branston Community College as it was known back then

[@stevepayne2260]

Enjoyed watching your excellent video. I was going to ask if you are a Lincoln Lad, noticed, you mention Branston college. I was born in Lincoln.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I was born in Boston and moved to just out side Lincoln at the end of the 80s

[@johnallan4826]

The last time I think I went first class was the morning of 7/7, had to get off at watford. The journey to Euston on a standard train was scary. Been in the lounge but only for a sleeper journey

[@markdavies5662]

The moment i saw you step over the Hitachi threshold, I thought, "This doesn't bode well."

[@Grid56]

I agree with a previous post. The only reason I ever buy First Class is the solo seat and supposedly no standing. I don't think I've ever used the lounge facilities.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It’s the first time I tried the lounge. It’s ok for some comfy seating and a free coffee

[@alanjones923]

Thank you, great video as always. Would you ever fancy driving a mainline train? Do you drive for Thames Link?

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I applied for mainline a couple of times but failed the structured interview. I used to work for Thameslink but not as a driver

[@kenlacey2451]

He’s a tube driver you muppet

[@richardp7743]

At 10:50 I thought you were about to undo your belt 😅 Great video as always

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Hahaha no one wants to see that 🤣🤣

[@2010ditta]

I'll stick with "us lot" in 2nd class Dale I think. And you went backwards as well. Ooh no! Nice view from the lounge at Waverley though. All the best.

[@benjaminhoward-buck8075]

Have you done the night Rivera to penzance? And if not do you plan to do it?

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I have done it. I will do it again at some point maybe next year

[@jonathanparry9505]

Dale, how do you enjoy travelling as a passenger on a train?

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I do assuming it’s not the same old route. I enjoyed my trip last year in Sweden and more recently in the USA. All new scenery to enjoy

[@NJPurling]

Dale: You should have gone & found the Greggs shop & scored a sausage roll, Danish Pastry & a coffee. Sorry that you didn't get much sleep on the supposed 'sleeper' train. I hope that you got more sleep than I would on the way between Kings X and Uxbridge.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I’m not a lover of Greggs. Plus I am too tight to waste my money. When I could waste it on a flight 🤣🤣

[@MarkE-ICM0-4001]

The hispeed train looks wonderful. Very expensive 100 pounds. What about the second class? Nice video Dale

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I don’t recall how much standard was when I booked. Around half the price I think

[@smogmonster1876]

Hi Dale. Yeah First class on LNER isn’t worth the extra tbh. The seats are a bit comfier but not by much and the service is rubbish. I didn’t mind the food tbh when I traveled from Edinburgh to Darlington in June 2024 but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. My food was certainly enjoyable and there was enough for me. Hope you enjoyed Hong Kong and see you on the Tube next time. Safe travels Dale.

[@Sozbear]

Usually find the service to be very good. Funny how people's views and expectations differ.

[@danielpiggins8429]

The only reason I bother with first class on that route is for the more comfortable seat. Yes as first class seat go. These are dreadful and shouldn't really be allowed to be associated with the first class product, but the standard class seats on these terrible new trains are absolutely abysmal things and anything more than an hour in one and I'm good for nothing when I get to the other end I think your thoughts, views, and comments are absolutely spot on and well done for being honest enough to share them with us lot and indeed anyone else who cares to look in

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It’s such a shame as first class on that line used to be great. Good food fantastic big comfy seats

[@danielpiggins8429]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 I remember well. The decline started when they got rid of the paid restaurant service and went for a complimentary offering with portions that wouldn't satisfy my friend's 10-year-old who was tiny. And then we got these cheap government spec trains which could easily be made so much better with a change of interior and better on-board service Much as the airport routine is wearism, I now do London to Scotland and return on EasyJet who at least run on time and sell a decent sandwich and all in a comfortable seat

[@TikTokBrian]

@@dalecharmantravels8057I agree!!

[@leomoore6117]

Hi Dale hope your well this upcoming Weekend Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September piccadilly Line no 🔕 🔇 service between South Harrow and Uxbridge can you film 😀 from Cockfosters or Acton Town straight up to South Harrow and why do you know is the Metropolitan planned Closured all weekend ?

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Sorry I am not working the weekend I am in leave. Not sure what works they are doing on the met line. We don’t tend to be told.

[@markpunt9638]

That’s really sad to see the quality of food and drink on board.I still remember the days when you’ve got a decent mixed grill and a glass of something half decent.😢

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

They do have different menus for different trains. Apparently the other menus are better

[@raynoldchow]

I travel Doncaster for work every month and I found the environment on the Azuma wasn't great. I tried order a bap on the train for lunch one time and was quite expensive and like you said, quite distasteful.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It’s such a shame to see what it has become on that line

[@MM0IMC]

Towards the end, the carriage seemed to get quite noisy! 😮

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

There was an old couple celebrating a birthday so the crew was making a fuss of them. Which was nice. The noise didn’t bother me

[@garybroadhurst3548]

Did you travel at weekend? You normally get a full breakfast at that time I think, on weekdays. That's a lot better than the bacon roll. Not the best, but still good. Also, did you try the exclusive "Hop On Board" ale? Again, not the nicest but... "free" beer!

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

This was a Tuesday morning. I didn’t try any alcohol. A little early for me

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Dale. I don't use trains for travel, but I have heard from other KZbinrs' travel videos that British trains are not very comfortable. I was intrigued to learn that you live in Peterborough; how does your commute into London work for you when you work on the Piccadilly Line - or do you have a pied de terre in London?

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

In general European rail is now emulating commercial aviation by reducing space so as to fit more seating to boost revenue. It's noticeable in Spain now that Renfe is not operating a new and so-called flagship Talgo mainline train which is *five* across in standard (2-3) and *four* across in first class (2-2).

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I drive to work every day. It’s about 150 miles round trip. I wouldn’t say leg room is an issue on the trains ( well not for me) it’s the seat backs they are hard and more vertical than they used to be. ( I believe it’s for safety in and accident). That’s what makes them uncomfortable for me

[@debbie3923]

That has surprised me for LNER! I think my only question would be how bad are the standard seats if that’s first class?! I’m sorry it wasn’t what you were expecting from previous experience but parts of the scenery at least looked stunning. As always, thanks for sharing.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Like most things now days they reduced the service because of Covid and just left it at the bare minimum but charge more for it

[@TikTokBrian]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 You’re absolutely right. Fares on the East Coast Main Line are a LOT higher than they used to be. Even Peterborough to London (which is my route) is a good three times the price it was a few years ago and at least double pre-covid. The complimentary food is a slimmed down and simplified version of what it used to be. At least it still exists. I rarely travel on GWR but I went to Bristol first class a few years ago and you got free coffee but only if you went to the café bar to get it.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I wish some one would bring back the golden age of first class travel. I don’t mean candle light and 3 course meals. Just make it different. I think it was GNER who had table lamps at each first class table. Good service. Even a well made sandwich can make it worth paying the extra for

[@debbie3923]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 Exactly! Call me old-fashioned but that's exactly what first class should mean! I've found recently when I've travelled by train first class is it's literally the difference between having a guaranteed seat or not, which is not first class in my mind, oh and not forgetting the odd doily thing on the head rest, which does not trick my bottom and back into thinking this is a more comfortable seat!

[@danielpiggins8429]

Short answer to your question is terrible

[@tomp6792]

Good video, shame about the service as I thought LNER were meant to have one of the better first class experiences, oh well. On another note, am fairly certain I’ve been on one of your trains these evening (Sunday 22/09, around 7pm going from Acton Town to Heathrow, well I got off at Hounslow Central)

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Some people have said if I had the dine or dash menu it’s much better. I guess a good excuse to try it again next year. I hope you enjoyed my driving 🤣

[@tomp6792]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 Went perfectly well thank you, knew I was in safe hands from your videos 👍 Didn’t know you were a Yellowbelly until now either, not too far from where I’m from

[@Slycockney]

Great video Dale, thank you. That bacon roll looked like it could have done with some sort of burial service.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

The bacon was ok. Just generally a poor way to serve it. A small baguette with a few rashes of bacon would at least give the illusion of quality

[@jasonburnet]

I use to travel LNER first class regularly between Stevenage and Lincoln. I do have to say generally it’s probably not worth it, however for a 1h30 journey as it is to Lincoln I didn’t think it was so bad, and is only £10 or so different if you got a ticket in decent time. But I definitely wouldn’t bother going up to Edinburgh first class I don’t think!

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It’s not just LNER all the long distant train journeys have had the first class offerings watered down while putting the prices up

[@AlfaRomeo128]

is there anyway we can ask tfl to rise your salary? Please inform us for your great and generous videos

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

If only 🤣🤣

[@JohnFloydPhotography]

if you get the services with the "dine" or "dish" option its definitely worth it. a proper hot meal, plus "dine" is cooked by a chef

[@andrewwilson6240]

So that explains that. I have thought for a while that this accent is a bit London but a bit line North Midlands (like mine)!

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I am a bit of a mongrel when it comes to my accent. I have a bit of every thing 🤣

[@Alan.92n]

Hoping you'd get a bacon roll after missing out on the Sleeper. Sorry you didn't enjoy it! I've travelled 1st Class a few times from Alnmouth to Kings Cross & found meals not too bad! Believe me Standard for 4 hours is worse! Didn't know about 1st Class lounge at Edinburgh, looked ok. Also I try when booking to face forwards, as hate travelling backwards, especially for 4 hours! Have a good flight, looking forward to future vlogs, always interesting & informative. 😊 👍

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

In the end I waited to eat until I got in the Cathay Pacific lounge at Heathrow. Much better food

[@user-ex4go1hp2h]

The quality of first class is certainly better when it is a 'Dish' service

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I will give that a try at some point just to see how much of a difference it makes

[@user-ex4go1hp2h]

​@@dalecharmantravels8057Admittedly I've only flown once in my life and don't regularly go in first class on trains so my expectation for first class might be different to yours! Dish provided a good hot meal.

[@herschell64]

I honestly don't mind the seats in first class on LNER or the food though I'm usually on trains that have either the Dish or Deli menu but I've had the Dine menu before and think it's the best menu but due to living in the north east of Scotland I only get that menu when I'm on holiday

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

The seats are not the worst but when you compare them to what you got on the old trains they are a world apart

[@Theozpilot93]

So you live in Peterborough and commute to Cockfosters for work? That’s a long commute of a day!

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I do yes. I drive it. As no trains home when I finish work. It’s 150 mile round trip

[@Theozpilot93]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 I take my hat off to you, that’s commitment my man.

[@mazybee9149]

I'm visiting a friend so will be getting this train. You said it's not worth buying first class?

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It all depends on how much you pay. If it’s only a few pounds more then it’s worth it. However some times it’s well over double the price and not worth that

[@rhodaborrocks1654]

At first I wondered about that perfect square cloud in the sky, but then I realized that you were being followed by a Mysteron, Captain Scarlet must have been on the train as well. Last time I rode on a train over that distance it was all British Rail, but then the last time I rode on the District Line it was on the old "R" stock trains, so yes, was a long time ago. Interesting video though, nice to see what you get for your money so thank you.

[@oober2004]

Red sauce?? Brown, surely, Dale??! 😮

[@kenlacey2451]

Up to him 🤡

[@oober2004]

@@kenlacey2451 Syntax isn't your strong point I see... 🤦🤣

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I did have some ketchup.

[@Mubstransportforlondon]

How was your journey towards king cross

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It was uneventful and on time

[@Mubstransportforlondon]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 I feel bad for you go though that

[@Mubstransportforlondon]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 when can I come on your Piccadilly line train

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

No need to feel bad. It’s all an experience and I am grateful to be able to do these types of things

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Any time you like. However I can’t accommodate you in the cab I am afraid. Apologise

[@Randomnobody126]

You should’ve went into Glasgow and went on the Glasgow subway

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Maybe that’s some thing for next year

[@craigyphelan]

What was the app u was using for the train speed

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It’s just a Speedo app. I have a couple of free ones I use. When they work

[@richcolour]

If LNER was as crowded as Lumo then First Class would be worth considering - and only if it was around £10 more than standard class. There's really no need to use it. I travelled once in First Class, and that's only because it happened to be cheaper than standard at the time (some promotion at the time). I got a single seat, but saw four men in suits sat around a table. They weren't together, so what's the point in paying more to be squashed in with people you don't know? Food was a sandwich and some nuts. But I always bring my own snacks and drink, so it's not much of a benefit. Sometimes I buy a tea on LNER, which they bring to your seat. In conclusion, LNER First Class is huge waste of money, but at least it keeps the suits away from our standard coaches :D

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It really comes down to cost. I have taken first class from my home town in to London for a few pounds more. Which for the extra comfort and a free coffee is acceptable.

[@kenlacey2451]

You do realise they are a business not a charity 🤡

[@arjansandhuynwa9117]

Ah this is the day i met yourself at Heathrow on your trip to Hong Kong?

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It was. It was a pleasure chatting with you

[@arjansandhuynwa9117]

@@dalecharmantravels8057 Same here!

[@PerthLuxury]

I have a trip from Edinburgh Waverley to London coming up via LNER Azuma and we were debating First Class or not, thanks for the great vid at exactly the right time

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It’s such a shame because first class used to be great on that route. Like every thing prices go up and service goes down. The only advantage for a solo traveler is no seat mate. Plus free WiFi

[@PerthLuxury]

@dalecharmantravels8057 bit of a shock for us Aussies, we aren't used to the whole class system apart from The Indian Pacific, The Ghan and a few other overland trains. Also, as I'm from Perth, so I'd always be happy to swap my summer for your winter, especially when it's 40+ degrees here hahaha lol

[@camotech1314]

Those train brownies are usually nice. That bacon roll looked gross though.

[@KGSELD]

Hi sir kagiso from south Africa i see the video here but my concern is the catering not good at all its not first class standard when i read other comments here i see some ppl say before covid pandemic it was good food i guess maybe the company has cut costs

[@piccadillyline9765]

Just be thankful you didn't get the two crumpets on the deli menu. Got to admit the first class offerings are abysmal on LNER.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

They should really make it more of an experience with full meals on board

[@jamesbutler6253]

Now I know why every Swede complains about first class lounges and trains in the UK when they come home. They are awful, dated, and very expensive compared to what we have in Sweden. That lounge at Waverley looks like the Peel Bar at Hendon police college in the 80s.

[@devotedh]

Like everything else about the Hitachi trains, from the first class lounge at Waverley to the train itself,the offering is piss poor for a long distance travel, better to drive or fly now.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I much prefer the older trains. Especially the HSTs

[@neiltaylor6645]

It’s like sitting on ironing boards not much better than standard class the old 225 were so much better I went from Peterborough on a 225 to London which all I got was a bacon role and orange juice on the return on the azuma the previous two trains were cancelled so 3 lots of passengers on one train and we did not get any grub

[@simonf8902]

Skip to 6: 00 for train bit.

[@antharro]

None of the 800-series trains are particularly good. I'm sure they're technically competent - they are Japanese - but the interiors and service leave a lot to be desired as is common on most modern trains. Use LNER's InterCity 225s while we still have them, and if you're in the west country or Scotland, enjoy the HSTs while we still have them.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

HSTs are my personal favourite long distance trains

[@robdlaidler]

Those bacon sandwiches are more like cardboard. It doesn’t matter whether you travel first class or in standard class, they are all the same.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It wasn’t just so much the bacon but for first class 2 rashes of bacon on a dry roll is just bad

[@stephenrice4554]

Good advice , I've always found first class a bit of a con , never lives up to expectations whereas 2nd class lives where it is . , as long as there's a buffet . Another good edition of ' roving with Dale ' 👍

[@secretchauffeur]

A tad dissappointed you dont acknowledge some of my comments which i only give if i feel they are of interest. Youve clearly acknowledged later comments so i take it maybe your not interested because im only a subscriber but havent paid to join? I mentioned in this video the Flat Crossing at Newark which as a driver i thought would interest you.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I get lots and lots of messages and as I have said many times I can’t reply to them all. If you look through you will see I do respond to people and not only members.

[@btt8111]

You could have got off the train at Peterborough. Closer to home... 😉

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

It was cheaper to go through to London. Plus an excuse to go to Heathrow as that’s closer than traveling back to Peterborough. 🤣🤣

[@peterwhitaker4038]

never really understand the concept of first class. oh i can afford it believe me, but never do it. train goes same way. same destination, same speed...just for the sake of a croissont and coffee or FREE CRISPS at a lounge and a bit of scran on the journey while others are paying less and still eating the much needed scran. and guess what..we all get off same time same platform.

[@ElmtreeLine]

First class seems very "basic" and clinical, doesn't seem "comfy"

[@sampower1735]

A shame as i have had good experiences

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t a bad experience as such. It’s just a lot of money extra for not much if that makes sense

[@jonathanmoermans3388]

They put you in the very front coach so you get there faster.

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I’m surprised they didn’t charge extra for being first to arrive

[@mikemitchell948]

Sittine reverse like that would make me motion sick...

[@StuAnderson90]

Newark reminds me of a Jasper Carrot Joke... "someone asked for the dead parrot sketch in Newark... typically Newark an anogram of w*nker

[@ivanwill]

My goodness, the views! Love them... 14:56 COME ON ARSENAL 22:35 We were robbed yesterday...!

[@Princessperlers]

Its made me on facebook add you as a friend. I would follow if i would have to do that. Shame. Love all yhe videos you put out thank you so much

[@dalecharmantravels8057]

I have not had chance to get through the requests in FB yet. I have several hundred but I will get through them as soon as I can