Enjoy a First Class breakfast, going from Shrewsbury to Cardiff!

The morning TfW service from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central was provided by a rake of Mark 4 coaches being propelled by a Class 67 locomotive. These Mark 4s are great coaches, especially in 1st Class, and... I was really keen to try out the full breakfast experience. I had been told that the food on these TfW services is top notch, so I really did want to try it out for myself.
Departure: Shrewsbury, England, UK
Destination: Cardiff Central, Wales, UK
Distance: 172 km / 107 miles
Duration: 2 hrs 12 mins
Cost: First class advance single, with 1/3 railcard discount: £16.25 / €18,90
Date of Travel: March 2023
Operator: Transport for Wales
Motive power: Class 67 diesel locomotive. Built: Alstom (1999-2000)
Thank you to everyone that supports the channel by subscribing, liking, commenting or just watching these videos. I really appreciate it!

[@christinehodge3608]

Breakfast looks good, makes all the difference to the journey,

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

It was excellent. Smashed avocado always good! Thanks for watching 👍

[@andystreet1479]

really good price for a 1st class saver ticket and the breakfast was very well priced

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes it is a great deal and the best breakfast you can get in UK railways! Thanks for watching 👍

[@RUOKH]

This on-board catering service should become 'national standard' for all InterCity First Class services. Well done TfW. Thanks also for a great video report.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it really was great. Some of the offerings on the East and West Coast lines are quite good, and of course, they are complementary. Interesting that I would say I was happy to pay an extra £9.99 or whatever for something that was really good! Thanks for the kind words 👍

[@GarethJonesPilipala]

A very enjoyable video, nicely produced and informative. I travelled on the original one-train-a-day between Holyhead and Shrewsbury quite a few years ago and I, too, enjoyed an excellent breakfast. In those days you payed an all inclusive fare for a first class seat and breakfast. I hope TfW’s attempt to revive a high quality service between south and north Wales is successful.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. Long may it continue as it is a lovely service and a quality product. Thanks for watching 👍

[@LiegeEdward]

Bro your work is doing great congratulations

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks man. Best wishes to you in Kenya 👍

[@LiegeEdward]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Thank you my brother

[@davidmccammond456]

I love your videos! Just the right length.... with positive and cheerful commentary!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Aw thank you. I am mostly cheerful when travelling 😃

[@garybroadhurst3548]

HA, I did the trip from Crete last October and the weather was EXACTLY the same, even with the bit of sun between Shrewsbury and Hereford. Since your trip they've added 1st class branded headrest-covers, which are nice, and a rather ugly and distracting red stripe along the top of the windows - presumably to help with the confusion about where to find First.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha yes, I think for some reason the 1st Class was hard for people to discern as I have travelled before when some people were shooed out by staff, completely unaware they had sat in 1st. This one is definitely all about the breakfast though... 😀

[@lovefive5733]

A brilliant video, Shrewsbury is always a pleasure to visit. Thank you for uploading this video 🎉😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

And thank you for the very kind comment. Much appreciated 👍

[@Timstravels01]

What a delightful watch and incredible value.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Tim. Nice of you to say so. 👍

[@liamburke1741]

That breakfast certainly looked delicious 😋 Beautiful train, beautiful scenery. Superb video. Really enjoyed that. Thank you 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, that breakfast really was a treat! Thank you for watching and for the very kind words. Much appreciated 👍

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Woof, that's a corking breakfast! And a lovey journey too, nice! Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Ah the things I have to do for the channel... 😃 Thanks for watching! 👍

[@andrewhowe555]

Excellent video. I really enjoy your trip reports, they cheer me up every Friday, and make you feel inspired to get out and about. Keep up the great work, and thanks 🙏 🚂😊

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Oh that's lovely to hear. If I can inspire people to get out and see the word on public transport then that makes me very happy! Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@donl5941]

Wow. Nice scenery, nice train, nice food, great price. Thank you.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed. It was all those things! Thanks for watching 👍

[@srkent99]

Another great trip, even though it was morning, you still managed to get a beer in there, love your trips, keep up the good work. 😀🙃😀

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

haha yes - if only in photographic form... Thanks for watching 👍

[@jimcrawford5039]

Another great vid, …and what a breakfast! Cheers from Oz.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks Jim. I didn't need very much lunch, that's for sure. 😃

[@michellebell5092]

A very pleasant video JHT. I watched while I was enjoying my (first class) breakfast. At home but I’ll be on the trains later. I didn’t appreciate that TfW used those great looking DVTs.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, very kind 👍

[@johnledingham852]

Lovely video Johnny. What a priority for review points, comfort and breakfast. And it seems these both rated well. I was also pleased to see the 182 lever antiquated signal box. That took me back to my tender youth when my family visited my uncle, who was a station master with New South Wales Railways. He invited me to change a signal and I couldn't budge it. Then he swung on the lever with all his might, and I came away duly impressed. And the plantings you mentioned. In my youth the stations vied for the station of the year based on their gardens. Happy memories indeed from more gracious times.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thanks for the kinds words and what great memories too! There's definitely station of the year competitions in the UK, as I've seen many winners plaques proudly displayed on my travels. Thank you so much for watching 👍

[@garrytuohy9267]

I was hoping to see the Full Welsh Breakfast. I guess I will just have to take that train myself to find out what it is like. I'd like to know more about all those amazing Station Building, even when they have been convered into other uses. Perhaps that needs another channel.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha. Sorry that's the problem having a vegetarian correspondent - my apologies. Wrt to Shrewsbury station, I do go into much greater detail on another video. I think it's the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth one

[@garrytuohy9267]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels I will temper my expectations in future. I think I have seen your detailed video on Shrewsbury Station.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Enjoyed this mate, reminds me I need to get back on it sometime soon 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

you sure do! Hope you are enjoying "the East". Looking forward to seeing some travel tales on KZbin

[@mrquickogaming]

Very good video my friend!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you. It is very kind of you to say so. thanks for watching 👍

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Brilliant video and breakfast looked amazing. Hope all is well, take care

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you for the kind comment. Very nice of you to say so. I did enjoy the breakfast, though I think I needed an hour in the gym to get close to working some of it off! Best wishes to you too 👍

[@PaulGodfrey]

It's a great line even on the DMU. But I would like to go back for the loco hauled train and the breakfast now. Great video, Keep them coming.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yeah - the breakfast is ace! Thanks for the kind words and for watching my videos. Much appreciated 👍

[@DIEMLtdTV]

A lovely journey that I've never enjoyed on a Class 175.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha yes. The Mark 4s are definitely the way to go!

[@sandiandgregh]

Now that our holiday is over it’s time to catch up on your videos! That breakfast looked amazing. We took LNER from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and chose first class. We were so spoiled and like you, distracted by our meal. Food was excellent and service was perfect. There’s something special about having a nice meal on a train. Pity about your weather in this one but still a nice journey.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

So pleased you had a lovely holiday and were so well treated on the train. Nice to have you back watching 😁

[@77smp]

Ah....Avocado! There was me thinking "Mushy peas...on a Breakfast?!" 🤣 Those seats look so comfortable, why oh why have train seats got worse.... Lovely video as always, it's the narration that makes your journey so fascinating 🙂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I can't deny that was my first thought when it arrived too. Lovely addition though. My guess wrt train seats is that they want them to be lighter so that the overall train weight is less and therefore it lowers the power usage... but its just a guess Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words 👍

[@iancroot1388]

Great video , really enjoyed it but not as much as you enjoyed that Breakfast. Keep up the good work.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha! That may well be true! I did enjoy it a great deal 😁 Thanks for the kind comment. Much appreciated 👍

[@telemachus53]

A first class breakfast on a train, looking at the rainy fields of the borders, getting endless amounts of cups of tea ... can't complain. And the price, so cheap! Hmmm ... I'm going to be in Newport on the third of October. I wonder ...

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Well there you go then. Take a quick trip on the Manchester (or Holyhead) Mk 4s train! Thanks for watching 👍

[@Dunco3550]

This must be one of the top routes I'm the country if you're lucky enough to get the Class 67/MK4 combo. Fantastic level of comfort and a really tasty breakfast at a decent price 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes indeed! I love it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@AndrewG1989]

Those are the ones that were used on LNER before they were replaced by the Class 800 and Class 801 Azumas and it’s nice to see them in Wales. And I think that LNER are keeping some of the Class 91 Mk4s+DVTs.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, its great that they are still ab le to provide a quality service in and around Wales.

[@andyml1]

Great video - thanks again. Can recommend the Swanage Bournemouth open top bus but it’s quite unnerving at times. 👍😃

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Thank you, that's very kind. And yes, when we were on Purbeck this year we just didn't have time to ride the bus. But I hope to maybe in 2024 👍

[@andyml1]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels always enjoy your videos and I’m only recently “discovering” the joys of rail travel myself. The bus drivers seem to throw the busses about quite enthusiastically on that route and I remember being thrown about quite a bit - no roof…no seatbelt….such larks! 😂 Good to be prioritised accessing the ferry at Sandbanks and at Studland too, past all the queueing cars. Looking forward to your next adventure. 🙂

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@andyml1 sounding even more like I need to try this one when the summer comes!

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

I wish these direct trains operated from Manchester Victoria to Holyhead, it would make life so much easier on SailRail - I’d even pay the extra for first class, as I hate changing trains at Chester coming from platform 13 at Manchester Piccadilly when coming from Metrolink Trams from Shudehill via Market St

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. That sound like a pain in the neck. Incidentally I have a video or two coming out soon that features Manchester Victoria - a very handsome station! Thanks for watching 👍

[@kevinellis8869]

A great route, a great breakfast and far better than a 150 or 2x153 trainset

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed. You are right on all three counts there! 👍

[@EE12CSVT]

But you still might get a 150 or 2x153. It's a lottery down the Marches.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

@@EE12CSVT that does seem to be the case...

[@Northerner_Transport_Hub]

I really don't like it when TfW put 150s on the Manchester to Cardiff service as the timetable was scheduled for these class 67s. The reason being that the 150s are limited to 75mph whilst the 67s can do 110mph so if you're waiting for a service to/from Cardiff from/to Manchester and its quite delayed, that's why.

[@s125ish]

Though the class 67s won’t do 110mph in any route

[@Northerner_Transport_Hub]

@@s125ish WCML Crewe-Manchester Pic?

[@LegalHong]

is this locomotive and railcars from the previous Gwr? the deep green livery has just recalled memories......

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I don't think so. But I have been wrong many times! Thanks for watching 👍

[@AndrewG1989]

The TfW Mk4+DVT stocks that were used on LNER are very nice. TfW should also keep the Class 158 and Class 175.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

These are really nice trains to ride on, especially in 1st Class. I suppose we'll have to see if TfW keep them on. Thanks for watching 👍

[@EE12CSVT]

All TfW 175s are off lease

[@Kulla1berg]

This breakfast looked really delicious This rail card you are using can people from outside UK also buy them?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, it was a really lovely breakfast and the service was 1st class too. and - I thought the railcard was only available to UK residents, but this is what their website says. I'm sure you will need some proof you are aged 60+, but I'm sure a passport would be just fine! www.senior-railcard.co.uk/ Can visitors to Britain buy a Senior Railcard online? A: Yes, you can. Simply click ‘Buy Now on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' select 'Digital' and follow the instructions on the screen to complete your purchase. You can also buy a Railcard at Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport rail stations, Luton Airport Parkway and Manchester Airport - but NOT at London Heathrow Airport.

[@craiglogistics2092]

I suppose a 4-car train is better than the 2-car DMU that you usually see on these lines, I really do think that The Gerald of Wales train should have a couple more carriages seeing that it goes all the way from Holyhead to Cardiff but at least there is catering which you don't find on many Cross Country trains nowadays which is a shame

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, I agree that 4 is definitely better than 2! and the catering on the TfW services (when there is some!) is some of he best in the country. Thanks for watching 👍

[@AllAroundTransport2]

Amazing video, and an amazing price! Ive been looking to get this, but the prices are so much more even with a railcard. How long before did you book this in advance / how did you get this so cheap? Cheers!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Pricewise, I was just lucky I think. I booked about one month in advance. Thanks for watching and for the very kind comments 👍

[@colinriley123]

Enjoyed the video and its a trip I would like to do. Two points; did you say Active Bridge? I googled it and could find nothing. Are there Active and Inactive bridges? Second point: I hate it when the constituents of a meal are housed in separate vessels. I note the baked beans on your plate didn't remain segregated for long from their companions. I am all for inclusion!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

1. I wasn't too sure what they meant by "active travel bridge" but i think it just means a bridge to promote travel through the town on foot or on bicycle. 2. With you there. Stuff in separate dishes. No really the way to go! Thanks for watching. Apologies for the late reply, I missed this one!

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

Hello What camera and editing software do you use to produce these quality videos a new subscriber

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Welcome along. I have a Gopro8 with media mod and also a Gopro9. I edit in iMovie on the MacBook. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

@@JohnnyHooverTravels Great quality content many thanks

[@michaelpoole587]

What time was the train from Shrewsbury please. Great video, will have to do that.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I think it was at about 0740, but you'd have to check as the timetables changed in December. Use RealTimeTrains to check what type of train is being used for which service! Thank for the kind comment and for watching 👍

[@michaelpoole587]

Thank you, I live at Codsall, about 35 mins from Shrewsbury. I want to use the Train to Cardiff to explore the new TFW Metro routes being built. @@JohnnyHooverTravels

[@LiftFan]

I enjoy taking the Mk4 services however every single time I've tried to get food they've had a shortage of chefs!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes, as I said in the video I knew I was taking a punt as I've been disappointed before too. Thanks for watching 👍

[@DonaldTrumpIsGreat]

Because This Livery The MK4s and DVT Have I Can What Operator That Is Who Had Them a Few Year's Ago Before They Went To Wales 👍

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Haha yes. Good point Jack 👍

[@BanterousWanderings]

These 225 sets *should* have entered service with Grand Central on their ill fated service from London Euston to Blackpool which unfortunately never materialised. The mark 4 coaches and DVTs were repainted and given a light internal refurb before Covid hit but then it was game over until TfW took the sets on the enhance their loco hauled service.

[@colinriley123]

Also what's happened to the "Gerald of Wales" nomenclature?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

This was the Mcr-Cardiff route so it isn't branded Gerald as that is the Cardiff-Holyhead route.

[@EE12CSVT]

Great video. It's a pity that it's hitand miss that the chef will be on board. Too frequently I've had a shrug of shoulders from TfW staff about it, and conductors who hide in their cab the whole trip.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Indeed it was just luck. I have travelled the line before and been presented with a 2-car 150...

[@peterhoskins2651]

Is this the train that only runs fridays? and if so there is one that runs around 8am for £18.50 then one before and after for over 40 pounds first class, is the cheap one the nice train?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

I've always found that its a bit hit and miss with TfW as to whether you are going to get the Loco and Mk4 coaches or whether they will sub in a DMU. The only hope you have is to check the runs on RealTimeTrains to get some idea which ones are rostered for the loco-hauled service Thanks for watching 👍

[@peterhoskins2651]

Ok thanks

[@gamingwithcelfyn]

Is the first class declassified?

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

no. I had a first class ticket. Thanks for watching 👍

[@arthurvasey]

Not many people know how to pronounce Leominster properly!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

haha thanks! And thanks for watching 👍

[@user-hv7om4wc8k]

I don't think TGV Lyria 1st is worthy because of impossible catering service, the speed that could not reach 300km/h and the very-high price.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Interesting view. I doubt Lyria will ever be running the service from Shrewsbury though...

[@chrisraine4678]

You used to get breakfast for free on 1st class trains now these days think just LNER and Avanti included free cooked food and alcoholic drinks.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Yes. It was all free on TfW before the pandemic. I think they struggled to justify that as the service already was subsidised by the Welsh Assembly. But I still think it is good value. Thanks for watching 👍