My wife & I booked along with friends who have previously been on Northern Belle's trip to Cumbria & had waxed lyrically about their excursion.
So our friend (Geraldine Hayward) booked the four of us with Northern Belle to Cornwall, from Bristol Temple Meads.
Entering the 'belvoir' coach, initial thoughts were 'lovely table settings', although when sitting down I could feel every spring in the seat cushion & I realised why there was a separate cushion originally placed on my seat - Not the best preparation for a six hour plus return journey!
Our 'half glass' of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee was a welcome start to the journey, accompanied by the Caviar Canapé.
Not sure if the 'Crispy Lamb' agreed with the taste of the orange cream, but the sourdough croúte was hard, as if had been left for a while & bordered being stale!
The Smörgasbord starter contained a rollmop herring with strands of onion which was unpopular with our party & other diners nearby!
The intermediate course followed by the cheapest chilled leak & potato soup that could have possibly made the table, with 'dollop' créme fraiche dropped from a spoon into the centre - nothing like the 'cream swirl' as stated!
The main course citrus & parsley mousse was extremely dry & made the brest of chicken somewhat
unappetising, although the accompaniments were satisfactory. The one 'sole' baby carrot should be branded that way, as opposed to the 'carrots' on the menu!
The Dessert of: Summer fruit pudding was absolutely awful & I'm being understated with our opinions here!
An-upside-down casing of bread containing a meager amount of what resembled Aldi or Lidl frozen 'forest fruits' looked unappetising & tasted even worse!
The selection of British cheeses, biscuits, Port & the following coffee & petits fours, were the only redeeming items in our opinion, of the whole menú!
We very much doubt that if the Condé Nast Traveler readers or representatives were witnessing the menu we experienced, 'Northern Belle' would definately not receive a place in the world's top ten', as stated in the back of the menú - So Matthew Green (Head Chef), think again!
We reached our destination - An unbelievable 'backwater' station in Par, Cornwall !!! Only to reboard & disembark within ten minutes of our arrival, not exactly allowing travellers exercise to ward off potential DVTs, having been seated, eating & drinking for 3 hours or more, or indeed an extended chance of fresh air! The Liveried Steward & waitresses serving our carriage were very helpful & approachable & carried out their duties perfectly throughout.
Everyone enjoyed the entertainment. The magician & especially the musicians, who obliged in singing 'Happy birthday to you', to Geraldine's for her birthday that day. Overall, nice carriage ambiance. Poor information of timings for destination & return.
Poor destination (only advised, when we were actually on the train!) & poor time allowed at Par, prior to return boarding!
Poor food menú & dietary selection option's & definitely not worth the money!

What can one say the trip to Weymouth the staff who were looking after us in the carriage Glamis were in a word silver service of the highest standard well looked after from greeting service and during the trip. Food is always of an excellent quality really does make your taste buds tingle. Looking forward to my next trip

12/8/23 My husband & I travelled on the NB

I can’t Thank the ladies enough for their hospitality & generosity on the beautiful, colourful & Very comfortable Chatsworth.
The food was endless & the presentation was mouth watering.
Tremendous charisma & presence from anwen. What a chatty, friendly, kind & approachable host. Always smiling. Really made us feel relaxed & at ease. (See pic)

I can't tell you how much we enjoyed being passengers in luxury. It was lovely spending the day in trustworthy hands.
All the staff work so hard to accommodate for the train. It’s remarkable.
Thank you for a special memorable day