Steam Dreams London to Chester Pullman dining: Review

I was invited by Steam Dreams to travel onboard one of their many excursions where you get to board a vintage train carriage and enjoy a dining experience as you travel to a destination.

The company offers a host of different trips, from days out to historical locations and special events, to day trips to the coast.

We got to board a vintage train carriage and enjoy a dining experience as we travelled. (Image: Emily Davison)

We were booked on the London to Chester route, stopping at Milton Keynes and Northampton, before travelling through the Midlands and arriving in the historic town of Chester.

We began our trip at London Euston station, arriving bleary-eyed from an early morning commute we headed to our platform and were greeted by the unmistakable smell of the engine smoke.

It’s not every day you get to see vintage train coaches at a busy London station, let alone be able to board one to travel on.

It’s not every day you get to see vintage train coaches at a busy London station, let alone be able to board one to travel on. (Image: Emily Davison)

The carriages date back to the mid-60s and offer a cosy and relaxed way to have a luxury dining experience whilst getting to visit a new place.

We were greeted by our stewards who served tea and coffee whilst giving us a chance to look through the menu.

The carriages date back to the mid-60s and offer a cosy and relaxed way to have a luxury dining experience. (Image: Emily Davison)

The experience consisted of both a breakfast and evening meal along with additional drinks during the day.

We first began with a light starter consisting of a melon and berry salad served with fresh yoghurt and seeded granola, which was accompanied by a Bellini cocktail.

We began with a light starter consisting of a melon and berry salad served with fresh yoghurt and seeded granola. (Image: Emily Davison)

This was then followed by a choice of either a traditional full English breakfast or smoked salmon served with poached eggs, sourdough toast and caviar.

I went for the latter, while my dad went for the full English, and both were delicious, the poached egg was cooked to perfection with a delicious hollandaise sauce.

I went for the smoked salmon served with poached eggs, sourdough toast and caviar. (Image: Emily Davison)

Finally, we finished with a serving of mini pastries and tea, which included a delicious cranberry twist and cinnamon swirl which were fresh and warm.

After several hours on board, we finally arrived sometime in the early afternoon at Chester, this historic cathedral city is known for its medieval architecture and popular racecourse.

The historic cathedral city of Chester is known for its medieval architecture and popular racecourse. (Image: Emily Davison)

We had a few hours to explore the streets, walk along the canals and take in the city’s historic buildings and architecture, along with its famous Rows which are home to an array of shops, restaurants and businesses.

We had a few hours to explore the streets, walk along the canals and take in the city’s historic buildings. (Image: Emily Davison)

If you get time, take a stroll along the medieval walls of the city, where you can get great views of the canal and countryside.

Take a stroll along the medieval walls of the city, where you can get great views of the canal and countryside. (Image: Emily Davison)

After a few hours we then headed back to the train for our evening meal and journey back to London.

The meal began with champagne and canapés including a mushroom arancini and goats cheese tarte.

This was followed by artisan bread and haddock pate served with beetroot and cucumber salad for starters, and a delicious braised lamb shoulder with roasted asparagus and potatoes for mains.

For main I had a delicious braised lamb shoulder with roasted asparagus and potatoes. (Image: Emily Davison)

Finally, for dessert we had a rhubarb Bakewell tarte served with fresh cream, before finishing off with a serving of tea and mini chocolates.

For dessert we had a rhubarb Bakewell tarte served with fresh cream. (Image: Emily Davison)

The experience had so much attention to detail, from the tableware and cutlery to the lamps and tablecloths, along with the little box of complimentary chocolates we were given at the end of the trip.

We left feeling very replete with food and drink, with the feeling one gets after being on what can only be described as an adventure.

Tickets for Pullman dining begin at £395 a seat, rather pricey but definitely a bucket list activity for a special occasion like an anniversary or a special birthday.

We left feeling very replete with food and drink after our adventure. (Image: Emily Davison)

They also offer First Class seating priced at £195 a seat if you are looking for something a little more affordable

Steam Dreams offer a variety of trips from London to various parts of England including Norfolk, Sussex, and Devon.

For me, this was an experience I won’t forget in a hurry and one that anyone with a love of trains and nostalgia should experience.