Press release -
Rattling a thing of the past with Virgin Trains’ New Crockery
Virgin Trains has unveiled a new lightweight tray as part of a new crockery launch that will put an end to the chorus of onboard rattling crockery and cutlery. The tray is part of a five-piece dining ware set that includes an artisan sugar bowl created by a potter on the West Coast Mainline.
This is the first time since 2008 that Virgin Trains has updated its First Class crockery, which will be onboard and in lounges for First Class customers in early November. It follows extensive research amongst customers and frontline staff which identified rattling cups and cutlery as a common gripe.
The new crockery will showcase Virgin Trains’ recently launched autumn menu, which features regionally sourced food from suppliers and producers on the train operator’s West Coast route.
Amanda Smit, Head of Catering at Virgin Trains, said: “At Virgin Trains, we make it a priority to provide our customers with the very best and are committed to improving our services, right down to the teaspoon. We’re also committed to supporting the many local businesses that operate along our route. With this crockery upgrade and our new menu, we’re right on track in our quest to achieve both goals.”
Topics
- Art, Culture, Entertainment
Categories
- trains
- west coast
About Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains is the brand name of Virgin Rail Group (VRG), which is owned by Virgin Group (51%) and Stagecoach (49%). Virgin Trains has operated the West Coast passenger train franchise since 1997, serving key UK cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. In June 2014 the Department for Transport (DfT) awarded VRG a new franchise until at least April 2017.
Virgin Trains is committed to delivering a high speed, high frequency service, offering shorter journey times, more comfortable travel and excellent customer service. We provide the most frequent long-distance rail service in Europe (London - Manchester and London – Birmingham, both every 20 minutes).
Since 1997, Virgin Trains has introduced over 70 new trains at a cost of £1.5 billion. The service carries more than 34.5 million passengers a year and Virgin Trains employs approximately 3,290 staff.
Virgin Trains customers consistently rate the company as one of the top long-distance rail franchise operators in the National Passenger Survey (NPS) commissioned by industry watchdog “Passenger Focus”.
Visit the Virgin Trains Media Room - www.virgintrains.co.uk/mediaroom - for the latest news, images and videos. Subscribe here for regular news from Virgin Trains.
Press Office: 0845 000 3333. Company website: http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/.
About Virgin Trains East Coast
Virgin Trains East Coast is the brand name of InterCity Railways Ltd (ICR), which is owned by Stagecoach Group (90%) and Virgin Group (10%). Virgin Trains East Coast began operating services on the East Coast Main Line in March 2015, serving key UK cities including London, Peterborough, Doncaster, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness. The franchise will last until at least 31 March 2023.
Visit the Virgin Trains East Coast Media Centre at: www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/media-centre for the latest news and images.
