All aboard! A tantalizing taste of the Golden Age of rail travel
Recently, I had the unique opportunity to step back in time with a day aboard the iconic luxury Belmond British Pullman train, thanks to Mags Worldwide, a full-service representation company. And wow, the experience was truly spectacular.
This beautifully restored 1920s train, which has sheltered royalty and graced the silver screen, is renowned as one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Until 2023, it served the British leg of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express service between London and Venice. Today, it offers themed journeys, like murder mystery lunches and 1920’s nostalgia trips, along with roundtrips to destinations including Bath, Oxford and Blenheim Palace.
“Think lavish art deco designs, veneered panels, polished brass, and glossy mahogany fittings. Here, beauty and comfort combine.”
Our journey was aptly named ‘The Golden Age of Travel’, a delightful excursion through the picturesque Kentish countryside and coastline, complete with fine dining, fabulous entertainment, and a chance to network with 150 fellow events professionals. The day began on platform 2 at Victoria Station. We were welcomed with sparkling wine and a sensational performance by The Wild Tonics, a 1920s Gatsby-themed vocal trio. Their fabulous costumes and impressive vocals truly set the tone for the adventure ahead.
When the train pulled into the station, we were all raring to get going. On reaching our designated carriage, we were met by our charming steward, Rocco, who shared some interesting facts with us about the train. Each carriage has its own unique history. Ours, the Phoenix, was built in 1927, endured a fire in 1936 and rose again in 1952 - when it was appropriately renamed Phoenix. Loved by the Queen Mother, It was used to transport visiting heads of state, with its last journey in 1972, before enjoying a stint as a stationary restaurant in Lyon, France. In 1980, Belmond acquired and lovingly refurbished it.
When the train pulled into the station, we were all raring to get going. On reaching our designated carriage, we were met by our charming steward, Rocco, who shared some interesting facts with us about the train. Each carriage has its own unique history. Ours, the Phoenix, was built in 1927, endured a fire in 1936 and rose again in 1952 - when it was appropriately renamed Phoenix. Loved by the Queen Mother, It was used to transport visiting heads of state, with its last journey in 1972, before enjoying a stint as a stationary restaurant in Lyon, France. In 1980, Belmond acquired and lovingly refurbished it.
“A special train like this comes with a dress code, offering the perfect excuse to don your finest attire.”
There are currently 11 carriages that have been restored and are operational. You can book a table for one, two, three, or four, as well as private compartments for two. As expected from such an exclusive train, the attention to detail is first-class. Think lavish art deco designs, veneered panels, polished brass, and glossy mahogany fittings. Here, beauty and comfort combine.
As we travelled through the countryside, catching glimpse of landmarks like Canterbury Cathedral, we were treated to a delicious champagne afternoon tea. The Wild Tonics joined us on board, moving through each carriage to entertain us during the journey.
As we travelled through the countryside, catching glimpse of landmarks like Canterbury Cathedral, we were treated to a delicious champagne afternoon tea. The Wild Tonics joined us on board, moving through each carriage to entertain us during the journey.
A special train like this comes with a dress code, offering the perfect excuse to don your finest attire. While jackets and ties aren’t mandatory, embracing a 1920s theme adds to the fun of the experience.
Our 4-hour journey flew by as I mingled with colleagues and reconnected with familiar faces. It was a truly magical experience that will stay with me forever. A heartfelt thank you to Julie and Sarah from Mags Worldwide, along with all their DMC partners and hotel sponsors, for a wondrous day.
If you’re looking for an extra special treat, I wholeheartedly recommend a journey on the British Pullman. Interested in learning more? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.