Travelling first class on the train. Help.

[Listengold]

My friend and I are traveling to Edinburgh by train.
As this is a special occasion we decided to buy first class tickets.
We have allocated seats.
Now we are panicking about the journey.
Do we get free food or should we buy something to eat.
What about drinks.
What do we wear.

First Class is not posh, certainly not on GWR anyway. We usually upgrade using Seatfrog but only because the carriages are quieter with nicer seats. The food and drink offerings aren't great; tea, coffee, biscuits and a snack box. Just wear normal clothes OP.

Wear what you like! It's literally just a bigger, more comfortable seat with free soft drinks and snacks.

Enjoy Taylor Swift 🙂

It's not as "posh" as you think it is. Just a bit more leg space, generally quieter as less people in the carriage. Check what's in first class on the website of the train company.

Which train company are you on. Take tissues, sandwiches, phone charger and wear what's warm and comfortable. First class seats are more comfortable but can be noisy with passengers on their phones and laptops discussing business deals and having other such vital conversations.

I used to travel regularly on first class from Midlands to London, the food can be hit and miss, once the vegetarian option for the evening meal was two dry crackers and sad tiny bit of cheese. It's only worth it for the quiet and extra space, which is why I'd always balance the extra cost and how tired I was after a day in the office cos I love silence :)

LNER does a nice bacon sandwich in first class

Love a bit of 1st class on LNER. Tea and biscuits, fizzy drinks, water and, depending on the time of day, alcohol. Then a light bite, which might be a sandwich or sausage roll or pasta followed by crisps and a chocolate brownie. More tea, and juice. Then another round of tea and biscuits. When the trolley is there, just ask.
Last time the train was delayed for an hour so our entire journey, including all the food and booze was FREE!

... and the 1st class loo is bigger too!

Ugh - train food is worse than plane food. Pack a picnic.

The one time I took that journey we were already on the platform when they announced the dining car wouldn't be operational, for some reason I've forgotten. I'd have back up snacks and drinks.

Last time we did London to Edinburgh first class we had a proper lunch with jam roll poly and custard for pudding and, as far as I could tell, unlimited alcohol. Coffee came in China mugs. That was LNER. Check your service though, I know in the past that there was no alcohol at the weekend and only sandwiches.

Beware that, whatever they are supposed to offer, if they are short staffed or various other things happen, then they won't provide the scheduled trolley service. Or it might be that the hot water thing has broken so there are no hot drinks. Or someone forgot to load the sandwiches so there are no fresh sandwiches. Or they might not have time to load the food as they're already running late and trying to catch up time
I used to do Cornwall/Paddington regularly in first class and, as it was a 5 hour journey and usually over a main meal time, I learned to take my own supplies of food and drink so that I had something and then, if the trolley did come round and I wanted something from it, that was a bonus.

I haven't done that route, but when I've gone to other places, the food has been fine. It's not posh at all.

It's not very exciting really, but it is a nicer way to travel!

Are you going to see Taylor Swift by any chance? So exciting! Well, I hope you have fun whatever you're doing, but if it's that, have a brilliant time!

LNER usually offers the same food and drink every day, random incidents aside.

Yes - the GWR management seem to regard sandwiches as an exotic luxury. The poor train staff are always apologetic and say 'we may have a few sandwiches coming aboard at Exeter if we're lucky'. As for hot food, in your dreams. And the Cornwall to Cardiff service has no refreshments at all. This is first class!

I always check the menu before I go first class.

Don't forget the first class lounge too, always adds to the fun.

Once got a deal whereby first class was cheaper than standard (LNER) and I loved it. Free beer! Free snacks! Huge seat!

No-one GAF what you are wearing.

Have fun!

It can be a bit hit and miss on the East Coast mainline. I've travelled that route first class for 2 decades to go to the festival. The companies that run it have changed hands so often but omg the route is just magical! The railway bridge at Berwick and the part when the train runs next to the north sea and then through Scottish Borders make the whole experience for me.
I was in a carriage once when I thought the American tourists were going to have heart attacks! That was because Durham Cathedral appeared somewhat suddenly. Personally I think Newcastle Train station and the view of the Tyne and its bridges just before is well worth watching out for.
Usually the staff have provided far more food and drink than is good for me. And the china cups the tea is served in are so nice I want to steal them. O I am so jealous of you OP.

Enjoy your trip, First Class is absolutely worth it for the more peaceful atmosphere. Food and drink varies with different companies so check on thier website. I love that you thought about dressing up - I wish people did do that!

As people said you don't need to dress at all differently. If you go during the week you may find people dressed a little smarter as some may be travelling for work.

Assuming it’s LNER, their menus are on the website as provisions depend on the time of day but for a journey that long you should hit one of the main meal times, plus there will be drinks and snacks along the way.

I have travelled 1st Class in the opposite direction - Edinburgh to Manchester and Edinburgh to Birmingham. It really depends who you are travelling with. Trans Penine Express is different to Avanti. Routes differ too. Who have you booked with and what's the journey?

I've travelled first class on South Western many times over the years and I think the most I ever got was a complementary tea/coffee and a bottle of water. 😒There was definitely no food offered.

LNER definitely has a superior offering!

Which train company is it, as it could be any one of LNER, CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, or Scotrail depending on where you're travelling to Edinburgh from. The first class "experience" differs quite a bit between them, mainly the food and drink offering. There is never a dress code, so just wear what you want.

Someone mentioned South Western. Travelling First Class on those London/South East commuter trains (SWR, Southern, Southeastern, etc.) is a completely different prospect compared to intercity type trains. You don't even necessarily get a better seat than in standard class.

Depends what train line you're travelling with. Some you get free alcohol in first too!!!