Virgin trains - no service aftert 8pm

Very unhappy after a thankfully short train journey on Virgin trains last night. I was looking forward to a free beer and a read at the paper on my way home - I travel first class on GNER most nights, and the srevice is generally very good. Last time I was on a Virgin train, the service was excellent, and the beer was free. The GNER trains run a 17:30, 19:00 and 22:30, so I left early to try the Virgin train at 21:00. Got on, read about the fantastic service in the on-train mag, and awaited the arrival of the 'dedicated team' that looks after 1st class. And waited. I found a member of teh train crew and asked what was available - nothing was the reply. We stop catering after 8pm, and we don't have any service at all after Edinburgh. So if I wanted a drink of water on the hour and a half journey? nothing. So I'm about to write a nasty email to Virgin trains. Isn't the differentiator for the Virgin brand the Service? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to ensure SRB's office gets a copy?

[mcmbenjamin]

Looks like no train service on both sides of the Atlantic.

B|P|K

eek, thats not good.

I was on a Virgin train today, and got no service - but then I was in steerage and expected nothing!

If I had paid for a premium ticket I'd be writing that letter too....

I'm afraid that a Virgin Train isn't a Virgin Train. It's either a Virgin West Coast train or a Virgin CrossCountry train...

On West Coast (Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Holyhead to Euston) there is a full complimentary at seat service of hot and cold food depending on the time of day and complimentary drinks including alcohol.

CrossCountry is completely different. For a start there are only 26 First class seats on a "Voyager" and there is no at seat service north of Newcaslte and Preston and, as you found no catering service AT ALL after 2000. The at seat service consists of an airline type snack box and hot and cold drinks but no alcohol. In the areas where there is no at seat service you go to the "shop" and produce your FC ticket to receive the free stuff.

Two different products for two entirely different markets but not very clearly described.

I worked for VT for almost 10 years (in operations) but always took GNER first class wherever possible!

Regards

John

Yep, they replied along the lines of "thats what we do - tough!"

Looks like I'll be spending an extra hour in the pub and going home on the 10 oclock GNER from now on!