Taste the exceptional on board Transport for Wales First Class

Did you know selected Transport for Wales (TfW) lines offer premium dining? Book a First Class ticket and let your food adventure begin before you arrive at your destination, with seasonal dishes available to order via QR code (or just ask a friendly TfW host). It’s luxury train travel with a modern twist – and for less than you’d think.

This spring, the jewel in TfW’s crown has been given an extra polish by chef James Sommerin. “I’m Welsh through and through, so for me it’s important to champion Wales,” says James, whose Penarth restaurant, Home, holds a Michelin star. “I’ve devised the menu to reflect Wales, so passengers get a flavour of the place on the plate.”

The dishes celebrate local gems and heritage ingredients: slow-braised Welsh beef is finished with a sage and Blaenafon cheddar crumb, while a spring tart stars Wye Valley asparagus topped with a soft-poached egg, and pink peppercorns enhance regional rhubarb for dessert. The cheeseboard is all-Welsh too.

“Wales has so much to offer, from sparkling wines to amazing fruit,” says James. “This is an opportunity to bang our drum.” TfW head chef Mark Roberts agrees. “Bringing Michelin-star Wales together with the best rail catering in the UK is a great collaboration – we can really shout about what fantastic food we do.”

James’s fine dining expertise elevates TfW First Class even further. “The step above is the technique,” he explains. “It might be poaching fish in butter at exactly 56°C – that’s the level of detail.” There’s no pretension, though: James’s menu is “hearty but elegant” and its warm dark chocolate fondant is destined to be a crowdpleaser…

To experience TfW First Class, says Mark, you don’t even need to book in advance. “You can upgrade on the day and have a dining experience courtesy of a talented chef. It’s affordable, too – so if you can, indulge yourself.”

Don’t miss your chance to experience the limited-edition James Sommerin menu from 7 April for eight weeks. First-class dining is available on selected TfW services between Cardiff and Manchester and Cardiff and Holyhead for an additional cost (from two courses for £24.95). Discover more about Transport for Wales First Class.