A touring luxury sleeper train with high-end gastronomy as its main attraction hits the rail network this summer, L’Enclume’s Simon Rogan directing the culinary traffic and executive chef Sven-Hanson Britt running the on-board galley.
The Britannic Explorer is operated by travel and hotel group Belmond, owner of Le Manor aux Quat’Saisons, and will offer three-night round trips from Victoria station to Cornwall, Wales or the Lake District, with accommodation in cabins or suites and meals served in two dining cars. There is also an observation car and bar, and an on-board wellness suite.
Sven-Britt is a former MasterChef: The Professionals winner whose restaurant Oxeye, near the new US Embassy in Nine Elms, won plaudits for cooking hailed as “sensational” in the Harden’s guide, before it ran into financial difficulties and closed two years ago.
Announcing his new role via social media, he said the new train “will change the game for luxury, sustainable hospitality full stop, not just luxury travel”.
“I’ve worked in restaurants and hotels before, but nothing like this. This is aspirational, inspirational and ground breaking. It feels new and avant garde whilst also feeling embedded in heritage and traditional opulence.
“Most of all, though, the Britannic Explorer sits in a category of its own. It’s completely unique. Easily the most luxurious and beautiful project I’ve been a part of.”
The Brittanic Explorer launches in July, with three-nights from £6,300 per person including all meals food (two trips can be combined for a total of six nights).
