From snack trolleys to onboard restaurants, food on trains has evolved dramatically over the last two centuries.
Today, you can enjoy various hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals on trains. And, if you’re travelling first class with Avanti West Coast, our onboard team will even bring them straight to your seat.
However, getting food on trains wasn’t always this easy. In fact, back in the 1830s, you’d be lucky if you travelled with a roof over your head.
This article will take a deep dive into the history of the train food trolley. Discussing everything from the early steam trains to modern-day travel, we’ll delve into all you need to know about food on trains.
The history of snack trolleys and food on the train
The story of food on trains began in the 1800s, going from basic refreshments to full dining experiences. Over time, trains introduced dining cars, buffet services, and snack trolleys. This led to a significant change in how passengers ate while travelling.
From the first steam-powered rail journeys to the golden age of dining cars, food on trains has evolved with travel.
The beginnings of passenger rail travel
Before the steam train, railway travel was only for the very wealthy. The richest in society travelled in stagecoaches pulled along the tracks by horses. Carriages were generally designed for leisure rather than long journeys.
This changed in 1825 when the Stockton to Darlington Railways became the first passenger railway to use the steam train. Five years later, passengers could also travel on inter-city trains fromLiverpool to Manchester. This set off a revolution in UK rail travel.
While first, second, and third-class passengers could now travel via the rail, it wasn’t a very glamorous affair.
Second and third-class passengers travelled on wooden benches without a roof. And, while first-class passengers had foot warmers and upholstered seating, the rides were bumpy and often tiring.
Early train journeys were short by today’s standards. Steam trains struggled on steep inclines and needed the help of rope-hauling machines. They were also generally focused on getting passengers to their destination without any frills.
This means that having a buffet car on a train was neither a possibility nor a priority in the early 1800s.
Food on trains in the Victorian era
In the 1840s railway mania took hold. And, in the UK, the Industrial Revolution boomed, allowing the train network to expand. Tourism was also a big part of the culture and train services evolved to meet this demand.
With technological advancements allowing longer train journeys, food on trains became commonplace. However, one of the top passenger complaints with rail travel in the mid-1800s was terrible coffee and stale sandwiches.
This changed in 1879 when Great Northern Railway announced the first-ever dining car on a British train.
The Prince of Wales dining car was designed by American engineer, George Mortimer Pullman. It offered a premium restaurant-like dining experience for first-class passengers.
Meanwhile, lower-class passengers would have to bring their own food on trains. In the US, they would often have to grab something at the stations when the train stopped for 20 minutes for refreshments.
But, after the success of Pullman’s first-class train food, train companies in the UK and US soon followed suit. Over the next 25 years, the on-train buffet car was commonplace, with food and drinks eventually available for standard class too.
The golden age of rail: restaurants and first-class train food
By the 1920s, dining cars could serve up to 200 meals in one day. And, during this golden age of rail travel, food on trains would be a grand and luxurious affair. Passengers could enjoy lavish six-course meals, speciality teas, wine, and more.
Famous international services like the Orient Express furthered the appeal of first-class travel. With opulent Art Deco designs and breathtaking routes through the Alps, it offered an enviable experience in the lap of luxury.
This service with first-class train food continued for the next two decades. But, during the war, dining car services were withdrawn multiple times. In 1945, food on trains resumed but in a smaller capacity.
Post-war rations affected everything from food to crockery, cutlery and linen. So, while the buffet cars on trains remained on the railways for several more decades, it never quite regained its former glamour.
The dawn and demise of the snack trolley
Over time, formal dining on trains became less common. Instead, passengers could mix and match sandwiches, sweet treats, and more from a snack trolley service.
Other operators offered on-train buffet cars with an ordering counter as opposed to a sit-down service. This became the norm on trains across the UK for several decades. But, in the end, the snack trolley system also began to dwindle.
Ordering food on the train today
Today, it’s very easy to order food on trains. However, the availability of food and snacks depends on the service provider in question.
Some companies serve no food on board while others offer a snack trolley service. Some also offer click-and-collect services that allow you to order food from your seat.
Shops and dining establishments are also widely available in train stations. As such, many passengers choose to bring their own food on board.
Modern-day luxury rail travel with food on trains
Formal onboard dining cars with first-class train food are no longer common on average trains. But, they can sometimes be available on longer routes.
Many long-distance trains will include services that bring first-class train food to your table. However, some heritage or luxury rail companies provide dining car experiences to recapture the glamour of the 1920s.
Food on the train with Avanti
There are many ways you can order food on the train with Avanti West Coast. Standard class passengers can order food in person from our on-board shop. They can also order food on a click-and-collect basis by connecting through our free onboard Wi-Fi.
Standard Premium passengers can select our ‘At-Seat Order’ service to get food delivered to their seats. Avanti First-Class passengers can enjoy complimentary food and drink brought to their table by a dedicated host.
Travelling with Avanti
You might have to wait until that once-in-a-lifetime luxury train trip to experience old-world onboard dining. But, you can still enjoy plenty of delicious food on trains with Avanti West Coast.
To find the best prices and ticket options for your next trip, explore how you can save more when you travel with us. You’ll also find great deals on rail travel when booking tickets in advance.