Corporate Hospitality Charter Train 2021

Inquiry

Train Chartering received an enquiry from HM Events for a private charter train from Manchester to London on behalf of their client.

Having planned a programme of exclusive activities in London, the agency needed a fitting way to bring senior industry figures and their partners from Manchester in style, making the journey part of the overall event.

Charter Train Solution

Train Chartering sourced a suitable train for the brief, consisting of restored carriages from the 1950s & 60s which are perfect for dining and entertainment.

The train included a kitchen car for chef-prepared cuisine, a bar lounge car for socialising and a brake carriage with ample luggage storage.

Dining 'orient express' style is always a special experience. The client required a welcome drinks reception followed by a 5-course lunch, served at-seat with tables magnificently presented with an added Christmas twist of crackers and decorations.

Key Corporate Hospitality Train Benefit

The Corporate Hospitality Train from Manchester to London was perfect for creating a busy social atmosphere for the guests.

Old contacts were refreshed and new contacts made, while enjoying the reception and lunch.

Finding time in busy lives for such relaxed interaction is unusual, crucially making the best use of travel time.

Dining and Bar

On boarding, there was a drinks reception with canapes, served by uniformed stewards, followed by a chef-prepared lunch.

Assiette of Loch Duart Waters Salmon or Goats Cheese

Farm Herb Chicken Supreme or Honey Roasted Ambercup Squash

Desserts - Christmas-themed scones, treacle tarts mince pies, and more.

Lunch was accompanied by house wines and a bar list, by waiter service or from the adjacent Hippocrene Bar Car.

The Hippocrene Bar Car is open plan, with sofas.

Private Charter Train Branding & Entertainment

This Corporate Hospitality Train was for a social purpose and so on-train branding was minimal, with the end client's brand image on the inside of some carriage windows. Here are some examples of branding and theming on charter trains.

A guitarist played in the bar car and at intervals during the lunch service. Train Chartering has provided, on occasion, many other forms of entertainment, such as fun casino, at-table magicians, singers, platform bands, and more.

Special Charter Trains Are Private AND Attract Attention

Our client chose this private hire train of carriages from the 1950s and 1960s form Train Chartering's offerings.

This Corporate Hospitality Train's red and cream carriages were hauled by two heritage Class 47 locomotives, resplendent in original 1960s two-tone green livery. This unusual train generated much social media interest and people waving from the platforms of stations, to guests' delight.

Summary

Train Chartering worked with HM Event's brief to deliver the Corporate Hospitality Train, both meeting and exceeding their client’s expectations.

Train Chartering's project and guest management was important for this success. Many small details were taken care of, from liaison with Network Rail at Manchester Piccadilly and London St Pancras Stations (barrier access / customer information screens etc.) to guest guidance and baggage handling.

Naturally, key operational elements included liaison with rolling stock, crew, catering, and loco suppliers to ensure that the client’s specifications were being met.

Train Chartering ensured clear, prompt and comprehensive communication with our client Make Events.

Contact for the Private Corporate Hospitality Train

Train Chartering, David Gardner, Head of Sales, info@trainchartering.com, +44 (0)1249 890 176