Premier Class passengers get refreshed menus! A new Newport kitchen & chef will improve food quality and selections.
The kitchen opened in January. Chefs will use it to make meals. Travelers going to Holyhead, Manchester, and Cardiff benefit.
Mark Roberts is the new head chef. He came from Wagamama late last year. He wants to mix home cooking with Asian tastes.
Mark really likes local Welsh goods. He wants to show off the best of Wales. He also plans to offer some Asian-inspired dishes. Thai fishcakes are one example of this.
The new kitchen is amazing, says Mark. It lets them prep a lot more food now. He’s planning menus far in advance now. Customers will see his spring, Eisteddfod, and Christmas ideas.
Most food prep happens at Newport. They load it onto trains going north. Chefs on the train still cook fresh dishes. They cook while traveling up to 90 mph.
They also plan southbound meals. They keep food cool onboard. Workers unload items later at stops. These locations will use food for return trips. Breakfast uses that food the next day.
People really seem to like the train food. Critics have often praised the food too. Last year’s Eisteddfod choices were a hit.
Paul Otterburn manages the train’s catering. He says this kitchen will help them serve more choices. The chefs can now prep Premier service food. It will build upon the great dining experience.