StyleNest stepped aboard the most famous train of all time for a unique Orient Express day trip experience.
The Orient Express conjures up a number of things for different people, travel of days gone by, Poirot perhaps and Agatha Christie’s infamous thriller. For us however, the Orient Express means only one thing, and that’s glamour.
StyleNest were lucky enough to step aboard one of the Orient Express’s most iconic trains, the British Pullman for a day filled with food, wine, hospitality and the age of elegance.
About a week prior to our day of travel we were treated to a little of that luxury, as our tickets arrived beautifully packaged in a tan leather envelope monogramed with the Orient Express logo. Inside was an itinerary of what was to be in store for our day trip, due to set off from London Victoria and take us on a circular five hour journey through the Kent countryside and back.
The day came and we met at London Victoria’s Venice-Simpleton Orient Express lounge. As frequenters of Victoria station every day, we were surprised to know the lounge even existed, nestled right in the corner of Platform 1, away from the madness, crowds and fast food joints.
Tea and coffee is served on arrival as you check in and wait to board. It was a pleasure to see all the other guests dressed up in all their finery and there was a real taste of excitement in the air. For many the Orient Express is once in a lifetime experience.
Each of the UK journeys you can take from London Victoria work around a theme, from a Murder Mystery Lunch, to the Brighton Belle Experience, and ours, the Golden Age of Travel.
We board and are immediately transported back to a time of elegance, class and decadence. From the moment you step on to the moment you disembarked you could not be more cared for and spoilt – it’s worlds, if not galaxies away from the daily commute.
Everything from the regency dining chair seats to the delicate table wear oozes elegance, waiters dressed up in their white and gold-buttoned finery – there’s nothing 21st Century about this train.
We were treated to an indulgent five-course menu, one for every hour of the journey, in short, board hungry. In keeping with the theme of the Golden Age of Travel, the menu was classic, from salmon ceviche to roast guinea fowl. Cheese and a petit yet belly-satisfyingly rich passion fruit fool were to follow.
Everything is so beautifully presented on monogramed Orient Express dinnerware, served by the loveliest staff, brimming with charm and manners. It really is a once in a lifetime experience, surreal even and perfect if you’re celebrating something special.
The highlight of the trip was a surprise stop on the Whitstable train station platform. So far, doesn’t sound that exciting but it was. A jazz band dressed in sunshine yellow blazers, smiles, trombone and all greeting us with speakeasy style tones. Champagne and Whitstable oysters were followed, as you got to mingle with the other travellers.
Back on board and headed to London, we were then invited to have a snoop around the other carriages, all decorated in their own unique charm. Every inch of the cabins are a feast for eyes, from the Lalique lighting to the swan mosaics in the bathrooms.
As we drew back into Victoria station, back to the 21st Century, and unfortunately reality, all we could think of was were our next Orient Express adventure could take us.
Golden Age of Travel day trips on the Venice Simplon Orient Express take place on various dates, priced at £310 per person. Trains depart from and arrive back at London Victoria.
Be inspired by the golden age of fashion in our Get the Look, Gatsby Glamour.