News in brief:
Eurostar introduces new chefs to Eurostar Premier
On 4th November, Eurostar will see an overhaul of its travel classes. Both ex-Eurostar and ex-Thalys (continental) services will adopt the same names.
As far as the Channel Tunnel services are concerned:
- Business Premier becomes Eurostar Premier
- Standard Premier becomes Eurostar Plus
- Standard becomes Eurostar Standard
At the same time, Raymond Blanc is being replaced, after a decade, by a new culinary team in Eurostar Premier.
Eurostar has hired chefs Jérémy Chan (holder of two Michelin stars at London’s Ikoyi) and Jessica Préalpato (a renowned French pastry chef), together with sommelier Honey Spencer.
In terms of the food and drink itself:
Onboard Eurostar, guests will be treated to a culinary journey, which could begin with delightful amuse-bouche of Curried Cauliflower Mousseline. For the main course, they will be able to choose between a hot option, which could include Baked Salmon served with Coconut Rice and Tangy Potatoes, or a cold option, such as Roasted Pumpkin with Honey and Cashew Miso. The meal might be complemented by a rich Colston Bassett Stilton, paired with burnt honey and apple, and conclude with a refreshing Citrus Delight infused with green cardamom.
To elevate the dining experience, a carefully curated selection of wines is available, including Champagne Fleury, which offers a balanced and rounded palate with the depth of Pinot Noir. The red wine selection features Domaine De La Dourbie, Oscar, a light option with a touch of cocoa, and Symbiose, Merlot, with enticing blackcurrant and pepper aromas. White wine enthusiasts can enjoy Château La Mothe Dubourg, a balanced and dry Bordeaux, while rosé lovers will appreciate La Fleur de Julie, an organic Grenache with fresh red fruit aromas. The wine list is refreshed every three months, ensuring a variety of choices. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a carefully selected mocktail is also offered, alongside the usual range of beverages.
It isn’t clear what changes, if any, will be seen to the meal in Standard Premier / Eurostar Plus. This is not overseen by the Business Premier / Eurostar Premier catering team.
Extra Virgin Atlantic Holidays discounts this week
Virgin Atlantic Holidays is running a special promotion this week.
You can save up to £100 per booking on all new ‘flight and hotel’ packages booked by 17th October.
You need to book for a minimum of three nights for travel between 20th October and 31st December 2024.
You save, based on the hotel star level you book:
- £50 off a 3V or 3.5V hotel
- £75 off a 4V or 4.5V hotel
- £100 off a 5V hotel
There are no promo codes to use – the discount will automatically be applied on the Virgin Atlantic Holidays website.
You can fly from from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Cardiff or Glasgow.