What is the best UK first class?

[william.martin]

So, I have never traveled in 1st class in my life and I would quite like to have my first (and probably last) experience of it and I was wondering who has the best FC, I have heard that both Avanti and LNER are good but should avoid XC and LNWR. So I would like to hear what you think, may I just point out that it has to be a mainline running WTT train E.G it couldn't be a railtour or NYMR dining train.

 

[Merseysider]

For me it will always be Avanti or LNER.

My most recent trips:
Avanti from Manchester to Lichfield. In the just-over-one-hour trip, I'd been served three courses and as many beers as I could drink. Suffice it to say I got my money's worth.

LNER from London to Inverness. Decent nosh and bevs throughout - and after we left Edinburgh they were very proactive with the drinks, and when I asked for some more wine I just got given a full bottle

I've slagged off Avanti a fair bit in the past but my last couple of journeys I can't fault them.

 

[islandmonkey]

Doesn't count technically, but potentially the double bed Caledonian Sleeper room?

 

[Big Tim]

I've had recent good experiences on LNER, both north and south between York and Dundee, on both occasions a Tuesday during the day. Served from the "Dish" Menu. (Off topic, but it's surely time for them to refresh the choices on there - they've been in place since the first week of January - not great for any regular passengers). I was perhaps fortunate with the crews I had, but found there to be a very regular supply of complimentary refreshments etc on both legs.

I don't actually mind the seats, despite the complaints of many others on their comfort. For me, there is plenty of legroom / space (and this is speaking as being probably one of the most sizeable forum members!) Also I have rarely encountered problems with wifi / charging facilities / seat reservations. Usually clean, with decent toilets and regular cleaning up and litter collection. I will criticise the poor amount of luggage storage - particularly for larger bags / cases - this seems to be a problem in standard as well as first, however.

The ambience will of course depend on who is travelling. I find there seems quite a lot of leisure travellers nowadays (some of the advance tickets are very fairly priced), and not quite so many who appear to be on business. I have on a couple of times hit the odd hen / stag party but even then it's not been especially raucous on board.

So overall, based on my own experiences I would recommend LNER First Class. It's definitely improved in the last eighteen months or so, particularly with their weekend offering. Most recent trips were 18/04/23 11.55 YRK-DEE and 25/04/23 11.09 DEE-YRK.

 

[Iskra]

Probably one of the LNER 'Dine' services, they offer proper chef-cooked food.

However, you could travel on a GWR Pullman service on a STD ticket and then pay for a meal onboard which is served in a First Class coach which is some of the best food on the network.

Similarly, the TFW Premier Service offers reasonably priced First Class where you pay for a freshly cooked three course meal on top which is good, although it isn't as reliable as GWR's dining.

 

[william.martin]

Doesn't count technically, but potentially the double bed Caledonian Sleeper room?

I can imagine that they would be lovely particularly through the Scottish country side at 7 AM

Probably one of the LNER 'Dine' services, they offer proper chef-cooked food.

However, you could travel on a GWR Pullman service on a STD ticket and then pay for a meal onboard which is served in a First Class coach which is some of the best food on the network.

Similarly, the TFW Premier Service offers reasonably priced First Class where you pay for a freshly cooked three course meal on top which is good, although it isn't as reliable as GWR's dining.

As of the TFW premier that is probably something I could actually do as I'm only 20 minutes from Shrewsbury by Train.

I've had recent good experiences on LNER, both north and south between York and Dundee, on both occasions a Tuesday during the day. Served from the "Dish" Menu. (Off topic, but it's surely time for them to refresh the choices on there - they've been in place since the first week of January - not great for any regular passengers). I was perhaps fortunate with the crews I had, but found there to be a very regular supply of complimentary refreshments etc on both legs.

I don't actually mind the seats, despite the complaints of many others on their comfort. For me, there is plenty of legroom / space (and this is speaking as being probably one of the most sizeable forum members!) Also I have rarely encountered problems with wifi / charging facilities / seat reservations. Usually clean, with decent toilets and regular cleaning up and litter collection. I will criticise the poor amount of luggage storage - particularly for larger bags / cases - this seems to be a problem in standard as well as first, however.

The ambience will of course depend on who is travelling. I find there seems quite a lot of leisure travellers nowadays (some of the advance tickets are very fairly priced), and not quite so many who appear to be on business. I have on a couple of times hit the odd hen / stag party but even then it's not been especially raucous on board.

So overall, based on my own experiences I would recommend LNER First Class. It's definitely improved in the last eighteen months or so, particularly with their weekend offering. Most recent trips were 18/04/23 11.55 YRK-DEE and 25/04/23 11.09 DEE-YRK.

Sounds great, however my back can't cope with the TPE mark 5's and apparently the 80x's are worse . Is the LNER first class seat the same as standard but reclinable and has one of those fancy headboard covers - I'm not at all a local to LNER so wouldn't know?

For me it will always be Avanti or LNER.

My most recent trips:
Avanti from Manchester to Lichfield. In the just-over-one-hour trip, I'd been served three courses and as many beers as I could drink. Suffice it to say I got my money's worth.

LNER from London to Inverness. Decent nosh and bevs throughout - and after we left Edinburgh they were very proactive with the drinks, and when I asked for some more wine I just got given a full bottle

I've slagged off Avanti a fair bit in the past but my last couple of journeys I can't fault them.

For me LNER isn't an option unless it really was the best of the best and I could fit it in with a trip to York for obviously the trains and also to see friends.
On the other hand I have heard good about Avanti and behind TFW premier (not guaranteed it wont be swapped for a 175 or even a 150) is probably my most local operator that has FC - I'm about a 20 minute train journey to Wolverhampton if I catch the semi - fast TFW Cambrian/ Holyhead to Birmingham services.

Does anybody know if the following are better or worse than each other as through Wolverhampton it could be any:

•Avanti 221
•Un-refurbished 390
•Refurbished 390.