One of the highlights of spring was my visit to Bluebell Railways to enjoy a three-course dinner on the Golden Arrow dining experience. After a very wet winter and majority of rain and clouds so far, I was treated to a lovely sunny and warm spring day. The experience was to dine in a vintage dining railway car pulled by a steam engine from Sheffield Park station, through blooming bluebell woods, to Horsted Keynes.
The station building itself is set up in vintage style, and there is also a museum, bookshop, and pub located here at the station. The museum was shut when I visited. There is a rail service throughout the day catering to tourists and railway enthusiasts.
I went to explore the station and watched the trains.
While I waited, we received a welcome drink of Prosecco and a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian canapes.
Then, it was time to board the train for the dinner service. There were three cars. I was sat in the newest of the three dining cars - Christine. It was built in 1928. The other two were also built in the 1920s. This carriage was used in the London North East Railway originally.
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On arrival, we received a bread roll. I also ordered a bottle of wine.
I enjoyed pleasant views of the countryside and bluebells while I had wine and waited for the food to come. I really liked the look of the menu with the South Asian-style vegetarian food, which had to be ordered in advance.
Spiced lentil and butternut squash soup was the starter, and this was tasty.
My main was sweet potato, chickpea, and cumin lettuce with tarragon juice. My guest ordered beef roast. We were served a selection of vegetables.
The train went back and forth between the stations, and I watched as the light dimmed outside.
For dessert, I had the lemon and ginger posset. My guest had the chocolate fondant with caramel sauce. The food was delicious.
Afterwards, we were offered coffee and tea and received a little box containing two chocolate truffles.
I loved the dinner and vintage railway experience. Bluebell Railway is located in Sussex. I would love to go back to try the afternoon tea or enjoy a trip.
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