I am obsessed with the Belmond Pullman Train Journeys and haven’t yet plotted to reserve a cross country adventure; creating my itinerary for my upcoming London visit, a light bulb moment, Belmond has day Journeys to Country Gardens, Highclere Castle, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Moving Murder Mysteries, a long list of elegant entertainment on board the British Pullman Train.
Their schedule divulged a Journey, on Mother’s Day! What could be better? An elegant afternoon within the unique train atmosphere for a Champagne Afternoon Tea! A bubbly day with savories, tea, amid a round-trip through Britain’s beautiful countryside.
Throughout the twentieth century, the Belmond trains have held a distinguished role in the art of continental travel. With grand interiors and chilled cocktails and flowing champagne, they pioneered the most magnificent mode of transport to tour Europe and her finest cities. Each car is a modern masterwork of vintage revivalism, seamlessly blending belle époque luxe with the stylish art deco adornments of interwar Britain.
My Confirmation Promise: Soon you will be transported back to the Golden Age of Travel, to savor impeccable service, exceptional Champagne, and the finest British seasonal produce, all within the splendid surroundings of your authentic Art Deco carriage. Expect luxury, glamour, and a dash of adventure on an unforgettable outing through the British countryside.
Dress to Impress for an effervescent Journey through Kent, indulging in exquisite champagne and an irresistible afternoon tea.
Board at Victoria Station: Welcome to your afternoon on Belmond British Pullman Minerva Carriage. No two carriage is the same and each has a story of its own. Every carriage on board the British Pullman is brimming with history and each one has been lovingly restored to its former glory.
After boarding, you’ll be immersed in art deco opulence. A smartly uniformed steward will escort you to your private table, to sink into plush upholstered armchairs. Soak up the vintage details surrounding you.
As the train begins its Journey through greater London and into Kent, an exquisite array of savory delicacies and indulgent pastries will be served with refreshing tea and a bottle of bubbly. Relax, unwind, and appreciate the changing views.
My Carriage, Minerva, named for the Roman goddess of victory, wisdom, and battle, Minerva initially ran for two years on the all-Pullman Devon Belle luxury express line between London Waterloo and Devon, where it served as a first-class parlor car.
Minerva: First class parlor car, 26 seats, built 1927 by Midland Railway Carriage and Wagon Co. Joined the Devon Belle in 1947 and the Golden Arrow in 1951, being used in the special Festival of Britain rake. Often included in special trains for state visits and royal use in the early 50s. She was put into storage during World War II and then refurbished in 1951 to join the Golden Arrow service as a parlor car.
As part of the Festival of Britain, train Minerva exclusively conveyed British royalty and visiting heads of state between Dover Marina and England’s capital city. In 1952, as part of the Golden Arrow, it carried guests along the English coast for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Sleek, elegant, and faithful to its original décor Minerva carriage is characterized by its brass furnishings and sylvan color scheme—a subtle blend of viridian, taupe, and gold—as well as its polished veneer and Edwardian marquetry of fleur-de-lys motifs. Do you think this is a Tiara outing or will a couture fascinator be most appropriate?
In every British Pullman carriage, the washroom floors are encased with the breathtaking stone mosaics of the late British artist Marjory Knowles. In two respects, the inlays in Minerva’s washrooms are unique. First, they include the only incomplete mosaic on the train: a sepulchral rendering of the car’s eponymous deity, which remained unfinished at the time of Knowles’ death in 1998. Second, they feature an original work by modern artist Aimee Harman, who also skillfully restored the mosaics in all eleven British Pullman cars and has since been commissioned for similar pieces on Belmond’s Northern Belle.
In keeping with the spirit of the rich history, the travel documentation suggests: ‘One can never be overdressed on board.’ Pearls packed, I’ve scheduled an afternoon visit to the oldest hat shop in the World and the oldest British hat shop, Lock & Company Hatters to select the perfect Pillbox hat or a handmade couture headband!
With a history for hosting famed parties and intriguing guests, among them spies, authors, ambassadors and royalty, their Journeys have developed a reputation for memorable connections made over fine dining.
When plotting London, check dates for a Belmond Pullman Train Journey!
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