Newly appointed Virgin Trains’ executive chef, James Martin, introduces customers to his new menu now available to First Class customers on the east coast route

Award winning chef James Martin was on board Virgin Trains serving up treats from his new seasonal menu to surprised customers in a newly refurbished First Class Carriage. The train operator’s new executive chef then put his catering skills back into action as he traveled from King’s Cross to Leeds, delighting customers with samples from the new menu.

On arrival in Leeds, James met suppliers whose food is featured on his recently launched First Class menu, which is currently being served to Virgin Trains’ customers on the east coast route. Amongst these was award winning rare-breed farmers,Taste Tradition.

James said: “It was great to hear from the local suppliers whose produce has gone into making the new Virgin Trains seasonal menu and to be able to share with them the great feedback we have had so far from customers’’.

Alison Watson, Customer Experience Director at Virgin Trains on the east coast, added: “We’re delighted that James’ new menu showcases the delicious foods produced on our route. It gives us an opportunity to support our local communities and offer a fine dining experience to our First Class customers.’’

A new James Martin menu is being rolled out to Standard Class customers in autumn as part of Virgin Trains’ ongoing £40m investment in its fleet.