On my way up to Lancaster, I was fortunate enough that the person who booked my ticket had booked first class all the way. I’ve been on plenty of Virgin trains whilst I was working with a client at Milton Keynes though forty minutes on a train doesn’t really justify the price. Three hours on a train apparently does.

On arrival, an attendant greets you as you board the train, welcoming you to your seat complete with a dinner setting (napkin and metal cutlery) and plenty of space around you. You’re soon offered a newspaper and a choice of a hot meal (at least for breakfast I was). They offer that first refresher drink before meal and plenty of tea and coffee during and after.

My favourite bit about first class though is that each table is outfitted with a power socket that you can connect any electrical appliances to. This meant that you could have a bite to eat, work in leisure all with only minor interruptions. The only improvement I can really ask for is wireless Internet (they had a couple of wireless networks though I couldn’t get Internet from them).