LNER is serving up a culinary treat to celebrate 100 years of the famous brand.
It has created a special menu showcasing some of the most delicious dishes served to train passengers over the past century – and beyond.
The ‘LNER 1923 Restaurant’, is serving food this week (Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 November) at The Cookery School at The Grand in York – the former headquarters of the railway.
It’s been providing the perfect historic backdrop for the unique, pop-up restaurant.
During the course of each evening, diners are transported back to the year the LNER brand first began, savouring delectable dishes from the past and present.
Guests have also been experiencing a taste of what may be to come in the shape of a futuristic dessert created to reflect the potential onboard cuisine 100 years from now.
That is where the mushroom comes in!
Once settled into their sumptuous surroundings, diners got to grips with the star of the show – a carefully curated menu which takes inspiration from the past, present, and potential future of the food served to passengers travelling on LNER’s Azuma trains, with courses reflecting the years 1923, 2023, and 2123.
Whilst the event is free for guests to dine, LNER is requesting that people ‘pay’ for their meal with donations to York Foodbank.
Guests were asked to bring a small selection of non-perishable, unopened goods that will be collected by the charity.
Menu du jour
Starter – 1923
Crème de Pois Vert et Sole Devon
A chilled pea soup with watercress reduction & slow cooked sole
A pairing of two dishes from actual 1920s LNER menu
Vegan/ GF option – Crème de Pois Vert et Poisson Faux
A chilled pea soup with watercress reduction and faux fish (watermelon steak)
Main – 2023
Confit chicken with chanterelle cream reduction, wilted cavolo nero & cream potato
Vegan/ GF option – Chestnut terrine with chanterelle cream reduction, wilted cavolo nero & creamed potato
Inspired by the current LNER menu and using high quality ingredients from across the east coast route
Dessert – 2123
Mushroom panna cotta, spirulina ‘moss’ with a rhubarb, pear and ginger gel cover, finished with amaranth micro blossom
Head Chef for the event, Lucy Goldsmith, told us more about the final course:
“We are talking about fungi being the food of the future, especially using methods such as dehydration.
“So we’ve got these mushrooms powdered and mixed with the panna cotta. The flavour’s very earthy but also quite mellow so not overpowering, you’re not getting too intense with the mushroom flavour . That’s the food of the future.”
“Using the texture and a little bit of that base note that they provide as well.
“So yeah, nothing too intense.”
All dishes will also have a dedicated drink pairing, expertly selected to complement and enhance the delightful flavours at play.
The starter paired with a classic 1920s cocktail, the Bees Knees – dry gin infused with honey and lemon juice, while the main course is paired with a crisp white wine from present day and currently served onboard LNER trains.
Finally, an Instant Infused Gin Fizz goes with the dessert, with homemade gin and British fruit and herbs.
The edible elements of the experience aren’t limited to the 1923 Restaurant itself – with LNER exploring ways to introduce dishes inspired by the restaurant.
The 1923 Restaurant is launching following research from LNER, which revealed that over a third of Brits (36 per cent) find long train journeys more appealing as it gives them a chance to relax and enjoy some good food.
A further 32 per cent say onboard dining takes the stress out of their journey and makes it feel more leisurely.
Claire Ansley, Customer Experience and People Director at LNER, said: “For the past 100 years, LNER’s chefs have created culinary delights for our customers, always striving for excellence.
“Whilst our menu has evolved over the years, our commitment hasn’t wavered, and ‘The 1923 Restaurant’ gives us an opportunity to celebrate this and spotlight the culinary talent we continue to nurture.
“The menu will take guests on a mouth-watering journey through the decades whilst representing the evolution of the LNER brand.”
Diners can check to see if spaces are available for Tuesday 7th Novenber and make reservations via Eventbrite here.