I tried Eurostar’s £2 a minute luxury service – here’s what I got | Travel News | Travel

The last time I took the Eurostar was eight years ago, when I made my first stop in Brussels while interrailing, and before that, a family trip to Disneyland Paris at the age of 11. So when I had the opportunity to travel to France on the superb train service again, I jumped at the chance. Only this time, I was upgraded to Eurostar Premier.

The fare costs £534 for a return for one adult, which comes in at around £2 for every minute you’re on the train. 

It was an early start as I made my way to London St Pancras International on Friday, 5 December, to board the 9:01 Eurostar to Lille, France, which was bound for Brussels. I arrived around an hour before its departure and was guided through the first ticket gates before going through security, which was seamless.

Having never travelled with Eurostar Premier before, or anything other than economy on a train or plane, I had a delightful surprise when I was informed that the lounge was ‘just to the right’. In my startled state, I entered and attempted to hide my overwhelming excitement from the businesspeople who looked right at home, sipping their coffee with a croissant.

Making my way upstairs in the lounge, after being told it would be quieter, I helped myself to one of the colourful smoothies in a vintage tumbler placed on a circular bar, in a bid to ease into this new way of life for the next 45 minutes. I also found a hot drinks bar with a selection of teas, coffees, and biscuits, along with some continental breakfast options, including pastries, yoghurt, fruit, and cereal.

Saving myself for the Eurostar service, I grabbed a flat white from the coffee machine and settled into my new surroundings with one of the free magazines. Just when I was beginning to get used to being a lounge user, the boarding announcement for my train was called.

In a last-ditch attempt to make the most of this lavish perk, I grabbed a DASH blackcurrant water from the fully fledged fridge on my way out that also offered three types of beer, an array of fizzy drinks, tonic waters and juices – all available to grab as you wish. Surely it couldn’t get better than this? But then it did.

Making my way to the front of the Eurostar, I found my window seat with spacious leg room and an extendable table. Mere minutes into the journey, which left London sharply, I was given the breakfast menu and offered a hot drink and a glass of smoothie.

Not long after, my first breakfast course (yes, first course) was placed in front of me. This consisted of a small croissant, a bread roll, jams, along with chia seed and almond muesli, apples and dates.

This was followed by a plate of lime and gochugaru pineapple, caraway pear, orange, pumpkin seed cream, chocolate, almond and walnut granola. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a fancy helping of fruit before in my life. Alternatively, there was also a hot option with spiced sausage, leek and Tunworth omelette, garlic spinach, mushrooms and brown sauce.

More hot and cold drinks were offered during the journey as I gazed out of the window at the sprawling countryside, soon after arriving in France. It felt like the quickest yet most luxurious journey of my life, and I could have happily stayed on the Eurostar for another four hours with the comfort I was lapping up.

I arrived in Lille at 11.24 and spent the day exploring the city and its charming Christmas village before it was time to head back to London. I boarded the 18.36 train and was treated to more exceptional service, again in Eurostar Premier.

This time, and in true French style, I was offered a glass of Champagne in a stemless flute for the journey home, along with a packet of dried fruits and a soft drink. Around 10 minutes later, I was handed the dinner and drinks menu, which featured a selection of wines.

This time, the meal was served on one tray, but it was nothing short of exceptional. It included an amuse-bouche of marinated kohlrabi, smoked broccoli and ricotta, followed by miso cod, hot and sour carrots and turnips, and rice. There were also two cold options available, including a beef, mustard and horseradish tonnato, caramelised pumpkin salad, kohlrabi and beetroot, or a sesame pumpkin, black lentils and red cabbage, pumpkin and cashew cream, ancho chilli crunch.

Ending the dinner, I devoured the chocolate, star anise and almond chou before savouring the Oxford blue cheese with a grapefruit and vanilla chutney. It was all absolutely incredible, and what made it even more special was the attentive service and friendliness from the staff. They were more than happy to help with any passengers’ needs and chat to them about their day spent in France. And the Champagne top-ups, particularly after a busy day exploring, were definitely a bonus.

Eurostar Premier tickets for the exact same journey and times vary, but for Friday, 12 December, cost £534 for a return for one adult. That means you’d be paying around £2 an hour for the level of service I experienced and the impressive meals I ate.

While I can’t experience this level of luxury every day, nor every year, I would highly recommend trying Eurostar Premier if you can. It offers an effortless and eco-friendly (compared to fly) start to any European trip, whether that’s a day out or a weekend getaway, particularly if it’s a special occasion. Moreover, lower prices are available for different dates and travel times throughout the year.

In comparison, it might just add up to the same cost of return flights to Lille, France, from London, once you’ve added checked-in luggage and airport parking, or even less. Plus, you can take luggage onto the Eurostar as you would on any other train, and can even make the most of bringing back a few bottles of wine too!

Alternatively, you can book Eurostar Standard or Eurostar Plus tickets for Lille and a variety of other locations across Europe. For more information, you can visit the Eurostar website.