First-Class Curry and Steam: A Saturday Evening on The Curry Express through the Yorkshire Dales

EMBSAY TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

First-Class Curry and Steam: A Saturday Evening on The Curry Express through the Yorkshire Dales

A 3.5-hour, Saturday-evening dining trip from Bolton Abbey to Embsay featuring a three-course curry by Mastabs, reserved First Class seating, and live music on the return.

First-Class Curry and Steam: A Saturday Evening on The Curry Express through the Yorkshire Dales.

Duration
3.5 hours
Location
Embsay
Operator
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Category
Train
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On a Saturday evening the Curry Express threads the low hills and wooded valleys of the Yorkshire Dales, a short steam-hauled run that pairs scenic travel with a carefully prepared three-course curry supplied by Skipton’s Mastabs. The service is presented as First Class: reserved seating, poppadoms and a choice of chicken, lamb or vegetable curry, served at your table as the train travels between Bolton Abbey and Embsay.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE MENU

Three-course curry by Mastabs

A freshly made three-course curry — choice of chicken, lamb or vegetable — pilau rice and a plain naan, with poppadoms included; the food is prepared by Mastabs of Skipton and served at your table aboard the train.

THE SERVICE

First Class onboard experience

The event is operated as a First Class service with reserved seating and on-train table service, delivering a focused dining experience while the train moves through the Dales.

THE AMBIENCE

Steam travel plus live music

The outward and return legs link Bolton Abbey and Embsay by steam, with the curry served onboard at Embsay and live music awaiting passengers back at Bolton Abbey to round out the evening.

What the day feels like

What the evening feels like

You board at Bolton Abbey, settle into reserved First Class seats and watch the Dales pass as the train eases to Embsay. At Embsay the onboard team brings Mastabs’ three-course curry to your table; after dining you return to Bolton Abbey where live music carries the evening on.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this suits — and who should check restrictions

1
Food-focused dinersBest for people who want a restaurant-quality curry in a unique setting; the meal is prepared by Mastabs and served at your table onboard.
2
Couples and small groupsIdeal for an evening out: reserved First Class seating and table service make this a relaxed night-trip through the Dales.
3
Music and atmosphere seekersPassengers who enjoy combining food with live entertainment will appreciate the live music on return at Bolton Abbey.
4
Dog owners / service dog usersThe railway cannot accept dogs on Dales Dining services; guide dogs are excepted — contact the operator before booking if you require assistance with a guide dog.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a Saturday-evening Dales Dining service; the listed duration for the offering is 3.5 hours.

What to Bring

No special equipment is required; both alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments are available from the on-train bar.

Meeting & Boarding

Board at Bolton Abbey Station (BD23 6AF) as the designated meeting and departure point.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the Curry Express experience last?

The duration of the trip is 3.5 hours.

Where do I meet for the service?

The meeting location and departure point is Bolton Abbey Station (BD23 6AF).

What food is served onboard?

A freshly made three-course curry from Mastabs, with a choice of chicken, lamb or vegetable curry, pilau rice, plain naan and poppadoms.

Are alcoholic drinks available?

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments are available from the on-train bar.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not accepted on Dales Dining services; guide dogs are excepted—please contact the railway before booking.

Is seating reserved?

The service is provided as First Class with reserved seating.