Sunday Steam and Savory: A Gourmet Ride Between Stratford and Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

Sunday Steam and Savory: A Gourmet Ride Between Stratford and Birmingham

A vintage, daytime round-trip aboard The Shakespeare Express featuring a three-course Sunday lunch in traditional British carriages and occasional themed entertainment.

Sunday Steam and Savory: A Gourmet Ride Between Stratford and Birmingham.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Birmingham
Operator
Vintage Trains
Category
Train
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Board The Shakespeare Express for a classic rail outing between Stratford and Birmingham: vintage carriages, table seating and a plated three-course Sunday lunch served on selected departures, with some trains augmented by on-board entertainment.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE MENU

Three‑Course Sunday Lunch Served Onboard

Selected departures include a plated three-course Sunday lunch—examples from the sample menu include smoked salmon starter, roast sirloin with Yorkshire pudding and tarte au citron with coffee or tea—presented as part of the travel experience.

THE CARRIAGES

Traditional British Railways Seating

Tourist Class places travelers around tables of four in heritage carriages, creating a social, table-service dining environment aboard the train.

THEATRE & FUN

Periodic Themed Entertainment

Some services feature special entertainment such as 'Murder on The Shakespeare Express' or Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties; offerings vary by date, so check operator channels for specifics.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

The trip is a measured, convivial journey aboard Vintage Trains’ Shakespeare Express: guests sit in restored British Railways carriages at four‑person tables, enjoy a served three‑course Sunday lunch on qualifying departures, and may be treated to themed entertainment on selected trains.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this excursion suits best.

1
Food‑minded couplesCouples who enjoy a plated Sunday lunch in a heritage setting will find the three-course menu and table seating especially fitting.
2
Groups of fourTourist Class seats are arranged around tables of four, making the experience convenient for small groups booking together.
3
Fans of themed experiencesTravelers seeking light theatrical or whimsical elements should target dates that advertise Murder on The Shakespeare Express or Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties.
4
Rail and heritage enthusiastsThose interested in vintage carriages and a traditional rail ambience will appreciate the restored British Railways interiors used on these services.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to expect at the table

Sample menus list starters such as smoked salmon and caper salad, roast sirloin with Yorkshire pudding and a tarte au citron dessert; tea and coffee are included on the sample menu for qualifying departures.

Seating & classes

Tourist Class places travelers around tables of four in traditional British Railways carriages; on some dates upgrades and alternate food options may be offered during booking.

Booking notes

Upgrades and selectable food options may be offered on certain dates (noted for 2023); check the operator’s website and social media for the latest schedule and entertainment listings.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What is served on the Sunday lunch?

Sample menus include a three-course meal—examples are smoked salmon & caper salad, roast sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding and tarte au citron for dessert—plus tea and coffee; menus are samples and may vary.

How are seats arranged?

Tourist Class seating is around tables of four in traditional British Railways carriages.

Are there themed events on the train?

Some trains feature entertainment such as 'Murder on The Shakespeare Express' and Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties; offerings vary by date so check the website and social media for details.

Can I buy upgrades or different food options?

On some dates upgrades and alternate food options will be offered and are selectable at the time of booking (noted for 2023).

How much does it cost?

Adult prices start at £45 (excluding booking fees).