Britain's BEST First Class? LNER Azuma First Class Review!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2022
- This week, we LNER's First Class offering on one of their Azuma trains!
Date of Travel: August 2022
Class of Travel: First Class
Rolling Stock: Class 801 Azuma
Operator: LNER
Service type: Express Passenger
Train Number: 1A29
Origin: Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom (England)
Destination: London King's Cross, United Kingdom (England)
Cost of Ticket: £51.15 ($59.10, €59.15)
Menu: www.lner.co.uk/the-east-coast...
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Sorry for the lack of end cards. I will add them on my computer when I get home.
It’s ok
I use them twice a year and they have never faulted the price has been great and the amount you paid for your trip is perfectly amount.
How have you guys been lately?
You still haven't got round to doing it.
Looking for the menus and range of food offering’s
In June 1952 I started work in the station master's office at Leeds City station. Not long before Christmas I watched workmen putting up the tree in what is now the North Concourse. One of them braced a rope against one of those Art Deco ribs - and it went through. They were only plaster covering rolled steel joists.
You need to travel GWR second class to realise how truly awful these trains are. The GWR sets are the oldest and they seem to be deteriorating rapidly.
Ridden this route a fair few times. Upgrade from standard to first usually costs less than £15 on Seatfrog and is definitely worth it.
Dylan, another nicely made video! Keep up the great work, I love seeing the different locations of the UK and London along with the other cities and villages!
Perfect timing - will be riding this route and class in exactly one week :)
Well, when the Class 91s were introduced in 1991, they said that they were capable of 140mph 'in the future', and we are still waiting, so don't get your hopes up for faster travel anytime soon! There must be a joke about finding a dinosaur in Leeds station....why didn't they just have a model of a Pacer train???
No, don't hold your breath for any speed upgrade! The line is too crowded to run at 140mph for very long without fast trains catching up with slower ones, then of course they would need to slow down. Upgrading & maintaining the line to 140mph was therefore considered be of too little benefit. That was over 30 years ago & the line has since got busier, so there would be even less point now.
@@TheRip72 They were even marketed as 'IC225' trains originally (to constrast with the IC125 trains they supplanted) - 225 km/h being 140mph.
Yep. Only a few sections are 140 capable
@@timbounds7190 I know. I always wince when I hear them called 225s because they have only ever officially done 201kmh in service.
the only reason we cant do 140mph is that it would cost too much to upgrade signalling .....and also would you like your back broken on an azuma at 140mph
Except for the underwhelming lounge serving biscuits and water, that was a smooth, comfortable ride. The lunch looked excellent.
But they are nice biscuits
Nicely done! A short, but very pleasant journey.
I’ve travelled this route before in 2017, albeit as far as Peterborough. It was the 2nd of 3 train journeys on my way home from Manchester and was on 1 of the class 91’s that LNER used before the Azumas came into service
To be honest, don’t be too reliant on what LNER may serve you in First Class. Traveled with LNER a few days ago from King’s Cross to Doncaster and was supposed to get the Dish menu. However, not long after we pulled out of King’s Cross, they swapped the menu to Deli! Wasn’t too impressed, as I was looking forward to try out the Shepherdess Chicken. Also they had no toasted teacakes and had to make do with the Deli Box instead. 😒
Im pretty sure the meal service is also based on journey length too no?
Another enjoyable train trip video, Dylan. Interesting to hear that they provide wheelchair spaces in both First and Standard classes. I wasn't aware that any of the UK companies did this. (Less of a shocker as I don't live there.) I'm impressed.
I travelled up to Newark standard class both ways in a 225 and down in a 800, and I found everything: seat comfort, cabin atmosphere, and the announcements to be much much better on the 225. The 800 feels way too cramped and the seats are very uncomfortable. I also found the 225 extremely smooth to travel on, with the 800 constantly bumping up and down. We took bikes on our journey and it turned out to be a real faff putting them on the 800. Nice vid though!
I have to say when comparing the two types of traction LNER have I would probably prefer a 225. The only complaint I had when catching one from York to King's Cross was that because of it being a fairly frequent stopping service, the brakes started to smell after a while in the coaches which wasn't a great smell. Comfy nonetheless though in standard and the 225 First Class is pretty much second to none from what I have heard. I don't mind the Azuma's but I would probably travel in a 225 over one of them.
You're not alone. The railway press reports -- when not trying to find out about the bogie /body crack rectification -- an growing preference for the 225s. Takes a lot to beat a loco hauled well spring and insulated rake of Mk 4s.
Did a first-class trip from Middlesborough to London Kings Cross on the 1st day of the Middlesborough services and really enjoyed the experience, great video.
Sorry, I find the class 800 ride quality hard and the 1st Class seats uncomfortable after half an hour. There is no doubt that the Mark 4's were much smoother and the seats slightly better. The only advantages of 1st class seating nowadays is the 2+1 spacing. The seat profiles have become thinner, thus giving the illusion of more space (just like Ryanair etc). The days of sumptuous well-upholstered 1st class seats are long gone, except on Mark 1 charters.
My wife didn’t enjoy the video, she said you should buy the steadi cam. 😂
Over these last two months I’ve become very familiar with LNER Azuma first class offerings to various degrees of success between Leeds and London to the point I’ve lost count and even this week between Newcastle and Dundee and return to Leeds. Also, unfortunately, experiencing the power lines coming down on both occasions, in the same area, over these recent weeks and trying to return from London!!! I am a great fan of the LNER Azumas they are lovely trains.
Great trip. This remembered me about your trip in the past.
People seem to think that standard class on the 225s is better than these trains first class
The over-bright Azumas also feel more crowded than the more gently subdued 225s.
everything seems crisp and fresh, Dylan! 😀
I always like getting the azumas when I head south from Inverness
The gold panels on the rooftop of the station immediately reminded me of the Elizabeth Line stations
brilliant awsome train review i love the azumas
I remember the this service in the 1990s. It the was the the last train service to offer a restaurant car in the first class area. We used to use it when West Ham were playing in the north. We always went standard on this service and we used to always arrive just before 10:30 when breakfast was finished and have the 7 course breakfast for £7.95 we would leave when we were asked to as they needed to start preparing lunch. Those were the days ⚒
Thank you for your report. I frequently travel between Kings Cross and Leeds, always 1st class, and having tried the Azumas, now endeavour to book on a Mark IV set ! The first class seating in the MarkIVs is far superior, and thankfully, despite the age and many miles they have run, you don’t hear the track noise that the Azumas make ! One has to compare what is now Britain’s newest long distance train with those of the European mainland like the D.B.ICE, and SNCF TGV. Frankly, LNER Azumas, and GWR IETs are not in the same league.
Better or worse / like the GWR trains
ドイツ🇩🇪のシーメンス製ＩCEの方が、遥かに優れている。何故ドイツ製を受注しなかったのか？
Well said. Im watching. 💚🌍
The work at Leeds station is that of some new shop Greg's Sainsbury's Costa coffee Nero
and British transport police office
Great video! If I book 1st class with LNER, I always choose a seat at either end of the carriage to avoid eye contact with people haha.
Thanks for the ride !!! 🇺🇾
Great video as always! I made a trip for between London and horsforth to see some family and I got upgraded to first class due to being under 18 and travelling alone!
For free?
Yes!
I used to commute Doncaster to Leeds daily from 2001 to 2005. I barely recognise Leeds station now.
"...international supervillain, Margaret Thatcher"
excellent description
The design is nice, the ride quality is acceptable, the seats in either class are genuinely the worst I've ever travelled in on any long-distance train anywhere in Europe.
I travelled LNER First Class once to attend my cousin's wedding. But it was on an InterCity 225.
I spent many hours traveling in first class with LNER from London to Newcastle. I just love the service and I will never travel in economy . For anyone who reading this and thinks it’s expensive think your getting a service with loads of free food and drinks it’s worth it
Thank you!
Awesome video buddy from Alan in Lowestoft
I take the Azuma 1st class very regularly between London and Lincoln and occasionally London to Leeds or York. I have never, ever been served hot food since LNER took over so you were very lucky. I am astonished to read even the 'deli' menu is supposed to offer salad as an alternative to sandwiches because the only alternative ever offered is a snack box. Other than the food 1st class is pretty efficient and clean, with some good exchangeability on tickets now if you have to change times of travel which is a plus. Wifi is pretty dire and I usually have to tether to my 5/4G to do any work.
I have just returned from a regular trip to Biarritz from Harrogate (1st class) though this time using Stena Sail/Rail (to visit Rotterdam) and can advise that the only trains to run on time were the LNER services to and from Kings Cross. Greater Anglia was 10 minutes late both ways; Thalys trains (Rotterdam/Paris) were old, shabby and late in both directions; InOui was late by 10 mins out to Dax and by 55 mins back from Biarritz to Paris; TER from Dax was cancelled (staff shortages) and the next scheduled service 1 hour later was 15 mins late leaving and seriously overcrowded. LNER knocked them all into next week being on time and though slightly slower (125 vs 186/191mph) provided at seat catering in the price (far superior to the "formule petit dejeuner" bought from the InOui cafè-bar which cost €9-30 and was a very unimpressive coffee, yoghurt and bun). All those who bleat about wanting European standards of rail should be careful what they wish for - in Europe I currently rate LNER 2nd best behind Frecciarossa having moved ahead of Eurostar this year.
As for the smooth ride, LNER is fine so long as you are in a 9-coach or 10-coach unit - if you are in one of the 5-coach units they can get seriously bouncy at speed especially around Newark! 1st Class Lounge services have deteriorated considerably lately but they remain comfortable places to wait with desks and charging points and, most importantly, heating in York, one of England's colder and draughtier albeit more beautiful stations ...
I totally agree i have done several first class interrail trips lately and i think the british first class is one of the best and i have already planned the next trip in july because it offers the most valeu for money, a meal, unlimited coffe and biscuits and with exception of tpe eveything was on time and free reservations and no extra fees for hst I really enjoyed my time especially with the occasionaly hst 225 or xc hst 125 for a more nostalgic feeling.. in terms of service i am Dutch and if we see any train staff or station staff outside the main stations it is almost a shock nowadays so enjoy your rail bevoming more efficient or european will certainly mean less service and kindness on your jourrney 😢
Detailed and clear expression🙏 Thx for ur devotion😘 I tried the app mentioned by comments section, amazingly it is 💥super save🤩
I’d love for LNER to have a “Bean to cup” espresso machine in first class! Would love a latte ☕️
Really !!!, you try serving over 100 passengers on some trains from a bean to cup machine. I assume you wont want anything else on a 5 hour journey
I used the East Coast line aiming ultimately for Huddersfield
when my mother and father lived there.
I was most impressed with the renationalised service
(a few years ago LOL)
and their meal offerings in first class
together with the friendliness of the staff
made it an enjoyable service.
There is a Grand Central service
from Halifax to London
stopping at Brighouse
and that was an interesting service
I had not encountered before.
Brighouse even had some volunteer helpers
on stand-by to help folks.
Thanks!
The East Coast Main Line has had the best First Class options for years now, although I do think the amount of food on offer is a bit stingy these days. The 'Dish of the Day' was actually little more than a snack last time I had it - which is a shame when you consider that the food provision and not having to carry your own is one of the main reasons that leisure travellers choose First Class, especially on longer journeys.
I was quite impressed with the train ride.
Avanti does good first class too
Shame the service as a whole is shit.
Though they're economising in First Class. No more toast with your breakfast, and the wine is now out of boxes not bottles - they pour your glass out in the galley, hoping you won't notice.
@@Clivestravelandtrains can't even book weekend tickets in advance. Absolute shambles.
@@CommandoG331 I believe that's because of their temporary timetable due to shortage of drivers - but in a way it's just a means of putting up fares because if you need to travel you buy a walk-on ticket. Personally I sometimes use a walk-on ticket if I want the flexibility of coming back when I want, or to break my journey en-route - but most people are happy to use airline style fixed-train-only tickets because they are of course cheaper.
@@Clivestravelandtrains And now they're striking on the weekend I want to travel too. Attrocious. Should never of ditched Virgin.
There's more hair than Dylan 😉
Great video.
Trip looked good and I agree, Dylan, the decor in First Class looked smart 😉👍🏻. Sadly, the link to menu really didn’t show what mains were available under Dish. 😕
After a break from TH-cam for a couple of weeks, I'm catching up. Apart from the blandness of the First Class Lounge at Leeds (WHAT-NO COFFEE!!!!!), looks like you (and she who must be obeyed) had a pleasant trip. I had a chuckle at your comments about THE LADY FROM GRANTHAM. Beware her steely glance should you come upon a portrait photo of her in your travels. She might hex you to the nearest hairdresser to get your top lopped. Cheers from Michael downunder in Melbourne.
Hmmm. Nearly £150 return if you can't use a railcard. Not exactly cheap. And I think more than a semi-flexible super off-peak standard class return.
Where are you getting £150 from? 🤔
Interesting thanks
a nice little hop to the capital. First class is the way to go. The other sections were very crowded & loud (I imagine). The windows were cleaner than your last few rides. Not your fault at all, but the clean windows make it a lot easier to view the sights. Your last one was difficult to see much. Happy travels.
The construction work:
There was a help point put there but it had a massive lack of insulation and shelter problem. Very windy and chilly, such that the staff had to wear winter coats and gloves etc. Eventually they refused to work there any more. It is being redesigned and replaced as a result.
Really shows how service can make or break first class! GWR using the same trains with the same seating, however food/drink service is just nibbles and alcohol not even being included in the ticket! LNER shows that with good food service you can make even an awful seat seem like good value.
You will see in 11.12 that if you are unlucky enough to get an aisle seat in first class, you have a table-leg directly in front of you, between your legs. This makes it impossible, almost, to stretch out your legs or cross them over each other.
Regarding the cycle cupboards, they have to be unlocked by LNER staff. I boarded one at Northallerton recently with a cycle reservation, and there was no-one to unlock the door so I had to leave it in the corridor. At Newcastke I shouted to a member of the platform staff to come and help me. Not very good.
I once read that the cycle cupboards look like they were designed by someone who has never seen a bicycle. Or a train. Having used them, I agree
@@simonc7947 Yes, they are horrible, but the staff do their best to help - when they can! I think their design is part of Department of Transport's plan to discourage the carriage of bikes by train.
The Harrogate Azusa is great because it stops in one other station on its way to Leeds which is my local one five minutes from my house.
thank you
Perhaps you would agree LNER is the best of the long distance UK rail operators currently.
gotta love that nationalization.
I found the trip and train just great just wish we had the Azuma here i Australia
I went AZUMA last on Monday from Fife to Edinburgh from my granmum last was going in to Kirkcaldy from edinburgh to York
Just a though Dylan ( because I've just done it ) but on some of your longer routes/ higher fares, could you introduce ticket splitting into the equation where available? As the cost of living issue begin to bite, every little helps!
Definitely looks a lot better than the same journey but from Oxford with Cross Country via Birmingham. Soooo cramped and such old stock I'd not be surprised if it soon started falling apart! :')
Whenever i travel 1st class its always on the way back from london because there's no lounge at lincoln station. a place i would highly recommend visiting.
Took these trains from Reading to London when there was works on the SWML, nice looking train but it’s always shaking…
Taking my first trip on LNER on the 24th (standard) Azuma - cant wait (might seat frog it to first if the fare is right) Leeds to Kings Cross
I love the Azuma trains and have found the best seats in first class for a good view are K17 southbound and K16 Northbound as these are the four seat tables and prefer them even though I'm a solo traveller
good video. HOpe all is good for you.
Very polished production. Well done Dylan
Apart from the WiFi then I love LNER
The 'all you can drink' booze offering makes any journey feel a lot smoother. The LNER first class lounge in Kings Cross is utter garbage though. And the one in Leeds? Why are so many lounges without windows? Awful. The lounge in Newcastle sucks too. Anyway, yes this is the greatest first class experience I've ever had - attentive staff, good food, great drinks. Lovely.
International super villan lol. Love your hair too. I'm going to be working onboard as a customer host next week and hope to see you on your next LNER adventure. Great vid!
I've only ever travelled on an azuma once and that was standard class. Might give first a go as the fares seem cheap enough
I used this service Leeds - London in August, 1st class, agree the 1st class lounge is not great, coffee machine was working but snacks were rather poor. The trains are virtually the same as used by Southeastern on the High Speed service where 140mph is the norm. 1st class seats are fine but there is only one set of "face to face" single seats around a table per coach, all the rest are airline style ... not great when travelling as a couple. Onboard catering was not great either, on our lunchtime trip there were snacks only. Ride quality can be worse with LNER (at 125mph) than Southeastern (at 140mph) - I guess track quality must play a part with this. Overall, a missed potential. Also travelled with LNER in June, Aberdeen to London, comments apply except that Aberdeen's 1st class lounge was closed for refurbishment. At least LNER gives a kickback when booking tickets on their mobile app!
140mph/225kmph running probably won't happen for the forseeable future. In order to do more than 125mph/201kmph, you have to have in cab signalling equipment, rather than lineside signalling.
The class 91's have the same issue.
They are 140 capable but track won't let us.
Den ganzen Juli über war ich mit Britrail First Class in ganz UK unterwegs. So hab ich die verschiedensten Unternehmen und Baureihen kennenlernen können. Zwar hat nicht jeder Zug eine erste Klasse, jedoch war diese, wenn sie mal da war schon etwas besonderes. Vor allem im Vergleich zu deutschen Zügen. Von kostenlosem Catering mit Snacks und Getränken, teilweise sogar ganzen Mahlzeiten kann man in unseren ICE nur träumen! Das ist nicht im Ticketpreis enthalten. Das hab ich also natürlich ausgenutzten sehr genossen! Intercity First Class in GB zu fahren ist schon ein Erlebnis. Nun gab es natürlich auch besseres und schlechteres. Der Service hat mir besonders bei Avanti sehr gut gefallen. TPE konnte bei mir wiederum mit dem Ambiente in der Nova Flotte überzeugen. Mein persönliches Highlight war nichts desto trotz die Fahrt in LNERs Mk4-Wagen. Sitzcomfort, Ambiente, Service, Fahrgefühl,… einfach alles hat gestimmt! Da war ich sehr begeistert auch wenn die Fahrt nur kurz von Leeds nach Doncaster war. Einen solchen Train-Trip würd ich definitiv wiederholen!
Sorry, dass alles in Deutsch steht. Ich war für das übersetzen zu faul 😅
Translation follows. Gern geschehen!
I spent the whole of July traveling around the UK with Britrail First Class. I was able to get to know a wide variety of companies and model series. Although not every train has a first class, it was something special when it was there. Especially compared to German trains. One can only dream of free catering with snacks and drinks, sometimes even whole meals in our ICE! This is not included in the ticket price. So of course I really enjoyed it! Driving Intercity First Class in the UK is an experience in itself. Of course there were better and worse. I really liked the service, especially at Avanti. TPE was able to convince me again with the ambience in the Nova fleet. Nevertheless, my personal highlight was the ride in LNER's Mk4 car. Seating comfort, ambience, service, driving experience,... everything was just right! I was very enthusiastic about that, even if the journey from Leeds to Doncaster was only short. I would definitely repeat such a train trip!
Sorry that everything is in German. I was too lazy to translate.
@@IScreamer Thank you!😀
I find the IET's can be hit and miss. Some of them are really good and you can walk along easily. Other's are rocky as hell and you struggle to stand up.
Boa tarde Dylans boa viagem ai bem feito agradável
£51 for First Class isn’t bad I think.
Nice Vid mate.
I've just travelled down from Newcastle on an Azuma in first. I was seated next to an automated pair of doors that separated standard class from first. The doors (or their mechanisms) were rattling so badly I thought they were going to fall apart but it did make the experience quite stressful for me. But it certainly wasn't the journey I was so looking forward to and has left a poor impression of the build quality.
Just an idea for you to chew over...... Video on Steam Train outings. ie. Blue bell Railway, Swanage Railway, Lake District etc,etc,etc.
leeds station concourse is a lot brighter than it used to be
Great trip report Dylan
Great video Dylan 👍
I went on a 5 hour 50 minute journey for Motherwell to kings cross and the comfort on the standard seat was dreadful. I got off the train with a really sore back
Go first class next time, I always go first class it's worth it as Dylan showed here 🙂
Typical British state of affairs when it comes to customer service/amenities. Great vid as usual chap :) 👍✌🖖👌👏🤘🤙
I get that non-flexi tickets are MUCH cheaper than off peak/anytime. And I get that the East Coast Mainline has very high demand and limited spaces. But when a single, in standard, off peak, from York to London costs £123, whilst Grand Central charge £58.....
Took the azuma a couple years ago to Newcastle - yes I was in standard class and yes it was uncomfortable for a 3hour+ trip (and for reference I'm probably a fair bit shorter than Dylan 😂). Grand Central use the class 180s so probably a bit noisy but their seats cannot be more uncomfortable than on the 801's.
Last time I traveled on Grand Central, circa 2018, the seat was so uncomfortable that I stood for a large part of the journey.
Just out of interest, which exact date in August did you travel? I was on the 12:15 at some point…
Nice video, as always
Interesting that the train reversed at Leeds - when the Harrogate - London services were operated by HSTs they used to continue east out of Leeds and join the ECML near Hambleton, missing out Wakefield.
Maybe that line is diesel only so the electric trains can’t go that way
@@manomaylr Harrogate Line is not electrified either...
ive got a question for you how come you go to Leeds a lot it seems funny when you record in leeds station as i live in leeds
Trying first class in three weeks between Wakefield and Newcastle on lner 👍
I miss the HSTs, but might have to give Azuma 1st a go!
I personally prefer the older HSTs and the Class 91's.
Only if the HST's recived the LNER Swallow Livery.
@@davidty2006 the LNER swallow livery looks smart
LNER Class 801
Stop spam commenting on trainspotting videos
I took the Azuma from London to York on September 5th.
OMG those seats are really bad after a while.
Dylan, yet again an informative report, thanks.
Best first class? From my limited experience it probably is but please don't consider that a glowing endorsement. The services I have used reasonably regularly are limited to LNER, Cross Country and East Midlands. I live in Sheffield and I have three common journeys: London (EMR), Darlington (Cross Country) and Inverness (Cross Country to York - LNER to Inverness).
EMR and Cross Country first class aren't really worth the premium unless you really need significant space to work. The food on offer is pretty poor. If food is part of your reasoning then neither of the operators offer anything better than you could provide yourself.
I was told by LNER that food and drink and complimentary, they're not obliged to offer anything. In my experience menus will often change or the stock will be so limited they've run out if you're further down the carriage pecking order. Last trip, breakfast options were limited and in short supply and the dish menu was substituted for deli and some items were unavailable. As far as the carriages, LNER has the best aesthetics. Leg room, if not at a shared table, is really good, but then it is is standard class too. The seats in standard for a 6 hour plus journey are back breaking IMHO, first is a little better.
Is it worth the premium over standard, it depends. For a long journey and for a small uplift then it probably is. I'm heading from York to Inverness next week on a standard advance ticket which is £49. A little while back it was £29, even with the rise in price it is great value for 6.5 hours on a train. First class out was a big hike, an extra £60 or so. I have a Seatfrog bid in for the journey up but not expecting it to go through as the train is generally busy through to Edinburgh. My return is a first class advance ticket, around £70, nearly £25 extra for first but I thought I would see if it has improved since my last journey.
Have experience riding the LNER Azusa First and Standard. Couldn’t tell much difference except seats marginally wider but just as hard and non reclining, the ‘free lunch’ in First was,pretty gross. The first class lounge in Kings Cross was packed. But they had water and crisps for anyone interested. First just wasn’t worth the extra pounds.
❤
Again, I have to say I wish that we had these trains here in Canada.
I really don't get how Canada doesn't have a 125mph corridor.
Could easily get one to Quebec city from Toronto.
@@davidty2006, I don't get it, either; this is mostly because of automobile culture and also because of (here in Ontario) rural opposition to HSR.
Have to agree the lighting in ALL variants of the 800 is too bright, particularly at night. It's cold and could benefit from a colour temperature tone down. As for overall ambiance I think Hull Trains cabins have even better ambiance but still the hard lighting - you should try them and compare. GWR 800's have, in my view, the worst ambiance totally un-welcoming!
I still prefer the MK 4's!
'International supervillain' was too funny
Ironic when one look at his own travel partner he shouldn’t be throwing round opinions on others.
I think Dylan was passing comment (in a lighthearted way) on Mrs T’s economic policies rather than her looks.
@@xr6lad she lives rent free in your head.