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| • Just like the old days ...
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Recapture the atmosphere of dining trains in the days of steam and reserve a table on the "Quantock Belle" for Sunday luncheon or Saturday evening dinner. Enjoy an excellent meal in the comfort of the First Class restaurant cars and settle back for the journey from Bishops Lydeard - just five miles from Taunton - to Minehead and return.
Enjoy the beauty of the Quantock Hills and Blue Anchor Bay as the dining train makes a lesiurely journey through some of the finest scenery in the West Country. Listen to the engine working hard and soak up the unique atmosphere of the former Great Western Railway branch line...
The train is staffed by West Somerset Railway Association volunteers and runs from Bishops Lydeard station on selected Saturdays and Sundays between April and November. The "Quantock Belle" also has a bar car serving a wide range of drinks including a carefully selected wine list. All meals are freshly prepared and cooked by chefs on board the train. Stewards and wine-waiters provide a complete dining experience at the table throughout the journey.
The "Quantock Belle" is extremely popular and as accommodation is limited, advanced booking is essential. The fare includes the meal, First Class travel for the forty mile round trip from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, a reserved table and VAT, and represents excellent value for money. Please note that concessions or child fares are not available.
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| | • Sunday Luncheon Service ...
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A three course luncheon with coffee is served on the outward journey to Minehead, where the afternoon is free for exploring the gardens, beaches, shops or harbour of this pleasant seaside town. A Somerset Cream Tea is served on the return journey.
Departure from Bishops Lydeard is normally five minutes before one o'clock, returning from Minehead in the late afternoon.
In 2004, Sunday luncheon trains run on 21 March (Mothering Sunday), 4, 18, 25 April, 16, 23 May, 6, 10, 27 June, 11, 18 July, 5, 12, 19, 26 September, 10, 17, 24, 31 October.
The all inclusive fare for Sunday Luncheon is £30.00 per person.
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| | • Saturday Evening Dinner Service ...
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A three course dinner with coffee is served as the train makes a leisurely journey to Minehead making a short stop en route to enjoy the beauty of the Quantock Hills. On arrival at Minehead there will be a break of around one hour, allowing time to take in the sea air, before rejoining the train for the return journey, during which coffee and a cheese platter will be served.
Departure from Bishops Lydeard is normally at a quarter past seven in the evening.
In 2004, Saturday Evening Dinner trains run on 29 May, 12 June, 24, 31 July and 14, 28 August.
The all inclusive fare for Saturday Dinner is £32.00 per person.
Sample Menu - Sunday Luncheon
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Leek and Potato Soup
Melon with Prawns
Chilled Fruit Juice
Roast Leg of Lamb
Roast or New Potatoes
Selection of Vegetables
Homemade Bakewell Tart with whipped cream or custard sauce
Raspberry Meringue Nest
Fresh Fruit Salad
Cheese Platter
Coffee and Chocolate Mints
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A vegetarian main course is also available if requested when booking.
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| | • Charters and Special Functions...
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The WSRA is always delighted to receive enquiries for the exclusive use of the "Quantock Belle" train. A variety of options can be offered with every chance to discuss special requirements in detail. Some of the functions held already include Corporate Hospitality, Office Parties, Wedding Receptions, Anniversaries and special private occasions.
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| | • Christmas Dining Trains
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On the evening of Friday 3 December and in connection with the Dunster by Candleight event, a two course dinner with seasonal festive fare on the return. The all inclusive fare is £27.00 which includes the bus link from Minehead Station to Dunster.
A seasonal Sunday luncheon service will run on 5, 12 and 19 December offering a traditional three course Christmas luncheon with all the trimmings on the outward leg to Minehead with seasonal fare on the return. The all inclusive fare is £35.00.
Please note that bookings for Christmas services will not commence until 1 September 2004.
Advance booking is essential for all trains. Please telephone 01823 433856 to check availability of seats and to make a provisional reservation which is held for seven days whilst payment is completed. Most major credit and debit cards are accepted.
The WSRA issue these notes on their official leaflet...
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| Refunds cannot be made in respect of non use of tickets and we reserve the right to re-book seats that have not been paid for within seven days of a telephone reservation.
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| For the comfort and safety of passengers, smoking is not permitted in any part of the train.
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| Passengers are respectfully requested to wear suitable smart dress.
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| In the event of a steam engine not being available, a diesel locomotive will be used.
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| We regret the dining train cannot be boarded in a wheelchair. Our staff are happy to assist passengers to their seat and folding wheelchairs can be stored during the journey.
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| The Dining Train is not suitable for babies or small children.
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| Passengers are carried subject to the conditions of carriage of the West Somerset Railway plc and, whilst every effort will be made to maintain advertised services, no liability for loss, inconvenience or delay caused by cancellation or alteration can be accepted.
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"Quantock Belle" gift vouchers are now available.
A limited number of non dining seats are usually available on "Quantock Belle" services. Why not bring your own picnic meal and drinks can be served drinks from the bar car. Non dining seats are available at £11 per adult and £5.50 for 5-15 year olds. Seats must be booked in advance.
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| | • The West Somerset Railway Association...
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The "Quantock Belle" is operated by the West Somerset Railway Association, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3BX. Telephone 01823 433856 for more information.
Details above are provided for information only and are taken from WSRA leaflet
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