Fine dining on the line is back on track

Food lovers will experience a fast-track gourmet journey-of-a-lifetime onboard the first-ever chartered Pride of Yorkshire train from London to York - a trip that will celebrate the best of Yorkshire cuisine and culture.

Conjuring a bygone age of first class travel, the Royal Scot train, chartered by luxury UK rail tour company Plum Connections, is set to whisk 350 passengers on an opulent five-star food adventure on July 9 with a five-course dinner created using ingredients sourced from Yorkshire producers and devised by one of the region's leading celebrity chefs.

Departing from Stratford's iconic steel and glass station, the opulent Royal Scot train will pick up passengers in Romford, Shenfield, Chelmsford, Colchester and Ipswitch, before winding its way across the idyllic North Yorkshire countryside to its final destinations of York and Keighley. And after passengers have enjoyed a spot of shopping in the 'capital city of the North' or sightseeing in the breathtaking 'Bronte Country', multi-award winning Great British Menu chef Tim Bilton, who trained under Raymond Blanc, will serve them a fantastic five-course menu on their return journey to London.

"It's amazing to be part of this trip of a lifetime," said Tim, chef/proprietor of the award-winning Butchers Arms pub, in Hepworth, West Yorkshire. "Serving up sumptuous Yorkshire produce while enjoying stunning views of the Yorkshire countryside will be an exhilarating experience - for both the passengers and myself. I'm delighted to have been invited to chef on board this most stylish train and put Yorkshire food squarely on the culinary map."

"We are so excited about the launch of the Pride of Yorkshire and reviving the bygone age of fine dining on the line." says well-known Yorkshire food stylist and broadcaster Annie Stirk, director of York-based specialist pr and marketing company Absolutely Food, which co-organised the trip.

For more information or to book tickets for the Pride of Yorkshire trip on Saturday July 9, book online at: plumconnections.com/the-pride-of-yorkshire

• A Silver Service ticket is priced from £199.00 and includes Bucks Fizz welcome, full English or Continental breakfast and five-course dinner prepared by Tim Bilton served on the return journey from York.

• The First Class tickets costs £135.00 and includes morning tea, coffee and pastries on the outward journey with tea and biscuits on return.

• Passengers will also receive a goody bag of Yorkshire food, tokens and special money-off offers to attractions in the region.