Grand Central Rail

The train wa the 19.18 from Kings Cross to Sunderland. It was one of their newer trains from the appearance as I approached it but the interior was far from satisfactory. The seats squeak when the train is going at speed, the ride is far worse than the IC 125 trains that they also run, the air conditioning made lots of noise but had no cooling effect that I could discern. The frequent stop and start between London and York (which was supposed to be direct) put us behind schedule somewhat. Overall an unpleasant experience.

Travelled from Doncaster to London Kings cross and back on the same day. Found first class to be less than that! The noise from the engine and rolling stock was ridiculous, the carriage was dirty and looked shabby the leather seats were so unforgiving it was very uncomfortable. The first cup of tea offered was tepid and the second beverage offered was super strong coffee on the there, not much improvement on the return. Coming back (remember this is first class?) People were asking for the heating to be turned up which did not happen. Will not use them again even if the tickets are a bit cheaper because the whole round trip on this outfit was terrible.

Definitely a notch above other services we used in terms of spaciousness. Just as clean and comfortable a ride

We went First Class with Grand Central from Northallerton to Kings Cross. Compared to Virgin East Coast who offer sandwiches or a hot dish (including a full English breakfast) to First Class travellers Grrand Central offer only tea/coffee. as the train going down was 30 mins late the first sign of tea/coffee was about 75 mins after the scheduled departure time. Both going and returning the old 125 rolling stock which Grand Central use caused such vibration in the first class coaches that you did well to keep the coffee in the cup. On the return train the toilet had a broken rotary towel hanging loose. Needless to say the return train was late as well.

When i complained to Grand Central all i got was a brush off with the suggestion that i was at fault in not bringing the broken rotary towel to the notice of the train crew.

If you have a choice I suggest you do as I do and choose Virgin East Coast instead