Freight specialist Stobart in luxury trains link-up

Feb 20 2008 by Barry Turnbull, Liverpool Daily Post

FAST-EXPANDING Stobart Group has branched out into luxury train business.

The Widnes company has launched the Stobart Pullman, a fine dining charter train. in partnership with rail operator Direct Rail Services of Carlisle.

Two hundred invited guests joined for the first run around the “Wessex Circular” last week around Basingstoke, Andover and Fareham.

Commenting on the launch of the Stobart Pullman, Guy Myddelton, rail director of Stobart Group, said: “This is an exciting time for us. Stobart is one of the most recognised brands in the UK and we are delighted to be extending the brand’s reputation for quality and customer service to the UK railway network. We aim to provide luxury journeys by rail throughout the UK to cities, castles, country houses and major sporting and cultural events, offering our passengers a unique and memorable experience.”

Tours are scheduled throughout 2008, and have so far included the Valentine’s Day "Chocolate Paradise" tour from London’s Finsbury Park to Cadbury's World at Bourneville in Birmingham. A trip to Chatsworth House from London Kings Cross is planned for Saturday May 10 and Royal Ascot’s Ladies Day on Thursday June 19 from London Victoria.

The Stobart Pullman is a charter passenger service aimed at providing luxury first class rail journeys through scenic landscapes in the UK. The tours will include silver service fine dining, and there are a selection of wines, spirits and beers to purchase from the on-board bar.

Stobart is not new to the rail business however and already runs freight services for some of its customers.

However the group is chiefly known for its fleet of Eddie Stobart heavy goods vehicles.

The company recently announced plans for a huge expansion at its headquarters in Widnes.

Plans are going ahead with 1m sq ft of new space including a distribution hub whilst another 47 acres of land has been acquired for future development.

It is estimated the group could create an additional 2,000 jobs over the next few years.

barry.turnbull