Prue Leith set to appear at Newcastle Station with some unexpected flavours

LNER challenges the concept of ‘uninspiring’ train food with an off-board menu a-PRUE-ved by the renowned cook. 

LNER has teamed up with renowned culinary expert Dame Prue Leith to host the LNER Taste Station at Newcastle Central Station on October 4th and 5th 2024. Featuring unusual ‘off-board’ food creations from LNER’s local suppliers, the event aims to dispel the myth that train food is 'uninspiring’.    

From a Popping Jack Roll to BaNacon Sponge, these inventive creations will leave travellers' taste buds tingling and wanting more, proving that there are endless possibilities when it comes to train food and good quality ingredients. People will have the opportunity to taste the creations for themselves, with samples served from 10am until stocks last. 

These a-PRUE-ved dishes will also be tried and tested by the UK’s very own cooking grande, Prue Leith, who is working with LNER to help redefine perceptions of train food and encouraging Brits to try new things – whether that’s exploring the UK or taking their taste buds on a journey of their own through its latest menu. Prue is renowned for being at the forefront of transforming train cuisine, after being recruited to the board of British Rail more than forty years ago.  

One PRUE-ven popular creation will even feature on selected LNER’s services for a limited time, giving customers the chance to taste new flavours whilst exploring new places.   

Dame Prue Leith, campaigner, cookery writer and Bake-off judge, said: “Train food has come a long way since my campaigning days 25 years ago. It’s great to see train companies really pushing themselves to provide fresh, creative and local on-board menus... and I can’t wait to taste these unexpected creations made by LNER’s suppliers!”  

Richard Judge, Head of Customer Experience at LNER, added: “At LNER, we’re big believers that train food should be much more than a sad sandwich. Our menu is a key part of the travel experience, and we’re thrilled to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation with these unexpected food combinations. We offer a wide range of delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce, and we’re excited to see our customers’ reactions to these new culinary creations.”   

LNER Taste Station menu: 

Popping Jack Roll - A surprising, vegetarian 'pork' roll with explosive popping candy flavours and warming rum to take your taste buds on a journey 

BaNacon Sponge - A deliciously moist banana and bacon cake infused and topped with crispy bacon  

Crisp-y Chocolate Truffle - The ultimate sweet and savoury combination, melt in your mouth truffles injected with a tangy orange marmalade and encased with the crunch of a ready salted crisp 

Ale & Rarebit Shortbread - A modern take on traditional Welsh Rarebit, swapping crunchy toast for crumbly shortbread biscuit and a hearty ale   

Katsu Chicken-and-Egg roll - a butterly delicious pastry encasing a mix of chicken and pork shoulder, Katsu flavouring and a perfectly cooked boiled egg  

 

LNER’s onboard menu is like no other - combining exciting flavours with fresh, local ingredients from suppliers who have changed the meaning of ‘train food’.