It was when Carol and I were handed menus by the First Class carriage staff that I realized we had achieved a whole new level of British rail travel. I smiled aristocratically at Carol, as I placed my order for the Beef and Yorkshire Pudding and a glass of Cabernet. We had returned triumphantly to the realm of the English Leisure Class, and not a moment too soon. Harumph.

   As I’ve written before, my prime interest in travel is to simply go. The best way I’ve found to go is by rail. Consequently, there is no luxury offered on board a train that is beyond my otherwise pedestrian tastes to wish to avail myself.