If you follow us on social media you’ll probably have seen that we had an unbelievable night aboard the Great Central Railway recently on The Grand Burleighs Express. Well great news! They’re doing it all again with a festive gin train extravaganza.
The Grand Burleighs Express is a fabulous, fully immersive evening of entertainment and extravagance. Admission includes, a cocktail & canapés on arrival, a three course festive dining experience, complimentary wine with your meal, on-board Gin & Tonic and a final Burleighs cocktail at the last stop of the evening.
If you missed out the first time here’s your chance to get in on the action as their second event takes place on Thursday 13 December.
From the moment we stepped foot on the platform at Loughborough Central we were treated to beautiful canapés, delicious cocktails (the Leicester Dry, passionfruit syrup and elderflower tonic proving a particular favourite) before boarding the Great Central steam train for dinner. It really is a unique experience, as the brilliant King Brasstards performed live on the platform, it was as if we’ve been transported back to the 1950s.
As the train pulls away from Loughborough Central you’re treated to another drink followed by starters and then wine to accompany your main. As the train drew to a halt over Swithland Reservoir we then enjoyed mains with a beautiful view as the sun set. There were 2 further stops on the journey as the Grand Burleighs Express pulled into both Rothley and Leicester North, but you wouldn’t mind these extended stops as it not only gives a chance to stretch your legs, but the last 2 carriages of the train are actually bars. A great excuse to head down and enjoy even more gin and cocktails as the live band make their way through the carriages.
As we made our way back to Loughborough Central we were treated to coffee and chocolates plus a goodie bag before departing the train. If the previous event is anything to go by then this December’s festive trip is an absolute must.
For the Christmas event you can expect just as much gin fuelled fun, but for this event you’ll be treated to a 3 course festive menu whilst sitting over Swithland Reservoir accompanied by wines paired with the menu chosen by 45 St Martin’s Vintners.
Don’t miss a festive evening that you’ll never forget with Burleighs Gin and The Great Central Railway, the UK’s only double track heritage railway.
Tickets are priced at £115 each including canapés, cocktails, wine, fine dining and entertainment and are available from the Burleighs website.
The full itinerary for the 13 December event is below:
6.30pm : Arrival at Loughborough’s Great Central Railway, the UK’s only double track heritage railway, for a complimentary arrival cocktail and canapés , soundtracked by a live Jazz band.
7.00pm: All aboard for departure, sit back with your complimentary Burleighs Gin & Tonic whilst The Grand Burleighs Express ventures full steam ahead towards its first stop for the evening in Swithland. Upon arrival, the scenic views of Swithland Reservoir will provide the back drop for a three course festive dining experience, expertly paired with complimentary wine selected by 45 St Martin’s Vintners.
8.30pm: The adventure continues. Enjoy entertainment with a performance from our magician and live Jazz band as we head toward a second stop at Rothley station. Step back in time as the train rolls into the station and enjoy a complimentary Burleighs Gin cocktail alight the beautifully restored 19th century platform.
9.30: It’s time to board the train and head back to our final destination of Loughborough. Sit back and reminisce over the evening of frivolity with an end of line coffee and mint.
10.15: The evening will come to a close, disembarking at the Great Central Railway