The Heart of the Train
While our drivers and conductors keep the trains running safely and on time, there is another team working tirelessly behind the scenes to make your journey truly enjoyable. The TransPennine Kitchen team is responsible for serving thousands of passengers every day with freshly prepared food, hot drinks, and a warm smile that makes all the difference on a long journey.
The TransPennine Kitchen is more than just a buffet car. It is a fully equipped galley staffed by dedicated catering professionals who take pride in delivering an excellent onboard dining experience. From the first early-morning service to the last evening train, our kitchen team works in a compact space that would challenge even the most experienced chef, yet they consistently deliver food and service that exceeds expectations.
A Day in the Life
The day for our kitchen team begins long before the first passengers board. Catering manager Sarah Harrison, who has been with TransPennine Express for eight years, explains the routine: the day starts at the depot with a thorough inspection of supplies, stock rotation, and equipment checks. Every item on the menu must be fresh, properly stored, and within its use-by date.
Once on board, the pace is relentless. On a busy Manchester to Edinburgh service, the kitchen team can serve over 200 customers in just three hours. That means preparing barista-style coffees, assembling sandwiches, pouring drinks, processing payments, and maintaining a spotlessly clean workspace β all while the train is moving at speeds of up to 125 miles per hour.
What We Serve
The TransPennine Kitchen menu has been carefully curated to offer something for everyone:
- Hot drinks β Freshly ground coffee, a selection of teas, and hot chocolate
- Cold drinks β Soft drinks, juices, and bottled water
- Sandwiches and wraps β Freshly prepared with quality ingredients, including vegetarian and vegan options
- Snacks β Crisps, chocolate bars, biscuits, and fruit
- Alcoholic beverages β Craft beers, wines, and spirits from local producers
- Hot food β Selected services offer warm pastries, toasties, and seasonal specials
Local and Sustainable Sourcing
We are committed to supporting local suppliers wherever possible. Our coffee is sourced from specialist roasters in the North of England, our sandwiches use locally sourced ingredients, and we have partnered with regional craft breweries to offer a selection of beers that celebrate the best of Northern brewing. We also work with suppliers who share our commitment to reducing packaging waste and using sustainable materials.
In recent years, we have introduced compostable cups and packaging across our kitchen service, and we encourage passengers to bring reusable cups by offering a small discount on hot drinks. Our waste management procedures ensure that recyclable materials are separated and processed responsibly at the end of each service.
The People Behind the Counter
What truly sets the TransPennine Kitchen apart is the warmth and dedication of our team. Many of our catering staff have been with us for years, building relationships with regular travellers and creating a sense of community on board our trains. They know the regulars by name, remember their usual orders, and go out of their way to make every passenger's journey a little brighter.
Kitchen attendant Mark Thompson sums it up perfectly: Every journey is different, and that is what keeps it exciting. Some days you are serving business travellers their morning coffee, and other days you are helping a family celebrate a birthday with a special treat. It is the variety and the people that make this job special.
Next time you visit the TransPennine Kitchen, take a moment to appreciate the skill, dedication, and passion that goes into every cup of coffee and every sandwich. Our kitchen team is the beating heart of the onboard experience, and we are incredibly proud of the service they deliver every single day.