As part of an express trip in the North of France, I have to go to Lille and what better way to do it from London than the Eurostar service, when it works well…
This was the case and to save time on my busy day, I chose to take a Business Premier ticket, which gives the opportunity to go through the controls 10 minutes before departure, iso 30 minutes for the Standard and Standard Premier.
With £490 out of my pocket, Iam now the lucky holder of a ticket to Lille Europe.
| # | Type | Review |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Train | Eurostar Business Premier, London St. Pancras to Lille Europe, Siemens E320 |
| 2 | Train | Eurostar Business Premier, Lille Europe to London St. Pancras, Siemens E320 |
Experience in the station
The Business Premier ground experienceis simply fantastic. A dedicated line is available at the entrance of the Eurostar terminal, and security and police formalities are completed in exactly 2 minutes. The staff is also charming, which is a change from the London or Paris airports.
Lounge
Just past the police checkpoint is the Business Premierlounge.
You will find the complete review in previous reports.
This timeI move upstairs for a few quiet phone calls. After 30 minutes in the lounge and the announcement of the boarding of my train, I go to the boarding.
Cabin and welcome
My train leaves today from track 9.
So I take the Escalators to the platform, then head for car 16 at the front of the train.
At the door, I am greeted by the steward of my car who shows me my place.
In Business Premier, a welcome drink is served to passengers. I will opt for a glass of champagne, served with sparkling water and a small snack.
Seats are equivalent to those of the Standard Premier class.
Service and catering
The service starts shortly after the departureof the train.
The tray is brought without the main course. I opt for another refill of champagne to accompany my meal.
The first course is a rather plain lentil salad.
Then comes the main course, served in a second time. A choice is proposed between a cold salad and a hot fish,I will opt for the fish.
The tastes are balanced, but the fish is overcooked.
For dessert, the tarte tatin will be excellent.
It seemed to me that, before, an Expresso was offered in Business Premier. This is, a priori, no longer the case, too bad.
Note that no beverage refill will be offered.
Arrival and disembarkation
We arrive at Lille Europe station a few minutes late. No control at the arrival, even customs, I am in the station in less than 30 seconds!
Bottom line
The Business Premier is expensive, but I understand why:no loss of time and a quality service.
