'The Watercress Belle' - dining on Mid-Hants Railway steam trains

The Watercress Belle steam-hauled dining train at the Watercress Line, Hampshire, UK

Evening dining train service for Saturday dinner

Mid-Hants Railway, Hampshire's premier steam railway, wanders for some ten miles through the heart of what was famous watercress country. The Railway acquired the nickname 'Watercress Line' when transport of that crop by train to all parts of the Country was a routine feature of daily life in the area.

The Watercress Belle is a first class train of former boat train stock on which a leisurely five-course dinner is served during two round trips (approximately forty miles) of the line. Its maximum capacity is 72 diners.

A fully staffed train requires some twenty-three volunteers prepared, simply for the love of their Railway, to devote their Saturday evening to making your visit a real pleasure. Do join us: it will be our pleasure to serve you.

The Watercress Belle is available for private hire, maximum 72 seats. Let us know your requirements.

The Watercress Line, The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, England, SO24 9JG
Tel No: 01962 733810 Fax No: 01962 735448
reservations@watercressline.co.uk

Photo: Henry O'Dwyer

Graphics: Henry O'Dwyer

The Watercress Line, The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, England, SO24 9JG
Tel No: 01962 733810 Fax No: 01962 735448
reservations@watercressline.co.uk

Check availability or book:

Gift Vouchers are available

Story of coach: RBR 1973 (pdf download)

From: Anne and Malcolm Pickett
Sent: 20 April 2009 10:44
Subject: The Watercress Belle
A note of thanks to all at the Watercress Line for working so hard to provide a wonderful evening on the Watercress Belle (18th April.) The lady who greeted us with roses was a very nice touch and set the mood for the evening. Special thanks to the engine driver who stopped for a chat and the signalman at Alresford who delighted us with an explanation of his duties in the signal box. When booking we asked if it would be possible to provide "a fish dish" for one of our party - this was done willingly and the resulting salmon was much enjoyed by my niece, so thank you for making these special arrangements. The waiting staff worked so hard and made the evening. There must have been so many more people behind the scenes who we did not see, but thank you to them all.
The Watercress Line is a wonderful asset for Hampshire - long may its success continue.
Sincerely
Anne Pickett

"Wedding Belle" July 2006 Photo-montage (175KB, July 2006) by Henry O'Dwyer

See also

From: Nicky Banham
Sent: 30 July 2005 23:01
Subject: The Watercress Belle
We have just returned from yet another fantastic evening dining on the Watercress line.
I had to write to thank the staff for a wonderful evening, the food and the service we received was first class.
We look forward to dining with you again soon.
Regards
Nicky Banham