I have to travel up to Newcastle by car, train and plane on a regular basis for work and to see my family. GNER has always been my favourite train company, simply because the service is just brilliant.
The menu has three mouth-moistening starters - tomato, red pepper and basil soup; goat's cheese and beetroot salad with walnuts and balsamic dressing; and smoked salmon tart with chive cream and poached egg. The mains include braised shoulder of lamb with chickpea and chorizo cassolet; sirloin steak, chips and salad; and wild mushroom gnocchi with rocket.
I chose the goat's cheese followed by roasted cod with garlic roasted root veg, accompanied by a helping of Sauvignon Blanc. The goat's cheese salad was delicious. The salty, creamy, sweet and sour flavours made my tongue tickle. The cod was also impressive - tender and juicy with a hint of garlic and a nice assortment of veg, including crisp green beans. I've no idea how they manage to cook the food; chef Paul Cliff was far too busy to answer my queries.
This beats stuffing a burger down with one hand, holding a conference call with the mobile in the other, while steering with your knees on the M1.
Where: GNER - King's Cross to Newcastle
Contact: www.gner.co.uk or www.goeat.com
How much: £24 including wine
