Luxury train operator Northern Belle has released a taster of what punters can expect on its special train to the Cheltenham Gold Cup next Friday, 14th March.

A special gourmet menu has been devised by top chef Brian Clark, who once cooked for both King Charles and Madonna.

During their three-hour journey from London Paddington, the champagne-sipping passengers will have a choice of meals to enjoy.

Starters will be a choice of Chicken sage and onion ballotine, River Test chalk stream trout or compressed watermelon, while the main course will be an option of Hereford fillet of beef, Seared Scottish halibut, or Roasted brassicas.

The menu choices were tried last weekend on a trip over the Settle-Carlisle line and received positive reviews from the passengers.

Northern Belle believes it is the only luxury train operator that offers passengers a choice rather than serving a fixed meal.

From Paddington, the Northern Belle will be hauled by a diesel locomotive to Evesham in Worcestershire. A coach will then transfer the 200 passengers to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, where a steam locomotive will take them to Cheltenham Racecourse station, immediately next to the racecourse.

The Northern Belle has two more trips to horse races this year. On Saturday, 21st June from from Manchester, Crewe, and Birmingham for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, and on Thursday, 31st July from London Victoria to Ladies Day at Glorious Goodwood.

Throughout the year, there are numerous other opportunities to sample luxury journeys on the Northern Belle, including 17 journeys behind a steam locomotive over the Settle-Carlisle line, a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, as well as diesel-hauled excursions from stations throughout the country, with fares starting at £365.

Further details about all Northern Belles excursions are online at www.northernbelle.co.uk