Great Western

Warm Welcomes and Serene Relaxation Hub

Ah, the GWR First Class Lounge at Paddington—a curious concoction of contradictions and nostalgia. Upon entering, you're faced with the stark dichotomy: the modern section that's rather akin to an EasyJet departure gate, and the delightfully Victorian rear, featuring plush, albeit worn-out, leather seating hosting an air of bygone grandeur. As it happens, Queen Victoria herself would have nestled in that space—though one suspects it’s not quite got her seal of approval anymore, given the damp patches and faint aroma of historical negligence. And then there's the snack affair: packets of biscuits, bowls of fruit, and ample nuts await you, ready to tantalise the taste buds if you're not too fussy.

The staff? An eclectic bunch who add a sprinkle of charisma to each visit. Their helpfulness ensures you are caffeinated and slightly hydrated, even if you’ve had to endure longer than expected train delays. Interestingly amusing then, is their half-hour tendency to operate like Hogwarts house elves: whisking around offering crisps, hummus, anything really, with cheery faces worth noting down. A prod for investment is echoed, as infrastructure is, dare I say, a rabbit warren of reliability issues—from air con that could make you sweatified by just sitting still, to WiFi that might be a relic of the dial-up era. Despite it all, a simmering warmth of experience glints through GWR’s gaffes, making it not unlike a quirky treasure chest in London's labyrinthine theatres. Consider it a curated mix of solace, snacks, and sporadic surprises—the perfect preparation destination before which investigative train adventure lies beyond platform one. — Milo Tastemaker