Can a 1979 railway menu survive modern kitchen standards?
In short: Railway chefs Gavin and Jacquie attempt to recreate a specific 1979 British Rail Inter-City Grill dish. This video explores the evolution of onboard catering, from its reputation for 'curled up' sandwiches to high-speed dining.
The challenge centers on a salad special served with cherry flan, a staple of the Inter-City Grill menu in 1979. This meal was typically served on the classic Class 43 High Speed Train (InterCity 125) along the East Coast Main Line.
Historically, British Rail buffet cars were known for indifferent food quality. While first-class standards saw improvements by 1979, second-class passengers often faced basic options like sandwiches or crisps—the latter costing about 30p. The video highlights how innovations like cling film finally solved the problem of sandwiches curling during transit.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Cooking British Rail food from 1979 | Railway Chefs Challenge
- Also: Watch Railway Catering - BFI Player
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