The Quantock Belle in West Somerset

We had a fantastic day and meal. We were fortunate and managed to arrange a trip on the day by turning up and asking (and paying the difference between the rover day ticket and the trip price) Carol was train manager and she was great and sorted everything out. The train journey was very enjoyable watching the scenery slowly roll by. The food was lovely and hot and we w severed by Margaret. We a Sunday Lunch with salmon pate, veg soup with crusty bread, roast lamb with roast potatoes and veg and on the return apple and blackberry crumble with Tea and Coffee included. What makes the trip is the staff who are all volunteers - unfortunately I dont know all their names but the service they provide is lovely - thankyou very much - Chris and Bernie

Very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. Heritage train from the village of Bishops Lydeard to Minehead in Somerset. Train is staffed and run by volunteers who were very friendly and attentive and the food was good. There was also a well stocked bar. We had a 2 hour turn around at Minehead which was a little too long on a wet winters day but we knew this beforehand and spent the time in a little coffee shop. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend the day. We will do this again.

This charming cafe has plenty of seating and is especially covenient when they use the turntable for their locomotives.

We went on a Saturday evening and had a wonderful meal. It was so comfortable and it was something just a little different. Very enjoyable trip.

Thank you to Barrie, Dee and all the West Somerset Railway volunteers on the Quantock Belle Sunday 15th October. Great lunch, great company and great fun had by all to celebrate a very special ladies' 94th birthday.

Had an enjoyable afternoon on the Quantock Belle good value lunch travelling through the Somerset Countryside. Good service and an experience not to be missed

Just wrote a review under West Somerset Railway - totally agree with other comments - a really great day out. Have a look at WSR reviews for more general comments

We booked an evening on The Quantock Belle for a treat having been on there a few years ago. Starting from Bishops Lydeard, we arrived at 6:45 and were shown to our reserved table which had loose upholstered chairs rather than fixed seating. Once seated, the wine waiter comes round to take drinks orders before the train departs for a gentle ride to Minehead. The train departed at 7:15pm and we were served the first course of salmon pate with melba toast followed by a bowl of leek and potato soup served with bread roll. Our main course of chicken breast with tomato, basil and balsamic sauce, new potatoes and vegetables was served in time to enjoy before arrival in Minehead where we had 45 minutes to stretch our legs along the sea front. It was dark by the time we left for our return journey when we were served our dessert order (which was taken before arrival in Minehead). I had apple pie served hot with cream and my wife had cheese and biscuits of which a good choice of cheeses was served. There was a choice of tea and coffee with refills. The volunteer staff and friendly and professional making it an evening to remember. The cost was £49.95 per person for the meal and journey plus we paid £15 for the bottle of wine. For an evening lasting 4 hours, I think it is very good value. We have decided to book a Festive Sunday Lunch in December.

Booked Sunday lunch on th Quantock Belle which left Bishop Lyderard at 1pm during the journey to Minehead 3 courses were served. Main course of roast beef which was excellent with generous portions. 2 hours in Minehead, a little too long for us!. On the return journey we had apple pie and custard, again generous portion and high standard follwed by coffee. Waiting staff all volunters were professional and friendly.An excellent day but it was disapointing that it was a diesel train and not a steam train as anticipated and no explanation was given for this.

Booked for my sons partners birthday (and his later in the month). Arrived early to have a look around the station and the museum before setting off at 1 pm. All staff were welcoming without exception. A slight upset was that we were taken up via a Diesel engine as a couple of the steam trains had had brake problems over the previous couple of days, but we did not let this spoil our day. Showed to our seats and ordered pre dinner drinks. Had a serene journey being able to fully appreciate the wonderful countryside en route. The meal consisted of soup, pate & main (pork) on the route up to Minehead, with the sweet (divine apple pie & custard) and coffee/tea on the return. The serving staff were always ready to chat throughout the journey. As it was a birthday trip my sons partner was presented with a lovely gift as a momento and was invited up onto the steam loco which had been used for the trip back. What with the glorious weather throughout, this made the trip the perfect day. Thank you all.

We used this fabulous service whilst at The West Somerset Railway for their Mixed Traffic Event Sunday 11th June. We joined the 13.03 departure from Bishops Lydeard for lunch, we were greeted with a huge smile by our waiter, and our drinks order taken, a fine local real ale, Exmoor Gold, a very tasty tipple it was too. Lunch was locally sourced pork sausages, with mashed pots and peas served in a giant yorky pudding, great value for money at £7 as no room after for the sweet, our coffee was constantly topped up too throughout the course of lunch. All staff were attentive and very friendly, will be looking to do this again in the very near future.

Experiencia de primera clase. Se esperó en mi gente atenta, servicial y alegre, viajes de lujo de primera clase a lo largo de la costa y a través de la campiña encantadora, y imagínate llevaron al pasado donde sólo los ricos podían permitirse tal lujo. Ah. Si sólo. . .

Joined the train for the 13:00 departure from Bishops Lydeard. There was just enough parking without the overflow being opened. The train is staffed by friendly knowledgeable volunteers so all profits go to the upkeep of the railway. It was a very hot day with temperatures in the high 20s C. We had homemade carrot and coriander soup, followed by pate, followed by roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, carrots and broccoli. Amazing to prouce all of that from such a tiny galley. Two dining cars with about 40 tables in all, some for 2 some for 4. On a hot day it pays to be on the right hand side nearest the sea and out of direct sun. There are curtains that you can draw but of course you then lose the view out. These 3 courses are served on the way to Minehead, we had 2 hours to wander around Minehead, we chose to walk along to the harbour as there was some shade. Dessert is served on the way back along with tea or coffee. We chose strawberry cheesecake, delicious. They have a smart casual dresscode and no young children are welcome to keep this a relaxed and upscale experience. A superb day out if you like steam trains, beautiful scenery and a quality experience.

I bought this trip for my husbands birthday so really looking forward to it, I had booked the midweek summer luncheon and cream tea. The rail trip was really lovely but unfortunately the food wasn't the carriage was cold to start with which didn't help we started with a cold soup that had far to much pepper and garlic in so no other taste it was watery. We then had a home made smoked cheese and tomato pastry, there was hardly any flavour in that, followed by chilled roast beef with a section of seasonal salad, sourced around the countryside, well that's what the menus said, what we really had was a very large portion of cold runner beans and peppers and a huge pile of beef, not sure where the salad went but in all not very appetising. Very disappointed in the food. We couldn't fault the staff very obliging and all done by volunteers. Hopefully the food can be improved on in the future.

Amazing journey through beautiful countryside seated at a beautifully laid table on this preserved steam train. This was to be the start of something special. I cannot fault the staff, mostly I believe to be volunteers and I'm sorry to be critical but...the food? I know it's prepared in the most difficult of kitchens but tasteless! Watery soup with white cheap tasteless rolls, stringy beef, tasteless apple pie. The tea and coffee was fine. I've eaten on other preserved steam trains and no complaints. I don't expect fine dining but the tickets are very expensive. I must say in fairness though the price is comparable with most of these type of trains. Better quality produce produces better tasting food no matter what the kitchen!

We had lunch aboard this train on New Years day. It was a cold and very wet day, the dinning car looked good, nicely presented tables and most of all such friendly and enthusiastic staff. Unfortunately, the carriage never heated up and the journey both ways was cold. I think this may have been the age of the carriage so would suggest you use this service when it's warmer. Lunch should have been good a simple menu which makes sense but the presentation was lacking in style and the food very avarage and lukewarm . I think the pate had been frozen and defrosted the texture was very sloppy and tasteless. The drinks and wine on offer are of a good standard. The service is excellent the catering just needs some help in improving the standard and presentation, which wouldn't take much training.

I went on the Quantock Belle as part of a private charter from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return. I had a lovely pate starter and roast beef followed by a fruit salad.The food and the ale was lovely. Attentive staff, comfortable and stylish suroundings and not at all cramped. My only small criticism was that the tea was in a bit of a short supply as on our return we had afternoon tea. All I had was 2 half cups of tea. In general though a very pleasant day with time at Minehead, and steam in both directions.

lovely steam train from Minehead to Taunton , good views over the country side loved every minute of the journey

Our son booked us on the Quantock Belle for Christmas lunch. The food was very good as was the volunteer staff service. Comfortable surroundings with ever changing views. Its a tad expensive but you get a full round trip on the railway pulled by steam and a short period of time in Minehead, time for a quick browse. Thanks to all the staff, excellent.

What can i say...Wonderful food and drink served on a moving Steam Train in glorious Somerset countryside. Lovely Food , nicely cooked and great serving staff....we'll definitely be back for more !!

This was just a fabulous evening and I strongly recommend you try the WSR Belle as soon as you can.Entirely run by volunteers except perhaps the Chef, immaculately attired staff and the decor and condition of the dining cars are worthy of the highest acclaim.Do not expect Michelin star food but do expect excellent food served by totally committed members that are very professional.No review can do this excursion justice you simply have to try it yourself. Many passengers dress in evening wear of the 40's and 50's era that were extremely pleasing to the eye and added a touch of class to class.Wine at supermarket prices with good Champagne at £25 per full bottle, recognised label. Most expensive wine £15 per bottle all served professionally by attentive attendants.Musical entertainment en route and at Minehead that was most enjoyable and fitting.If you like trains and you want to dine in a very special environment then book and go.Lunch trains operate on regular Sunday rota check the WSR website for details.All just "Absolutely Fabulous".

Our daughter got us the Sunday lunch and cream tea steam rail trip 'Quantock Bell' as a joint birthday Fathers Day gift. You board the train at Bishop's Lydeard and you step back in time to the lush travel of steam. Lunch is served 3course and very pleasent it was. Then with a lovely set of rolling views as you eat, what a relaxing event. With just under 2 hours in mindhead with a walk along the front, then back onboard for the return and a cream tea to keep you full. Worth every penny and the staff all smile and are welcoming.

What a wonderful birthday present for my husband's 'special' birthday! The friends that bought the gift joined us for a wonderful dinner aboard The Quantock Belle. We have had great trips on the steam trains along this line before but sadly wet weather and steamed up windows made appreciating the view somewhat tricky!However, wonderful volunteer staff and an acceptable dinner made for a great evening. We started with champagne, my salmon terrine starter (choice of 3) was delicious, breast of chicken in tarragon sauce was very nice (no choice for this course but you could book a vegetarian option) all followed by an enormous slice of treacle and ginger tart with cream. (three options for this course too.) After coffee and mints we had arrived in Minehead with time for a wander. Approximately an hour later we were back onboard and enjoying cheese and biscuits during the return journey. We had a lovely evening and would certainly go again. Next time I would make sure to book the 'Meteor' carriage as the seating in that carriage looked much more comfortable and plush.

This was a Birthday present for my mother-in-law's 90th. We booked the roast dinner and cream tea aboard the steam train for a party of 5. Our first and most lasting impression of the day was of the wonderful volunteer staff who really made our day. They were dressed immaculately with smart burgundy waistcoats; they were engaging, warm and friendly. We were made to feel very special and nothing was too much trouble. Our wheelchair was carefully stowed in the guard's van and promptly appeared outside our carriage when we arrived at our destination. We were in a comfortable first class carriage with a white linen covered table and silver cutlery. We started with a selection of warm rolls and butter, the roast pork was excellent, especially when considering how it would have had to been prepared and the deserts were a delight too (I had lemon meringue pie). We were offered an optional extra of liqueurs to compliment our coffees which I politely accepted! The journey to Minehead took a leisurely 1.5 hours and we had a couple of hours to stroll up to the pier and work off the roast before the cream tea on the return journey. It was a truly memorable day out and it was lovely to get to know some of the staff: a gentleman who has a travel business in London, a retired aviation engineer specialising in smoke machines, a retired signalman from the Midlands and a retired school examiner. We look forward to trying one of the Saturday evening runs this winter. Life in the slow lane - Highly recommended.

You board the train and are shown to your reserved table in the dinning car. The three course lunch is then served by the volunteers. The meal was served hot and the whole table was served at the same time. Drinks took a little time to arrive, but were served with the meal to our table, but tables got their drinks before we left the station, all depended on where you were sat. On arriving in Minehead 2 and a quarter hours later we were told which platform and time of departure. Then we had 2 hours to explore Minehead, plenty of time for a walk along the sea front or a shopping trip into town.On the return trip were choose to have the cream tea. 2 scones cream and jam, and some tables requested extra jam and cream and it was delivered without delay. It was great value for money on the private charter and Diesel engine. If you are pulled by a steam engine the price goes up by £15 per person. You can see plenty of steam trains on the trip and at each station.A lovely day out and well worth the cost.