East Coast performance.

This is written with the hindsight of other TOC's performance so it gives my view of the relative performance not just a stand alone impression.

1. My seat locking mechanism was broken and so the seat had the ability to slide but not lock until we were north of Edinburgh when I could relocate opposite. Seat was OK but not the best we had by a long way.

2. The initial food service (York>Edinburgh) was good, selection of well filled sandwiches, soft drinks, hot drinks and wines and beer. Good sized slug of drinakble red washed down the BLT sandwiches, crisps and biscuits. Crew efficient but busy and so little "interaction"....just get the job done which is to be expected on a Friday PM service

3. However after Edinburgh, the "menu card" changed but the selection remained the same...BLT or cheese sandwiches offered again. Fine if joined at Edinburgh but not so good if travelling thru from the south...a bit repetative and boring to say the least. And even though the train was less busy it was efficient but impersonal service.

4. The 10 mins late running was made up the train crew and we arrived in Inverness on time having seen some wonderful scenery en-route in the Highlands. So good effort from them.

The old grumpy one really doesn't like the livery of East Coast and I have to say when in "used" condition ( weathered as the modellers say) it does lose some of its impact. Also some of the fleet is still in GNER livery...how long have they had to paint them?

Overall 7/10 let down by the catering selection and wonky seat...they have no influence over who they transport so that will not count against them!