GNER, Kings Cross to Wakefield, Dec 9th

Join a stream of passengers rushing for the 1700 to Edinburgh but realise after a few minutes I'm actually only going to Wakefield. Take a left and find the unannounced 1703 to Leeds is sitting empty before me. I get on. I find the restaurant car. It is empty. Yabadabadoo.

Chicken Terrine - not available so I settle for Red Mullet with mussels and clams accompaniments. Not bad. Main of Breast of Gressingham Duck, cooked pink with assorted veg and jus. Very nice. Local house red wine. Use Time card and good value at just over £20. Waitress promises me an extra delicious chocolate but doesn't deliver on her promise.

Still good value at 125mph.