What a day!

 Transport problems all started for me on the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail, XR to me and the rail network).

There was a passenger incident just beyond PAD and the train was delayed for many minutes at every station. Eventually my Heathrow train was terminated at PAD. But my troubles were not over.

First Class lounge

The First Class Lounge was packed, I've never seen it, or any other, with people standing. There are 3 (4?) connected lounges and I found a settee to share with another passenger in the furthest lounge.

Free snacks and drinks

Trains were delayed arriving at PAD and very much delayed in leaving. I got some free nibbles and drink then at 13:01 my 13:03 was announced on platform 11, about as far from the lounge as you can be.

Chef and staff were not yet at PAD and their ETA was unknown but I was assured I'd get A meal even if it wasn't the full Pullman offering.

Starter: smoked salmon

We departed PAD 34 minutes late and a few minutes later I was invited into the Pullman coach. It was the first day of a new menu and no printed menus existed. I chose a salmon starter and cod main followed by cheese but the white wine I'd ordered was only available as bottles, not halves. I'm still recovering from that 4hrs later.

Postscript: I claimed Delay Repay for this very late service and was awarded a £17.25 refund.

Main: Cod etc: excellent

Desert: Cheese, of course

Arrived TAU 15:15, that's an average 90mph from PAD

Hotel is very close to station

Late addition: just heard from an old uni friend who I haven't seen for over 50 years. We should meet in an hour or so. Wonderful!

...but we didn't meet: I thought he was here in Taunton and he thought I was in Torquay!

{For a full explanation of the 3-character codes used in this blog see Station IDs }