Travel test

WHAT: Lumo all-electric train service. From €23 one way (special launch offer until December 1). lumo.co.uk WHERE: From Edinburgh Waverley to London King’s Cross, calling at Morpeth, Newcastle and Stevenage.

THE EXPERIENCE: The bright blue Hitachi Class 803 AT300 intercity electric train pulled out of the station at 4.12pm, right on time. There’s no first class section, with all five carriages single class, so everyone gets the benefit of the ergonomically designed seats, tilted to aid circulation coupled with plenty of legroom. Plus the comfy padded headrest made for a relaxing ride, even when travelling at speeds up to 125mph.

The fold-down table tray easily extends to accommodate a laptop, complete with a reading light. And for every two seats there’s one power point, with a USB port on either side.

In a soothing blue and grey colour scheme, the carriage has a layout that includes two tables that each seat four, although some of the 80 seats are staggered so that they face across the aisle (great for families).

The food and drinks trolley was stocked with a selection of snacks such as crisps, popcorn, flapjacks and cookies as well as tea, coffee and soft drinks.

However, you can pre-order more substantial fare – bacon rolls, Marks & Spencer’s sandwiches, salads, and pasties from The Pasty Shop at lumoeats. co.uk. Orders should be placed 10 hours before departure and will be delivered to your seat by one of the friendly onboard ambassadors – as the train guards are called.

After downloading the LumoGo app it was a breeze accessing the selection of TV shows, movies and documentaries, as well as catching up on news, keeping me fully entertained on the four-anda-half-hour journey.

QUIBBLES:

It took a few attempts before I could access the free wi-fi, but once connected it worked well.

VERDICT:

For affordable, low-carbon travel (six times greener than flying) it’s the way to go. And with COP26 starting tomorrow, Lumo’s swift electric service is a timely addition. 9/10