Not just the puds that are steaming on railway...

CHURNET Valley Railway has relaunched with new menus following its reopening.

The new timetable at the railway near Leek will run from July to October with a planned 167 departures after nine months in the sheds.

Now food menus have been designed to celebrate Staffordshire’s thriving food and drink scene, with options such as the Moorlander Breakfast Train which includes oatcakes and a glass of fizz.

General manager Gregory Wilson says: “We’re naturally pleased to be operational again from July. Our focus this year is welcoming returning and new visitors to feel safe while they journey aboard.

“With our ‘Good To Go’ status, we’ve focused all our effort into the customer experience”.

The Valley Pioneer aims to take diners back in time to the relaxing era of restaurant car dining, and serves a two-course lunch in the 1960s First Class carriage. There’s also a threecourse lunch offered on The Churnet Valley Limited Saturday service and a traditional Sunday lunch aboard The Moorlander Limited.

Foodie feature evenings will also include the Bombay Express with five hot and steamy trips scheduled, with a rage of Indian food served.

The Staffordshire Cream Tea sessions is also set to make a return with sandwiches, tea and cake served along the 20-mile trip through both Consall and Cheddleton stations before going on to Ipstones. A specialist brew from family-owned supplier Ringtons accompanies scones made in Longton. Breakfast menus start from £23.50 with lunch prices starting from £35. Those preferring to take a scenic railway ride without dining can still do so by booking a Froghall to Ipstones return journey.