‘Atlantic Coast Express’ returns to the ‘Withered Arm’ at Padstow in style
FORTY SEVEN years after Bulleid West Country Light Pacific No. 34023 Blackmore Vale hauled the Padstow portion of the last ‘Atlantic Coast Express' on September 5, 1964, the famous-named train has returned to the westernmost extremity of the Southern Railway.
The 21st-century Atlantic Coast Express is to be found at Penquean Quarry, midway between Wadebridge and Padstow on the hugely-popular Camel Trail, which was laid on the former LSWR trackbed between the towns – and is housed in a renovated cattle wagon bought from a private owner in Wisbech.
Open-air dining
The converted van is the focal point of an open-air dining space offering the same views of the Camel Estuary that would have greeted generations of rail passengers making the trip from Waterloo.
The owners of today's ‘ACE' have traded on the Camel Trail for 12 years under the banner of Treats On Trikes.
Four years ago they converted the wagon into a full kitchen, which mostly runs on solar energy, and placed it next to the old line running past the disused slate quarry.
The ‘ACE' runs supper clubs and employs chefs David Sharland and Eric Taylor, who have vast experience of high-end dining. David worked at The Savoy, The Vineyard and Harvey Nichols before becoming executive chef at Rick Stein's Padstow restaurant, which has made the North Cornwall fishing port a national byword for fine dining in recent years.
This year the ‘ACE' is offering takeaway two-course dinners with ample natural seating available, and a wine pairing service from BinTwo, delivered to the site by its staff.
It is also hosting Supper Club events on June 26, July 24, August 21 and September 11.
A water taxi service is available through third party providers, and all events are timed around spring tides so boat access is possible.
Diners may also arrive on foot, by bicycle or even on horseback if they wish.
A spokesman said: “We ask guests to come prepared for the elements as we do not provide shelter. We also ask them to come with cutlery, glasses and anything they want to drink as it is a buy-your-own affair unless choosing to use the service from BinTwo.
“The menu is not your standard takeaway-in-a-box night – it is fine dining with a twist. David's accolades in the catering industry speak for themselves with regards to the quality our guests will get.”
Penquean and Camel Quarries were worked to a depth of 300ft below sea level. The quarried slate was taken to Wadebridge and Padstow by barge and then either transported further afield or used locally. The quarries closed before the railway opened in 1899.
'ACE' reminders
No. 34023 was withdrawn in July 1967 and bought straight out of service by the Bulleid Society. It was initially moved to the Longmoor Military Railway and after that venue closed, in 1971 it was moved to the Bluebell Railway, its current home, where it entered traffic in 1976.
In 2008, First Great Western revived the ‘Atlantic Coast Express' name for a new summer-only daily highspeed train service from Paddington to Newquay.
First Devon & Cornwall previously ran its X9 regular bus service from Exeter to Bude, via Okehampton and Holsworthy under the brand Atlantic Coast Express.
The Atlantic Coast Express restaurant is open daily until end of September from 10am to 5pm from Saturdays to Thursdays, closing on Fridays. It will reopen for October half term.
➜ To book, telephone 07980 955398 or 07766 650299, or email theatlanticcoastexpress@gmail.com