Summoned by Bells!

Sir John Betjeman will be spinning in his grave.

The saviour of St Pancras station and quinetessential Englishman has a pub named after him at the station he saved.

Situated just inches above the former Burton beer store could there be a better place for a cooling ale in the summer heat?

Alas, not yesterday.

The beer was "off" leaving thirsty punters with a choice between fizzy continental lager or head-banger's cider.

Perhaps My Lord Adonis should intervene?

UPDATE: Leo Pink splutters...

This is, of course, the Station Czar's fault.

Adonis should should call in the so-called Chris Green and give him a right royal rollicking.

But what did Adonis expect appointing an old-BR manager for this vital task?

Duck Soup

A question for My Lord Adonis.

Why is catering on trains a 'commercial decision for train operators' when, following the Pilgrimage of Grice, catering provision at stations is now to be determined by a government minister?

Particularly as station catering is nothing to do with the franchised operators, being mostly in the hands of Select Service Partners.

Would the minister care to clarify?

UPDATE: This from Sir Humphrey Beeching...

The Treasury is particularly pleased with this unfunded commitment.

Top 10 railway cafes

This from the Grauniad...

The good news is that, despite Lord Adonis's damning criticisms, there are decent places to eat and drink on British stations.

View the top ten here.

Don't forget your Tiffin Box

It gets worse!

First on train catering hits the wall.

Now the station caterer of choice is accused of being over leveraged!

One piece of good news.

At least carriage seats won't need to get any bigger.