I didn’t know what to expect. I was invited to a day on the Belmond British Pullman Orient Express, departing London Victoria and taking a journey around the Kent countryside. Was there going to be a murder? Was Poirot going to make an appearance? When I saw the train pull in, unfortunately pulled by a diesel train and not steam, the carriages evoked a bygone era. I was seated in Minerva carriage, each carriage has its own name. I say seated, I was ensconced in a very plush winged armchair with a white covered table full of crystal glasses and silver wear ready for a delicious lunch to be served.

We departed to the sounds of a string quartet on the station, white liveried waiters seeing to our every need. You are given a booklet about the carriages and the history of them, it was interesting to see the amount of famous and royal passengers that had been in the same carriage as myself.  We had a fantastic meal, a summers day and great company. A special day and one that everyone should have at some special time in their life.