A couple of years ago, the Victorian gothic splendor of St Pancras was refurbished. As part of the new, slick station facilities the longest champagne bar in Europe was built. How long? Um, about the length of one of the Eurostar trains that pull in alongside to deliver passengers arriving in London from Paris and other points European.
Sipping champagne on a draughty platform might not sound immediately appealing. Wait though: the booths are heated - press a couple of discreet buttons and the seats begin to warm. Pink champagne was the decadent choice while the tartan blanket provided by the attentive (and feeling the chill himself) waiter gave a uniquely British twist.
Literary connections are essential for any station intending to make its mark. King's Cross next door has the magical Platform 9 and 3/4. Paddington has Paddington. As you sit alongside the Eurostar, nestled in your warm blanket, the arched roof naturally draws the eye, as it did for John Betjeman whose statue, caught gazing up in wonder, stands nearby. The experience is almost sublime. Almost. If only the platform announcements were for Paris, rather than imminent departures for the East Midlands.
