A NEW luxury train experience is coming to the UK later this year.
A new carriage will appear on the British Pullman named Celia, after the fictional character created by director Baz Luhrmann and cinematic designer Catherine Martin.
According to the duo, Celia is a West End icon from the 1930s who once played Titania in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Set in an original 1932 Pullman carriage, Celia will boast a cocktail bar, lounge, dining and entertainment area that feels as if you are heading back to the 1930s.
Up to 12 guests at a time can experience the carriage via private and bespoke events.
The carriage is designed to create a luxury private dining experience, as well as showcase the train carriage’s historical charm.
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During the day, Celia will be a reception carriage and then in the evening it will turn into the “most refined venue”.
When guests reserve Celia for an event, a Guest Experience Curator will plan each detail.
Passengers will also get private luxury transfers within Greater London to and from London Victoria.
And there will even be a personal chef, butler and steward.
On the menu, passengers can create their own brunch, lunch and dinner menus.
Welcome drinks, such as a seasonal cocktail or champagne, will also be provided.
And to elevate the experience even more, there will be bespoke activities available to book.
Baz Luhrmann said that Celia is based on a woman who, after a Sunday matinee of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, headed off with her friends to escape the crowds and head on the British Pullman.
Baz said: “From the moment someone receives an invitation, or chooses to board Celia, they should be drawn instantly into her world and be swept into the glamorous, mysterious life of the actress for whom the carriage was named.”
He added: “Celia also has the capacity to transform into a performance space; I have no doubt a musical artist could have great fun staging an unplugged session or making an album announcement there.
“And of course, we’ll be fitting out the carriage with a terrific sound system and speakers to support that.”
On the idea behind the carriage, Catherine Martin revealed that once they had Baz’s character of Celia, the interior design of the carriage was based on Celia’s life story.
Baz added: “We’re both devoted lovers of slow travel as there’s an undeniable magic and romance to these kinds of journeys.
“It’s a form of travel that lends itself to being told in the most evocative and cinematic ways.”
The Belmond British Pullman usually travels day and weekend journeys around Britain.
In other rail news, here’s the UK train journey that feels like the Hogwarts Express with stunning views along the way.
Plus, picturesque English town is getting new £27m train line for first time in 60 years – and it will cut journey times by an hour.