Eurostar and Waitrose are today announcing a new partnership which will see Britain’s favourite supermarket* supply on-board refreshments to Eurostar’s bar buffets, for passengers travelling in standard class between London and mainland Europe.

A delicious selection of fresh sandwiches, snacks, drinks and hot dishes will arrive on-board all Eurostar services from 30th April. With a range of over 20 products there will be something to satisfy pan-European appetites including mushroom risotto, chicken tikka masala, and a tapas selection, as well as traditional British sandwiches and the French classic Croque Monsieur.

This new culinary collaboration marks Waitrose’s first major move into on-board food and its first significant continental venture. Waitrose Business to Business Director, David Morton, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to work with such a prestigious brand, which shares our commitment to quality and service.  To be the first food brand that Eurostar’s customers experience when they are visiting Britain is tremendously powerful as we seek to expand our presence within Northern Europe.”

Having recently upgraded both its Standard Premier and Business Premier catering, Eurostar’s partnership with Waitrose completes a trio of changes which will see Eurostar passengers offered the best range of refreshments in the rail operator’s near 20 year history. For many French and Belgian travellers, it will be their first taste of Britain’s new national dishes such as chicken tikka masala.

Julian Welham, Head of On-Board Services, at Eurostar said: “The on-board dining experience is an integral part of our passengers’ travel experience, and our new partnership with Waitrose will bring our customers the highest quality refreshments during their journey. Whilst our British passengers will be well acquainted with Waitrose, we look forward to introducing the brand and many of its British classics to our continental customers.”

Eurostar recently launched a new summer menu for Business Premier passengers in partnership with Culinary Director, Michelin-starred chef, Raymond Blanc. The summer options focus on seasonal flavours, fruits and vegetables and feature several Blanc family recipes. Separately, Eurostar’s Standard Premier passengers can look out for an update to their menu options from April.