To celebrate 200 years of passenger railways, LNER is taking a culinary journey through history by showcasing iconic onboard food from the National Railway Museum. Among the items highlighted is the GNER cheeseburger, last sold onboard InterCity trains in 1999. The burger was introduced when catering was improved to shake off the image of British Rail food in the privatised era, and it has since become a cult icon thanks to its packaging preserved in the museum.

LNER invited two of their onboard chefs, Gavin and Jacquie, to recreate their own versions of the GNER cheeseburger. The challenge took place in the kitchen at the Cookery School at the Grand, originally the NER's York headquarters when it opened in 1906. The chefs were tasked with blending tradition and modern culinary techniques to bring a contemporary twist to the classic dish.

The initiative is designed to appeal to a wide audience. Viewers can cook along, learn practical tips and tricks from professional chefs, or simply enjoy the spectacle of the culinary creations. LNER hopes the feature will spark interest in the rich history of train travel and onboard dining, showing how railways have evolved over the past two centuries.

This celebration not only highlights the history of food onboard trains but also connects it with today’s culinary experiences, providing both nostalgia and inspiration for rail passengers and food enthusiasts alike.

Image: LNER