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Eurostar to Launch Direct Antwerp Trains This Year
From 14th December, you’ll be able to travel direct from London St Pancras to Antwerp, removing the need to change trains in Brussels on the outbound journey.
Four of Eurostar’s ten daily London-Brussels services will continue to Antwerpen-Centraal, shortening the journey time to just 2 hours, 41 minutes vs the average time of 3 hours, 15 minutes with the current Brussels change. Direct departures will include the 6:16, 8:16, 11:04 and 18:04, and tickets start at just £51 for Standard, £98 for Plus or £305 for Premier.
For now, you’ll need to change at Brussels Midi on the return journey, where you’ll have to pass through UK border control. There are currently no plans for direct trains returning to London. The only positive to come out of needing to change on the return is that the train is operated by SNCB, meaning you can travel on any SNCB train that day. That also gives you the flexibility to stop off in Brussels for the day before continuing to London.
It’s the first new direct destination from London in eight years, and it’s certainly a step in the right direction. There’s also plenty of things to look forward to in the 2030s, including the double-decker Celestia fleet and direct routes to Geneva and Frankfurt.
The Shepherd Mayfair Confirms Opening Date and Reveals Fayre Restaurant Menu
One of London’s most anticipated boutique hotel openings has now confirmed its opening date. The Shepherd Mayfair will open its doors on 1st September, and there’s plenty to look forward to.
The hotel is located in the historic Shepherd Market and has 82 rooms and suites across 6 floors on the site of Mayfair’s oldest house, The Cottage, which dates back to 1618, where a shepherd once tended his flock. The surrounding fields later became home to the famous May Fair, from which the area takes its name.
The menu for The Shepherd’s signature restaurant, Fayre, has now been revealed. The 62-seat all-day restaurant will focus on seasonal British produce and classic European dishes with a contemporary touch. Expect dark timber panelling, comfortable banquette seating and berry tones, plus wall coverings by artist Adam Ellis with scenes from historic May Fair.
Some of the highlights include:
- Snacks: lobster and prawn brioche rolls, braised beef short rib croquettes.
- Starters: crispy duck confit salad, citrus-cured trout and scallops.
- Mains: Gloucester Old Spot pork chop, beef Wellington pithivier and dry-aged steaks alongside seasonal vegetarian dishes.
There will also be ‘Puddings By The Glass’ where desserts are presented in tall glasses – another nod to the original May Fair. The first will be a strawberry and Champagne trifle, with a new creation introduced each week inspired by historic recipes and flavours. Choices also include Baked Alaska, blackberry Bakewell tart and Paris-Brest.
There will also be two further venues: The Lounge, a 46-seat all-day cafe-bar which has a dining room and beautiful outdoor terrace, and Teddy’s, an underground late-night cocktail bar inspired by Mayfair’s drinking dens of the 1960s. All are intended to appeal to hotel guests and non-residents alike.
This certainly looks promising, and The Shepherd has the potential to become one of Mayfair’s top boutique hotels and a great place to pop in for drinks, something to eat or a luxurious dinner. Fayre also has the potential to become a top dining spot in its own right.
Rooms are currently on sale from 7th September, starting at £400 per night for a Standard Double, rising to £600 for The Shepherd’s Suite.
American Airlines to Open New Flagship Check-in and Largest Admirals Club at DFW
American Airlines is continuing to invest in the premium customer experience at its Dallas Fort Worth hub with a series of upgrades, including a new Flagship Check-in experience, the largest Admirals Club in its network, and a new Provisions by Admirals Club lounge concept, all planned over the coming years.
The Flagship Check-in area will be in Terminal D and is due to open later this year. The private check-in area will offer individual assistance from American staff and direct access to security. It builds on the Flagship check-in experiences already available at hubs elsewhere.
Flagship Check-in has separate eligibility rules and includes eligible Oneworld Emerald members and First/Business passengers on qualifying flights. Full rules here.
American’s Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said:
“We’re investing in every stage of the premium travel journey at DFW, beginning the moment customers arrive at the airport. Our Flagship check-in experience offers a more tailored and streamlined start to the journey, bringing together dedicated service, premium amenities and greater convenience for our most loyal and premium customers.”
American is also completely redesigning its lounge offering at DFW. A new 37,000-square-foot Admirals Club in Terminal C (near the Skylink station) will become the largest Admirals Club in the network. There will be a range of seating options, areas for working and relaxing, alongside AA’s improved food and beverage selection. Expect a chef-inspired menu, an improved charcuterie selection, speciality cocktails, and signature offerings such as Champagne Bollinger and Lavazza coffee.
Access will be in line with existing Admirals Club access rules, including eligible Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members as well as First and Business passengers. View the rules here.
AA has also confirmed a Provisions by Admirals Club location in the future Terminal F, which will have grab-and-go food, premium drinks and travel essentials for those with little time before departure.
It’s good to see American investing in the airport experience as well as its onboard product. An arrival experience like the Flagship check-in can make all the difference, and a larger Admirals Club will hopefully make travelling through DFW a much more enjoyable experience.
