Chef Matthew keeps luxury Carnforth train on right track

The kitchen is almost 60 years old and barely bigger than a cupboard but Carnforth-based Northern Belle, rated one of the most luxurious trains in the world, has still been given a Five Star rating by hygiene inspectors who ?described it as “excellent”.
A stewardess stands alongside the Northern Belle.A stewardess stands alongside the Northern Belle.
A stewardess stands alongside the Northern Belle.

To make things even more difficult for head chef Matthew Green, he has to prepare gourmet meals for up to 300 passengers while rocketing along the tracks at speeds of up to 90mph.

But despite that, inspectors praised the “full food safety management” programme on board and, following recent tragic allergy deaths, remarked on the good system of identifying possible food hazards.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Matthew, who took over as head chef earlier this year, said: “We are delighted with this report from Lancaster City Council’s environmental health team.

Northern Belle chef Matthew Green.Northern Belle chef Matthew Green.
Northern Belle chef Matthew Green.

“But of course it is only what our passengers expect. On a train like the Northern Belle, nothing but the best is good enough.

“Cooking on the train does have its challenges though. The onboard kitchens were fitted in 1961 and still have many of the original fittings.

“The space is tiny with barely enough room for two people while the ovens aren’t regulated like normal ovens. They’re either on or they’re off – which means dishes requiring precision cooking like soufflés cannot be achieved.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Other things you take for granted in a normal kitchen – like putting the rubbish out or popping to the shops for something you’ve run out of – obviously cannot be done.

Northern Belle food.Northern Belle food.
Northern Belle food.

“But with a bit of careful thought and preparation, we manage to make everything work.”

Northern Belle managing director Jeanette Snape said: “Matthew always has the right recipe for success. He keeps Northern Belle on the right tracks.”