Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced an enhancement to its popular Afternoon Tea on the Dee services following feedback from customers and careful planning by its catering and events team.
From this season onwards all afternoon tea tables will now be private, regardless of party size. In addition, two afternoon tea services will operate on running dates: a 12.20pm departure returning at 2.30pm, and a 3.15pm departure returning at 5.04pm.
The changes come after listening closely to customer comments about table sharing and comfort. Previously, smaller parties could be seated together unless they chose to pay a supplement for a private table. The new format removes that option entirely, ensuring every booking enjoys its own dedicated table.
Jordan Edge, Catering Supervisor at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, explained “We have spent time reviewing guest feedback and discussing how we can improve the overall experience. Sharing tables can sometimes feel awkward for guests who don’t know each other, and it also creates practical challenges when serving food, particularly where dietary requirements or allergens are involved.
“By moving to fully private tables and introducing a second sitting, we can deliver a more relaxed, comfortable and premium experience for everyone, while also increasing capacity in a sensible and manageable way. It’s a positive step for our customers and for the railway.”
Behind the scenes, detailed logistical planning has taken place to ensure smooth delivery. Numbered table plans will manage dietary requirements and allergens, food preparation will be streamlined, and teams will work to a structured turnaround between sittings to relay tables and reset the carriage efficiently.
Tickets are already selling well for the first services, which begin on Saturday April 25. The 12.20pm service is already sold out, with limited availability remaining on the 3.15pm departure.
Afternoon Tea on the Dee remains one of the railway’s most popular premium experiences, combining a full line return journey between Llangollen and Corwen with a traditional afternoon tea served at reserved tables aboard a heritage carriage.
Guests enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches, fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, sweet treats and cakes, and tea or coffee, with the option to upgrade to include sparkling wine.
The improvements form part of a broader drive by the railway to enhance customer experience while maximising income from existing services, ensuring continued investment in infrastructure, rolling stock and visitor facilities.
* Tickets for upcoming Afternoon Tea on the Dee services are available now at: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/afternoon-tea/