Prue Leith surprises Newcastle commuters with LNER tasting event at Central Station
The Great British Bake Off judge is working with LNER on a mission to help 'redefine' food on trains with some quirky snacks on offer
by Catherine Addison-Swan · ChronicleLivePrue Leith surprised commuters at Newcastle Central Station this morning (Friday, October 4) as she teamed up with LNER to showcase some quirky snacks.
The Great British Bake Off judge hosted a pop-up Taste Station to give people passing through the city centre a chance to try out some unique bites that have been tried and tested by the Channel 4 star. On the menu was a Popping Jack Roll, a vegetarian twist on a 'pork' roll made with popping candy and rum, as well as a Katsu Chicken and Egg Roll, and Ale and Rarebit Shortbread - a twist on traditional Welsh Rarebit that swaps out toast for crumbly shortbread biscuit.
There were also sweet treats being served up by Prue at the Taste Station, including the BaNacon Sponge, a banana and bacon take topped with crispy bacon, and Crisp-y Chocolate Truffle, truffles injected with tangy orange marmalade and encased with a ready salted crisp for "the ultimate sweet and savoury combination".
LNER worked with local suppliers to bring the tasting event to Central Station, including the award-winning family business Beckleberry's Ice Cream and Patisserie in Gateshead. The Taste Station will also be available to visit on Saturday, October 5, for those who missed out trying the unusual menu on Friday.
Prue is working with LNER to help "redefine" train food, having first been appointed to the British Railways Board in 1980 in a bid to improve its catering. The most popular of the Taste Station creations will be available on board selected LNER services for a limited time to give customers the chance to try new flavours.
The 84-year-old restaurateur said: "Train food has come a long way since my campaigning days 25 years ago. It's great to see train companies really pushing themselves to provide fresh, creative and local on-board menus... and it's fantastic to taste these unexpected creations from LNER’s talented suppliers!"
Richard Judge, Head of Customer Experience at LNER, added: "At LNER, we've always believed that train food should be much more than just a sad sandwich. Our menu is a key part of the travel experience, and it was fantastic to be able to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation through these unexpected food combinations today.
"We were thrilled by the positive reactions from our customers who enjoyed the wide range of delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce, and we’re excited to continue redefining the perception of train food."
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