First Great Western and Tregothnan host on board tea party featuring world's largest tea pot
Passengers on board a First Great Western train from Paddington to Cornwall this morning were treated to a quintessentially English tea party complete with the world’s largest fully-functioning tea pot.
Passengers on board a First Great Western train from Paddington to Cornwall this morning were treated to a quintessentially English tea party complete with the world’s largest fully-functioning tea pot. The tea party marks the availability of Britain’s first and only tea – Tregothnan – on the rail provider’s services.
At four feet in diameter and made using papier mache, the teapot just made it through the doors of the morning First Great Western service calling at Truro –home of the almost 700 year old Tregothnan estate. Passengers were the first to enjoy the teas in transit, with a further one million tea bags expected to be brewed on services over the next year.
In 2013, First Great Western promised to fill its menu with as many products sourced from within 15 miles of the Great Western railway line as possible. Now almost 90 locally-made products have replaced their mass market counterparts –this has almost doubled since the initiative launched.
Since winning the contract to supply First Great Western Tregothnan has had to employ six additional staff and increase is acreage, showing the value of First Great Western's commitment to supporting local communities.
Locally made cakes and treats from suppliers including Furniss in Cornwall and Pullins in Somerset were also served during today’s tea party in a continued effort to use local suppliers and support Great Western producers.
To celebrate the success of its campaign to serve locally-made food and to embrace the renaissance of in train dining, First Great Western has commissioned three films starring its food producers. The Pullman Dining Farm to Fork videos are now available to view at the links below:
Burrata Mozzarella Cheese:
Somerset Smoked Haddock:
Glastonbury Prime Beef Fillet:
All proceeds from the event will go to Cancer Research UK in conjunction with the UKs Largest Garden Opening in April next year.
Commenting on the partnership, Jo Elliot, Head of Customer Engagement at First Great Western said:
“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the availability of the most British Brew in history on our services than hosting our very own tea party on board for our passengers. Tea drinking is the epitome of British culture and we are delighted to support the western region through providing such superb locally sourced ingredients.
"This support has seen Tregothnan increase its acreage and employ more staff since agreeing to supply our tea. This is testament to the value rail has in supporting local economies and communities."
Jonathon Jones, Director of Tregothnan said:
“We’re thrilled that Cornwall and Britain’s finest tea is making its way across the country and up to London with First Great Western. Today’s tea party shows that sourcing locally produced goods not only supports the South West but is good fun too!”
Tregothnan’s Classic and Earl Grey varieties are now available for passengers to enjoy from First Great Western’s Express Café, Night Riviera Sleeper Caféand Pullman Dining services.
At four feet in diameter and made using papier mache, the teapot just made it through the doors of the morning First Great Western service calling at Truro –home of the almost 700 year old Tregothnan estate. Passengers were the first to enjoy the teas in transit, with a further one million tea bags expected to be brewed on services over the next year.
In 2013, First Great Western promised to fill its menu with as many products sourced from within 15 miles of the Great Western railway line as possible. Now almost 90 locally-made products have replaced their mass market counterparts –this has almost doubled since the initiative launched.
Since winning the contract to supply First Great Western Tregothnan has had to employ six additional staff and increase is acreage, showing the value of First Great Western's commitment to supporting local communities.
Locally made cakes and treats from suppliers including Furniss in Cornwall and Pullins in Somerset were also served during today’s tea party in a continued effort to use local suppliers and support Great Western producers.
To celebrate the success of its campaign to serve locally-made food and to embrace the renaissance of in train dining, First Great Western has commissioned three films starring its food producers. The Pullman Dining Farm to Fork videos are now available to view at the links below:
Burrata Mozzarella Cheese:
Tea at Paddington
Visitors to Paddington Station today were also able to enjoy Tregothnan tea at a pop-up tea van where 1,000 cups of Earl Grey and Classic Tea were served to passers-by.All proceeds from the event will go to Cancer Research UK in conjunction with the UKs Largest Garden Opening in April next year.
Commenting on the partnership, Jo Elliot, Head of Customer Engagement at First Great Western said:
“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the availability of the most British Brew in history on our services than hosting our very own tea party on board for our passengers. Tea drinking is the epitome of British culture and we are delighted to support the western region through providing such superb locally sourced ingredients.
"This support has seen Tregothnan increase its acreage and employ more staff since agreeing to supply our tea. This is testament to the value rail has in supporting local economies and communities."
Jonathon Jones, Director of Tregothnan said:
“We’re thrilled that Cornwall and Britain’s finest tea is making its way across the country and up to London with First Great Western. Today’s tea party shows that sourcing locally produced goods not only supports the South West but is good fun too!”
Tregothnan’s Classic and Earl Grey varieties are now available for passengers to enjoy from First Great Western’s Express Café, Night Riviera Sleeper Caféand Pullman Dining services.