Belmond's Celia review: Baz Luhrmann brings Hollywood glamour to Britain's vintage luxury trains
Hollywood has met the British train network in the shape of a redesigned 1930s luxury train carriage aboard The British Pullman, a Belmond Train. The vintage hospitality train provides day trips from London Victoria, offering the chance to escape the city along the tracks across southern England. The original 1932 car has been designed and fitted in collaboration between operators Belmond, the…
The British Pullman, a luxury train operated by Belmond, has been given a Hollywood makeover thanks to the creative vision of Baz Luhrmann. The 1930s vintage train carriage, originally built in 1932, has been transformed into a lavish fine dining and entertainment venue, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Luhrmann, his wife Catherine Martin, and Belmond. Martin, an Oscar-winning costume and interior design specialist, worked alongside Luhrmann to recreate the ambiance of the golden age of cinema.
The Celia carriage, Luhrmann's contribution to the train, can comfortably accommodate 12 guests in its two sections. The carriage is designed to provide an exquisite dining and entertainment experience, with every detail meticulously crafted. The wooden panelling features marquetry veneer, a technique that has been passed down through generations, with the current artisans having worked on carriage pieces dating back to the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.
The Celia carriage is not just a luxurious train carriage; it is also a stage for interactive experiences. Onboard, guests can participate in a popular murder mystery game, with professional actors bringing the story to life. The carriage's atmosphere is further enhanced by classic jazz and swing-era hits, creating a nostalgic ambiance for guests.
The Celia carriage is named after a fictional West End actress from the 1930s who played the role of Titania in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The carriage's design aims to capture the whimsical spirit of this character, making journeys aboard the British Pullman an unforgettable experience. Prices for a journey on the Celia carriage start at £17,500 ($23,600) for up to 12 guests, with the murder mystery lunch starting at £585 per person.
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