Great British Bake Off star to host a tasting event at Newcastle’s Central Station

The Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith is set to host the LNER Taste Station at Newcastle Central Station on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5.

It will feature unusual ‘off-board’ food creations from LNER’s local supports as the event aims to dispel the myth that train food is ‘uninspiring’.

Visitors to Newcastle Central Station during the tasting event will be able to try:

• Popping Jack Roll: A surprising, vegetarian 'pork' roll with explosive popping candy flavours and warming rum.
• BaNacon Sponge: A deliciously moist banana and bacon cake infused and topped with crispy bacon.
• Crisp-y Chocolate Truffle: The ultimate sweet and savoury combination, melt in your mouth truffles injected with a tangy orange marmalade and encased with the crunch of a ready salted crisp.
• Ale & Rarebit Shortbread: A modern take on traditional Welsh Rarebit, swapping crunchy toast for crumbly shortbread biscuit and a hearty ale.
• Katsu Chicken-and-Egg roll: A delicious pastry encasing a mix of chicken and pork shoulder, Katsu flavouring and a perfectly cooked boiled egg.

Speaking ahead of the event, Prue 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 I can’t wait to taste these unexpected creations made by LNER’s suppliers.”

Richard Judge, head of customer experience at LNER, has expressed his delight at being able to showcase the train operator’s commitment to improving the experience for travellers.

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He added: “At LNER, we’re big believers that train food should be much more than a sad sandwich.

“Our menu is a key part of the travel experience, and we’re thrilled to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation with these unexpected food combinations.

“We offer a wide range of delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce, and we’re excited to see our customers’ reactions to these new culinary creations.”

LNER have confirmed that food samples during the tasting event will be served from 10am until stocks last on both days.