A moving murder mystery lunch on the Belmond British Pullman
There are few experiences that can transport you quite literally and figuratively to another era, but stepping aboard the Belmond British Pullman train for a fun adventure of which Agatha Christie would approve did exactly that. What started as a birthday celebration with my closest friends became an unforgettable journey through the English countryside, complete with champagne, intrigue, and a carriage that looked like it had been plucked straight from a Wes Anderson film.
Departing from London Victoria at 10:55 and returning at 16:10, our day began with the excitement of boarding what is essentially the sister to the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The moment we settled into our seats, I knew this wasn't going to be an ordinary train ride. Our carriage had been redesigned with the meticulous attention to detail that could only be attributed to Wes Anderson's distinctive aesthetic vision, featuring the luxurious train's original features, art deco details, and vintage comforts that seemed to tell their own stories.
The British Pullman carriages Cygnus, Perseus, and Minerva were amongst those used to transport passengers in the golden age of rail travel, and sitting in these historic carriages felt like stepping into a living museum that was rolling through the British countryside at a gentle, rhythmic pace.
As the champagne flowed and the English landscape rolled past our windows in a blur of green fields and quaint villages, our murder mystery began to unfold. Go back in time to the 1920s aboard the vintage train as we were introduced to our cast of suspects and learned of the tragic fate of the beautiful actress Ms. Moreau. According to the details we discovered, ten mysterious characters would reveal what they know about the mysterious murder, from highly-strung film director Renée Vandenheuvel to reclusive magnate Ambrose L. Valkerne.
The experience included a four course silver service meal, wine, and Champagne, and there's something delightfully civilized about trying to solve a murder while savoring each perfectly prepared dish. The combination of luxury dining and theatrical intrigue created an atmosphere that was both relaxed and exhilarating.
Armed with champagne courage and the collective wit of my dearest friends, we found ourselves gazing at the views outside, reading through our private copy of The Arcadia Chronicle, which was riddled with secret clues. The experience encouraged us to interrogate every passing suspect and examine every detail as the mystery unfolded around us.
Perhaps it was the way the bubbles sharpened my focus, or maybe the gentle sway of the train car helped my mind connect the dots, but I managed to correctly identify our culprit before the big reveal. The satisfaction of solving the mystery while surrounded by friends, excellent food, and that perfect vintage atmosphere was incredibly rewarding.
The Belmond British Pullman delivered an experience that was equal parts nostalgic and thrilling, sophisticated and playful. As we raised our glasses in a final toast while pulling back into London Victoria, I couldn't help but think that this was exactly how a birthday should be celebrated with mystery, laughter, excellent champagne, and friends who make every moment memorable.
If you're looking for a way to mark a special occasion that's truly out of the ordinary, I cannot recommend this enough. Just be prepared to dress up on Saturday morning and perhaps brush up on your detective skills before you board!
