Latest news with #LukeEdwardHall
Bangkok Post
14 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
The Britannic Explorer makes history
The Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales, will make history on July 21 for its maiden voyage. The train's interiors have been meticulously crafted by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion and Olly Fathers. The eight carriages seamlessly weave British wit and charm into every detail. Bold fabrics, layered textures and hand-selected antiques draw inspiration from the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Natural materials like wood, stone and wool are paired with earthy tones and tactile finishes. Each of the train's 18 cabins, comprising three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, has been crafted in Britain and offers sweeping views of Britain's rugged coastlines and rolling hills. Whether guests choose to unwind in the privacy of their cabins, rejuvenate in the onboard spa or savour exceptional fare in the restaurant cars, the experience is luxurious. Departing from London Victoria Station, guests will embark on three-night itineraries to some of the nation's most iconic regions: dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, majestic landscapes of the Lake District, and the storied heartlands of Wales. Under chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer of Britain's farm-to-fork movement, executive head chef Sven-Hanson Britt executes seasonal menus that showcase the finest British produce. Well-being is given equal prominence with a dedicated Wellness Suite, created in partnership with Wildsmith. In Cornwall, highlights include coastal sailing and revitalising yoga sessions by the sea; wild swimming, rowing and paddle boarding in the Lake District; and scenic valley hikes, lavender farm visits, wood-fired saunas, and art classes in the heart of Wales. To complement the rail experience, guests are invited to extend their journey with a seamless pre- or post-journey stay at The Cadogan in London.
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Travel + Leisure
03-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
England's First Luxury Sleeper Train Is Set to Depart in July—With Fine Dining, a Victorian-inspired Bar Car, and a Spa
On July 21, the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train will depart from London's Victoria Station on its inaugural journey, marking the debut of England and Wales' first luxury sleeper train. The plush eight-carriage locomotive offers three-night itineraries designed to showcase the coast of Cornwall, the villages and woodlands of Wales, or the mountainous Lake District. 'The launch of the Britannic Explorer is an important moment for Belmond as we build on the heritage of English and Welsh train travel with the introduction of the first luxury sleeper train,' Belmond CEO Dan Ruff tells Travel + Leisure . 'The train embodies slow luxury, allowing our guests to disconnect from their daily lives and discover design showcasing British wit and charm, food and drink reflecting the landscapes and flavors of the regions the train passes through, and off-board experiences that provide special access to some of the most intriguing locations in England and Wales.' The Britannic Explorer accommodates just 36 guests across 18 cabins—including 15 suites and three Grand Suites—each outfitted with interiors that take inspiration from the country's natural landscapes. London-based studio Albion Nord collaborated with artists Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion, and Olly Fathers to create spaces filled with bold bespoke fabrics and wallpapers, artwork, and antique treasures that exude distinctly British character. Two restaurant cars, Malva and Samphire, feature menus created by chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer of sustainable British gastronomy behind restaurants like the three-Michelin-starred L'Enclume in Cumbria. The menus celebrate each region's star ingredients. On the Cornwall journey, for example, two dishes that spotlight local ingredients are the St. Ives Bay spider crab with hand-harvested seaweed, and Devon duck roasted with wild fennel. The Observation Car features a warm, wood-paneled bar with ochre banquettes and amber glass details inspired by Victorian apothecaries. There, guests can sip quintessential gin and tonics alongside other destination-inspired cocktails. Each journey begins with afternoon tea featuring regional specialties such as Welsh tea cakes and bara brith fruit cake. Beyond the plush accommodations and fine dining, an onboard Wellness Suite offers a menu of massages and facials developed with British skincare brand Wildsmith. The wellness experience extends to curated off-train activities, too—think wood-fired saunas and scenic hikes in Wales, and wild swimming and rowing in the Lake District. Each itinerary immerses passengers in the best of the region. The Wales journey includes Eryri National Park, the Pembrokeshire coast, a working lavender farm, and an intimate evening at a traditional Cotswolds pub. Lake District passengers can play English lawn games at Lingholm Estate, the Grade II-listed Victorian mansion where Beatrix Potter once summered. Cornwall travelers experience private wine tastings and coastal boat tours showcasing the region's idyllic shoreline. The Britannic Explorer joins the slate of Belmond luxury trains around the world, from Peru's Andean Explorer to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express taking passengers from Paris to Venice, among other iconic European cities. These journeys underscore the growing interest in luxury train travel, part of the broader slow travel trend that prioritizes deeper exploration of fewer destinations over rushed itineraries, soaking up the journey just as much as the destination. 'Our guests aboard the Britannic Explorer will experience a new pace of travel as they celebrate the contemporary heritage of England and Wales,' says Ruff. Three-night itineraries on the Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train start from £11,000 ($15,118) based on a double cabin and including excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board, and you can book at
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Inside Britain's most expensive train - with Michelin-star meals and on-board spa
Belmond has released breathtaking first-look photos of the first luxury sleeper train to operate in England and Wales ahead of its debut this month. The Britannic Explorer, A Belmont Train, offers guests a three-night journey through the picturesque landscapes of England and Wales aboard a service boasting 18 'extraordinary' cabins. Departing from London on 21 July, the train will pass through three distinct routes, Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales, with each meticulously designed to immerse guests in the region's scenery and culture. Hopping aboard Britain's most opulent train ride doesn't come cheap, with accommodation starting at £11,000 based on a double cabin. But tickets also offer guests a unique, all-inclusive itinerary, with access to an onboard bar, a marble-covered spa, an observation car, excursions and curated three-Michelin-starred menus. Each of the three Grand Suites and 15 Suites have been designed with timeless elegance by the renowned London-based studio, Albion Nord, in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion and Olly Fathers. All eight carriages exude a refined, timeless yet refreshingly modern ambience, with fabrics, layered textures, hand-selected antiques and touches of gold detailing coming together to create a rich, distinctive aesthetic. Natural materials, such as wood, wool and stone, are paired with neutral, earthy colour palettes inspired by the English countryside, providing a tranquil environment while guests journey through stunning outdoor scenery. Onboard, passengers can indulge in a 'world-class dining experience' across two dining cars, Malva and Samphire. At the heart of the onboard dining experience, 'showcasing the very best of seasonal British produce', is the farm-to-fork philosophy of Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan. Located in the Observation Car is the train's botanically inspired bar, 'offering guests a relaxed, social environment' along with a selection of cocktails, local gins, and craft beers. Meanwhile, a dedicated Wellness Suite, created in partnership with Wildsmith, 'provides a tranquil space for relaxation and rejuvenation on each journey'. The Wellness Suite, designed to emulate a calming beach landscape with muted hues, will also house the first spa experience on a train in England and Wales. Emphasising slow travel, The Britannic Explorer offers guests the opportunity to re-discover the beauty and spirit of England and Wales at an unhurried pace, whether in pursuit of a luxurious trip or a deeper connection to British history and heritage. The launch of the train marks a significant expansion of Belmond's award-winning UK portfolio, comprised of exceptional trains and heritage hotels. The Britannic Explorer's General Manager, Hendrik Huebner, says: 'The launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, marks a pivotal moment, forging a new chapter in British rail innovation. Emphasising slow travel, The Britannic Explorer 'offers guests the opportunity to re-discover the beauty and spirit of England and Wales at an unhurried pace', whether in pursuit of a luxurious trip or a deeper connection to British history and heritage 'The new British icon, the Britannic Explorer embodies the true spirit of adventure. Offering the ultimate luxury on rails, our guests will discover a new perspective on contemporary Britain.' The Britannic Explorer's maiden voyage will take place on 21 July to Wales, followed by Cornwall on 25 July. For reservations or more information, visit here. It comes as Canadian company Bombardier Aviation has revealed its Global 8000, a swanky private plane that flies at Mach 0.94 (720mph). The luxury jet features a full-size kitchen, cinema, beds, showers, high-speed internet and an anti-jet lag lighting system.
Hospitality Net
03-07-2025
- Hospitality Net
The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train Makes History As It Takes To The Rails
The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train - the first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales - will make history on 4th July 2025 for its maiden voyage. Set to become a new icon, the pioneering train embodies modern British identity through playing with history, style, and personality to create something unexpected and unconventional. CRAFTING THE NEW BRITISH ICON The train's interior design has been meticulously crafted by London-based studio Albion Nord, in collaboration with Luke Edward Hall, Mel Campion and Olly Fathers. The eight carriages exude a refined ambiance and thoughtful sophistication, seamlessly weaving British wit and charm into every detail. Bold fabrics, layered textures, and hand-selected antiques come together to create a rich, characterful aesthetic that feels both timeless and modern. Rooted in a vision to bring the outside in, the design draws inspiration from the serene, organic beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Natural materials - wood, stone, and wool - are thoughtfully paired with earthy tones and tactile finishes, evoking the elegance of the British countryside. The result is a harmonious blend of tradition and modern luxury, where guests feel simultaneously grounded in nature and enveloped in the distinctive style of the Britannic Explorer. Each of the train's 18 cabins, comprising three Grand Suites and 15 Suites, have been carefully crafted in Britain and designed to make the journey as extraordinary as the destination. Inspired by sweeping views of Britain's rugged coastlines and rolling hills, each moment is transformed into a visual feast. Whether guests choose to unwind in the privacy of their cabin, rejuvenate in the onboard spa, or savour exceptional fare in the elegant and restaurant cars, the experience is one of unparalleled luxury and comfort. MEET THE MAKERS The project has brought together some of Britain's most celebrated designers and artisans in a masterful collaboration that honours the art of craftsmanship through bespoke commissions. Each contributor has been carefully selected for their distinctive vision and ability to elevate the Britannic Explorer's interiors with refined creativity and flair. Among them is leading British designer Luke Edward Hall, renowned for fusing classical motifs with contemporary vibrancy. Working in collaboration with Albion Nord, Luke reinterpreted a Rubelli fabric with a whimsical and illustrative design inspired by elements that guests will see along their travels - from botanicals to key landmarks. His design features prominently on the wallpaper in the Double Suites and the bespoke armchairs in the Grand Suites. The artistic journey continues in the Grand Suites with striking contemporary panels by Brixton-based Olly Fathers, known for his bold, geometric abstractions, and Marcus James's intricate multicoloured pen depictions of the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District. Further enhancing the visual narrative, shell artist Mel Campion has created exquisite mirrors for the Powder Rooms, while celebrated designer Rose Uniacke lends her signature understated elegance to the custom organic light fittings. In the Wellness Suite, painter and printmaker, Sarah Woods, has captured a calming beach landscape through meditative works in muted hues. The dining carriages come alive with Ed Burkes's colourful depictions of dancing figures, infusing a sense of movement and playfulness, complemented by Adam Halls's impactful, multi-layered, hand-dyed fabric creations inspired by the lichen and algae found in nature, mounted onto the panelled walls. Together, these elements weave a rich tapestry of British design, where every detail contributes to a journey steeped in style, artistry, and character. CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF A NATION The Britannic Explorer invites guests to rediscover the ever-evolving spirit of England and Wales, whether in pursuit of a luxurious staycation or a deeper connection to British heritage. Departing from London Victoria Station, guests will embark on thoughtfully curated three night itineraries to some of the nation's most iconic regions: dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, the majestic landscapes of the Lake District, and the storied heartlands of Wales. Under the visionary leadership of Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer of Britain's farm-to-fork movement, Executive Head Chef Sven-Hanson Britt executes seasonal menus that showcase the finest British produce, honouring provenance and commitment to sustainability. Wellbeing is given equal prominence with a dedicated Wellness Suite, created in partnership with Wildsmith, providing a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration on board. Each journey is enriched by a curated programme of off-board experiences designed to immerse guests in local culture and the landscapes of each destination. In Cornwall, highlights include coastal sailing and revitalising yoga sessions by the sea; wild swimming, rowing, and paddleboarding in the Lake District; and scenic valley hikes, lavender farm visits, wood-fired saunas, and art classes in the heart of Wales. To complement the rail experience, guests are invited to extend their journey with a seamless pre- or post-journey stay at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London, located just 20 minutes from London Victoria, an oasis of calm in the heart of the capital. For those travelling on the Lake District itinerary, when travelling through the Cotswolds, guests will enjoy a gala dinner at the Michelin two-starred manor house hotel and restaurant by Chef Patron Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire - a legend in sustainable British garden gastronomy since 1984. The launch of the Britannic Explorer marks a significant expansion of Belmond's award winning UK portfolio comprised of exceptional trains and heritage hotels. It joins the iconic British Pullman, renowned for its Art Deco glamour and unforgettable day journeys through England, and the Royal Scotsman, the nation's only luxury touring sleeper train, offering immersive journeys through the dramatic Highlands and islands of Scotland. Hotel website
Vogue
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Luke Edward Hall's New Ginori 1735 Collection Is Inspired by Greco-Roman Pottery and the Bloomsbury Group
With a deep love for Greco-Roman mythology and an innate knack for storytelling, Luke Edward Hall's imaginative aesthetic has amassed a rapt fan base. And for his second collection in collaboration with Ginori 1735 (which launches today), the English artist taps into his signature folkloric whimsy to continue the narrative of Neptune, the Roman god and ruler of the sea. With Il Viaggio di Nettuno—A New Chapter, Neptune and his mythical cohort of winged horses and frantic octopuses leap across porcelain tableware in muted shades of butter yellow, sky blue, and peach. Photo: Courtesy of Ginori 1735 The collection picks up where the first voyage left off, with Neptune remaining the protagonist; Hall explains that the new direction primarily relates to the style and color. 'I wanted my drawings to be a little more graphic this time around, more monochromatic, and I wanted to play with the overall palette,' the artist tells Vogue. Whereas the first collection was splashed with punchy, saturated colors, this time around, earthier hues set the scene. 'I mixed tones like terracotta and forest green with soft, dusty shades of butter yellow, sky blue and peach,' he says. And because everything is based on his hand drawings, the borders and lines are perfectly imperfect. (Or as Hall puts it, a little wonky.) 'Also, the backgrounds are based on watercolor paintings, so they're patchy. I love this—I love imperfections. I was interested in the idea of recreating a hand-painted look with a printed product.'
