On track to enjoy Britain in serious style

Keen to tour Britain in conspicuous style?

Britain’s first luxury sleeper train will welcome its inaugural passengers on July 21, when it makes its maiden journey from London's Victoria Station.

The Britannic Explorer, operated by luxury travel specialists Belmond, will offer three-night itineraries to Britain’s most iconic regions, including Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.

The train features 18 cabins, including three grand suites and 15 suites, restaurant cars, and an onboard spa.

Each journey will include a program of off-board experiences, including scenic hikes, lavender farm visits, wood-fired saunas, art classes, and yoga by the sea.

Fine dining experiences will be designed by renowned chef Simon Rogan, from L'Enclume in the Lake District.



Passengers are invited to unwind and mingle in the train’s bar, located in the Observation Car, which is designed as the social heart of the Britannic Explorer.

The Cornwall and Lake District routes will run from Friday to Monday, while the Wales route runs from Monday to Thursday.

"I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond’s global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences," said Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises for Belmond.

"The Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique; an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before."

Belmond’s boutique hotel, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London, is just a 20-minute transfer from Victoria station.

The experience will not come cheap. 

Luxury accommodation aboard the Britannic Explorer starts from £11,000 based on a double cabin to include a three-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board. For more information see here.

Try time: Welsh whisky producer enjoying boom period

Scotch whisky? Sure. Irish whiskey? Absolutely. Whisky from Japan and Australia? Yep.

Welsh whisky? Well that's a surprise - as is the fact that it is enjoying success in whisky-obsessed Japan.

Penderyn Distillery is a pioneering Welsh whisky producer located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Copperworks in Swansea and Llandudno, North Wales, reviving Wales' long-dormant whisky-making tradition.

Founded in 2000 as the Welsh Whisky Company, Penderyn became the first commercial Welsh whisky producer since 1894, launching its first single malt in 2004.

The distillery is apparently known for its innovative Faraday Still distillation process, which produces a pure spirit with 92% alcohol in a single distillation run.

Penderyn is experiencing a surge in popularity among Japanese consumers, with its single malt Welsh whisky emerging as the top Welsh food and beverage product in the country.

Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery, attributes this phenomenon partly to the Japanese love of rugby.

"The Welsh rugby team is highly respected in Japan, and Penderyn has long been associated with Welsh rugby. Our commemorative bottle 'That Try' is just one example of this connection."

In 2024, Penderyn sold 10,000 cases across the Asia Pacific region, with Japan being a key market. This success is part of a broader trend of "unprecedented growth" across Asian markets, particularly in China and Taiwan.

Nicole Liu, Penderyn's brand manager and ambassador for Asia, highlights the unique appeal of their products:

"The Asian market has shown particular enthusiasm for our Dragon series, especially Penderyn Legend," she said. 

"Our distinctive use of Madeira casks sets us apart from the sherry cask-finished whiskies common in the region."

Davies adds: "Japan is an important market for world-class single malt whisky, making it a key target market for Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky," 

The Year of the Dragon in 2024 proved advantageous for Penderyn's 'Welsh dragon', with the distillery's Dragon series seeing a surge in popularity across Asian markets.

The verdict: Penderyn Legend is very pale gold in colour, but impressively aromatic. The palate has creamy fudge notes with sultana and raisin notes. Subtle and sophisticated, and finishes very smooth on the palate.    

See www.penderyn.wales. 

Penderyn products are available in Australia at outlets including Nick's, Dan Murphy's stores and at www.whiskymarketplace.com.au/ 

Hollywood stars expand their empire to include a brewery

Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are not content with owning a fast-rising soccer team.

Now they have snapped up their own brewery so they can toast the success of the Wrexham football club.

The pair has now acquired a majority stake in local brewery Wrexham Lager, drinks business reports. And as of December the beers are available in Australia. 

Reynolds and McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC, now in EFL League One, in 2020, with the high-profile investment in the Welsh football club becoming the subject of FX documentary Welcome to Wrexham.

During their time owning the club, the duo has seen Wrexham AFC enjoy two successive promotions and a huge boost in publicity and crowd numbers.

Founded in 1882 by German Immigrants Ivan Levinstein and Otto Isle, Wrexham Lager was previously under the ownership of Carlsberg before then being acquired by Martin Jones, who worked at the brewery until 1987, when he became MP for Clwyd South. 

Jones revived the brewery, which had ceased operations in 2000, in 2011, procuring its rights for £1.

In a media statement, Reynolds and McElhenney said: “As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we have learned a lot. The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offside rule and the occasional need for beer — especially after finance meetings.”

“Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”

The full financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is understood that the duo has acquired a majority stake.