The Britannic Explorer

The Britannic Explorer is a luxury rail hospitality project where service happens in motion and space is measured in millimetres. The brief was exciting and story‑led: create pieces that feel alive with narrative while performing flawlessly on a moving train. Built around controlled weight, secure handling and nestable stacks, the range of tableware developed and designed for The Britannic Explorer was required to keep dishes steady from prep, to pass, to table. With Chef Simon Rogan curating the onboard menu (and years of working together!) we knew from the start it would be something special.

Our Key Contributions

Wooden service pieces by Bird & Branch Turnery Co. and Hope in the Woods were developed and produced in timbers associated with each suite; offcuts and shavings from the production process were set aside for the culinary team, used to infuse ice creams, linking plate to palate while reducing waste. Bowls and smallwares from Odd Standard and Julija Pustovrh drew on materials and textures from locations along the route - continuing the small details that connect guest, carriage and landscape.

Alongside the core pieces, our partnerships spanned china and metalwork: with Duchess China 1888 we created a service range and a bespoke-branded onboard-retail mug; with Alex Pole Ironwork we designed hand-forged key rings for every suite. We ensured that pieces throughout the project were designed to complement and harmonise with the interiors, as well as functioning beautifully within the space.

Operationally, we delivered the full picture: front-of-house essentials and back-of-house kitchen equipment specified to work in compact galleys and a small footprint! We took ownership of procurement and delivery, aligning suppliers and timing drops to the target date before launch. 

Our first time working on a train, and a welcome challenge: choices shaped by movement, scale, and onboard service.