James Martin joins Virgin Trains as executive chef

The TV star has created a range of seasonal menus which will be served to First Class passengers from May.

A series of ‘exciting changes’ are to be rolled out to Standard Class customers in autumn.

The move follows his decision to stand down from presenting Saturday Kitchen in March after ten years on the show.

Martin's menu will make use of produce along the train operator’s route as part of Virgin’s ongoing revamp of its East Coast services.

Martin said:  “Virgin Trains came to me with a genuine vision and passion for improving the experience they deliver to their customers and I shared their belief that the food on offer could have a real impact on customers’ experience as a whole.

“I see this partnership as a real opportunity to open people’s eyes to the great food they could enjoy as they speed up the iconic East Coast line – and I feel the new menus we’re cooking up together will make it a truly enjoyable experience.”

For breakfast Martin has created a premium black pudding which will be served alongside sausages, bacon and eggs, while passengers will be able to taste his signature golden sultana sauce with sausage rolls.

Evening diners will be able to enjoy lemon and herb roasted chicken; and a new chicken curry created in Martin’s development kitchen.

Alison Watson, customer experience director at Virgin Trains on the East Coast, said: “We are confident the menu James is designing with our team will be the finest dining any UK train operator can boast and will be another step in making our customers’ journeys even better.”

James Martin on opening the first James Martin Kitchen in Stansted Airport​