Eurostar Plus (formerly Standard Premier) sounds like a “nice upgrade,” but most people want one clear answer:
Is it worth the extra cost, and what is the meal really like?
This is a real ride report on the Paris (Gare du Nord) → London (St Pancras) route:
- how Plus feels compared with Standard
- what the included meal and drink service looks like
- what surprised me (temperature matters)
- who should choose Plus (and who shouldn’t)
Short version: Plus can make the 2.5-hour ride feel calmer and more like a break, but it’s not mandatory for everyone.
1) What Eurostar Plus Is (Formerly Standard Premier)
On this trip I used Eurostar Plus from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras International.
Plus is the renamed version of Standard Premier. The main benefits are:
- a quieter, more spacious environment than Standard
- and a light meal + drink included in the ticket price
That last point matters. A 2.5-hour transfer can either feel like “just sitting,” or it can feel like a structured break.
Related guides:
- If you are choosing where to sit, read my Eurostar seat guide.
- If you are bringing a large suitcase, check my Eurostar luggage guide before booking.
2) The Included Meal (And the One Thing People Misunderstand)
The tray arrived at my seat with:
- main dish
- bread + butter
- dessert
- drink
It looked more complete than I expected for a train meal.
What I was served (example)
- Main: salmon pasta
- Details: cold pasta with colorful vegetables (red/yellow peppers, zucchini) and flaked salmon
- Temperature: cold or room temperature (not hot)
- Bread: seeded, wholegrain-style bread + butter
- Dessert: Green & Black’s Organic milk chocolate (Fairtrade)
The pasta was light and easy to eat, and importantly: it didn’t create strong smells in the cabin.
If you’ve been traveling for weeks and your stomach is tired, a lighter cold meal can actually be a relief.
But here’s the key: don’t expect a hot meal.
If you board thinking you’ll get warm pasta or a meat dish, you’ll feel disappointed.
3) Drink Service (Yes, Wine Is an Option)
Plus includes a drink service that feels like a small upgrade:
- I chose a small bottle of red wine (the label looked like “Mas Granier AOP Languedoc”)
- water and juice were also available
- served in a clear glass, which felt surprisingly “proper” for a train
Having wine on an international train adds a small sense of occasion.
It’s not luxury, but it makes the ride feel more intentional.
4) What Was Good / What to Watch Out For
What was good
- Delivered to your seat
You don’t need to queue at the café bar, and you can stay settled. - Better-than-expected quality touches
The dessert choice (Green & Black’s) felt thoughtful. - Light and travel-friendly
The cold meal was easy to finish without feeling heavy.
What to watch out for
- The main dish is not hot
This is the only point that can cause a real “gap” between expectation and reality.
5) Final Verdict: Is Eurostar Plus Food Worth It?
Overall, the Plus meal service is genuinely satisfying for what it is:
a simple, well-structured light meal + drink delivered to your seat.
With the quieter space, bigger personal room, and a meal with wine,
the Paris–London ride becomes more like a short break than “dead transfer time.”
Just remember the one rule:
it’s a cold (or room-temp) meal, not a hot one.
If you want a calmer ride and a lighter meal without extra effort,
Plus is a solid choice.
Next to read
My Eurostar seat guide (how to avoid dud seats)
My luggage guide (what fits and what actually feels manageable)
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