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:
- Eurostar seat guide (how to avoid dud seats)
- Eurostar booking guide (how to reduce stress)
- If you want to stay comfortable, don’t rely on onboard USB or perfect signal. Treat charging and connectivity as “nice if available,” and you’ll enjoy Plus more.
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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