LNER first class LONDON-EDINBURGH

I was impressed with the strong wifi and the journey itself is beautiful

- Hannah Brandler

BACKGROUND Billed as fast and environmentally friendly, LNER's Azuma trains were rolled out in 2019, and travel between London, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The fleet is more accessible than the rail operator's previous fleet, with faster wifi and plug sockets at every seat, and more eco-friendly diesel-electric hybrids built using lightweight materials.

The Azuma trains have three different lengths (five, nine and ten coaches) all with standard and first class. This is a review of a nine-coach London King's CrossEdinburgh Waverley service, which stops at Peterborough, York, Darlington, Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed, with an average journey time of four and a half hours.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS I arrived at King's Cross at 0830 for my 0900 departure, and used LNER's first-class lounge next to the Little Waitrose (open daily - scan your ticket to gain entry).

Amenities include still and sparkling bottled water, savoury snacks, orange juice, tea and coffee - plus you can pay for and order hot food by scanning a QR code.