The two chefs are both proudly rooted in the cultural heart of Siem Reap and are coming together to celebrate the rich gastronomic heritage of Cambodia through their exceptional craftsmanship and artistry.

My failure to get a flight to Edinburgh for a meeting meant I had to look for other alternatives. The Caledonian Sleeper was ideal as it arrived in the city at 07:30 which gave me time to explore the city before my meeting at midday. Making the booking was easy, and I selected a classic room with bunk beds rather than the seated coach. I had already checked that my hotel, Meininger, would store my luggage for me.

I was booked in Club Class which included the lounge on Platform 1 at Euston Station I time my journey into London to arrive at Euston Station when the lounge opened at 20:45. The information I received with confirmation of my booking advised me to arrive early as the lounge can sometimes get full and entry would be refused if that happened. I was one of the first people to arrive in the lounge and was soon tucking into some delicious cakes with a cup of tea (all complimentary). The lounge also offer a menu of snacks and alcoholic drinks (charges apply).

My pre-trip information also suggested a quick visit to the dining car for dinner (included). Just before boarding time, I had a wander along the platform to work out where my cabin was in relation to the dining car – as far as it could be. I pointed this out to a member of staff and asked if the best solution was to put my luggage in my cabin and then walk along the platform to the dining car. There was at least an hour between boarding the train and setting off. He agreed that was the most sensible solution and reminded me to fill in the breakfast … and take it with me to the dining car.

I then took up my position on the platform opposite my carriage and waited for the green light to start flashing. I was excited at the thought of dashing through the night – dining, sleeping and waking up in Edinburgh. The train started with sixteen carriages at Euston and then divided into two trains of eight carriages, one for Edinburgh and the other for Glasgow.

Everything went according to plan and I was soon in the dining car being greeted by the host, Tim. He found me a table, gave me a menu and took my drink order. My meal was lovely vegetable and chicken gyoza with sweet chilli sauce followed by the traditional Scottish dish of haggis, neeps and tatties. During my meal, I booked breakfast in the dining car at 06:15 the next morning. By the time I got back to my cabin, having negotiated 4 carriages to get there we still had not started moving. By the time we set off, I was tucked up in the bottom bunk and fell asleep soon after.

I slept so well I did not hear my first alarm at 05:30 and was woken by the back-up at 06:00. Just fifteen minutes to pull on some clothes and get to the dining car. But I made it and enjoyed my Americano coffee with hot milk and a Scottish breakfast. I could not linger in the dining car as the next sitting was 06:45 but at least that gave me time to have a shower. Towels, shower gel and shampoo were provided. I was also able to charge my laptop and iPhone during the journey. I forgot the train was stopping in Carstairs and as it slowed down, I had just emerged from the shower. I had pulled the blind up while the train was moving but hastily pulled it down again while clutching a towel to my chest.

My train terminated at Edinburgh Waverley Staton and my hotel was close to Edinburgh Haymarket station so when I went through the barrier, I asked where I could get a ticket for Haymarket Station. I was delighted when I was informed that my Caledonian Sleeper ticket covered me for that journey and successfully negotiated all the barriers between me and Edinburgh Haymarket by showing my ticket confirmation for the Caledonian Sleeper. I felt refreshed after a good sleep in my twin cabin and ready to explore the area.

How much

Prices start at £65 for a single ticket in the seated coach. For more information and to book tickets click here.

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