Eurostar is taking onboard drinks to a new level with double-decker cocktail bars set to become the “star attraction" on its next generation of trains.
The two-storey bars will feature on Eurostar’s fully-electric Celestia fleet, due to enter service in 2031, with each level set to offer a different atmosphere.
And unlike some of Eurostar’s premium facilities, the cocktail bars will be open to all passengers regardless of ticket class.
Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave has described the new design as having the feel of an “exciting speakeasy”, with the concept taking inspiration from the popular cocktail bar in Eurostar’s Premier lounge at London St Pancras.
The new trains are being built under a €2bn (£1.7bn) agreement with French manufacturer Alstom, with production taking place at its factories in France.
Following a record-breaking summer in London, with temperatures reaching over 30C in 40 days across that period, the new fleet will also feature air-conditioning.
The trains will be capable of operating in temperatures up to 55C.
The double-decker design will also boost capacity, allowing each train to carry 20 per cent more passengers and taking capacity beyond 1,000 people per train for the first time.
The Celestia trains will operate alongside Eurostar’s existing e320 fleet, taking the company’s total fleet to as many as 67 trains.
The result will be a bigger Eurostar operation and a more glamorous way to enjoy a drink at 300km/h.
A Eurostar spokesperson said: “The two-storey bar will be a star attraction of the bespoke train design. We want to create something really special for customers, with a different ambience and vibe upstairs and downstairs, making the most of the double-decker views.
“Open to everyone on board, our staff will have the starring role, hosting the bar like our cocktail bars in our Eurostar Premier lounges.”
