A new chapter in luxury rail travel has arrived in Britain with the unveiling of Celia, a private dining and events carriage created by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Oscar-winning designer Catherine Martin.
The extraordinary carriage joins the historic British Pullman, offering an intimate and cinematic setting for private dining, celebrations and bespoke journeys across the English countryside.
Set within an original 1932 Pullman carriage, Celia has been transformed into an exclusive venue featuring a private cocktail bar, lounge, dining space and entertainment area. Designed to host up to 12 guests, the carriage offers what Belmond describes as the most personal way to experience one of Britain’s most storied trains.
The project brings together the signature theatrical style of Luhrmann and Martin, the creative duo behind lavish film productions known for blending classic artistry with modern storytelling. Through their production company Bazmark Inq, they imagined Celia as both a luxury hospitality space and a narrative experience.
The design draws inspiration from a fictional character named Celia, created by the pair as a glamorous West End star from the 1930s who once played Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This theatrical backstory shapes the carriage’s atmosphere, immersing guests in a dreamlike setting inspired by British heritage, stagecraft and cinematic glamour.
By day, Celia functions as a refined reception carriage for elegant gatherings. By evening, it transforms into an intimate dining venue designed for private celebrations, milestone birthdays and exclusive events.
Guests booking the carriage receive a fully curated luxury experience. A dedicated Guest Experience Curator works with visitors to plan every detail of the journey, from menus to entertainment.
The experience includes private transfers within London to and from London Victoria Station, as well as exclusive use of the carriage with a personal chef, butler and steward.
Dining aboard Celia is designed as a bespoke culinary experience, with menus curated from seasonal British ingredients. Guests can choose brunch, lunch or dinner menus featuring dishes that highlight regional produce, accompanied by champagne receptions, seasonal cocktails and expert wine pairings.
Beyond dining, the journey can include bespoke excursions and activities arranged along the route, with private transfers and personal hosts enhancing the travel experience.
With its combination of theatrical storytelling, historical railway heritage and modern luxury hospitality, Celia is positioned to become one of the most exclusive private dining venues on rails in the United Kingdom.
