The British Pullman has unveiled a dazzling new events space on board its iconic train, drawing inspiration from a whimsical world where Shakespeare’s fairies meet the theatrical glamour of 1930s West End.
Designed by renowned filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Oscar-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin, the carriage will be available for private events from this summer.
As one might expect from the creative minds behind films such as Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, cinematic flamboyance is very much part of the experience.
Building on the cinematic legacy of the Wes Anderson-designed carriage launched previously, this latest addition, named Celia, transforms an original 1932 Pullman car into a self-contained sanctuary for up to 12 guests.
With its own pantry, kitchen and cocktail bar, the space is perfect for intimate dinners and dancing as the landscape rolls by. The immersive design centres on a fictional character imagined by Luhrmann: Celia is conceived as a leading lady who, after a triumphant performance as Titania, Queen of the Fairies, in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is gifted her own Pullman carriage.
Belmond describes it as “the ultimate private dining experience and a venue for unforgettable celebrations, seamlessly blending historical charm with a new level of silver-screen exclusivity”.
“All of this unfolds as you drift through the countryside. It’s a playful and exceptionally unique way to explore the UK at your own pace, according to your own rhythm and story”, says Luhrmann.
The interiors reflect this fantastical universe, blending British floral motifs with mosaic details and a hand-painted ceiling. Heavy red curtains divide the space into compartments, each one like its own act, much like life itself.
With its elaborate ceiling marquetry, polished wood and velvet upholstery, the atmosphere in this space, which one struggles not to call a lounge, promises to be electric.
“Stepping inside the carriage is like being transported into another world, where guests become part of the story,” said Luhrmann, describing Celia as ‘a magical mystery tour’ designed for celebrations with friends, combining food, music, wine and performance.
Private hire of Celia starts at around £15,000 (approximately €18,000).
Celia follows earlier design collaborations on the train. In 2021, filmmaker Wes Anderson created the Cygnus carriage, named after the constellation and decorated with swan and celestial motifs in his signature pastel colour scheme. The other historic carriages in the Pullman fleet each have their own restored Art Deco interiors featuring polished wood panelling, vintage marquetry and plush seating, evoking the glamour of the golden age of rail travel.
The British Pullman operates day trips from London Victoria to destinations including Blenheim Palace, Oxford and Bath. As part of Belmond’s luxury rail portfolio, the train consistently ranks among the world’s most renowned rail experiences, alongside services such as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Royal Scotsman.
Travelling aboard the Pullman takes passengers back to the 1920s and 1930s, when rail journeys were as much about the journey itself as the destination. Each carriage boasts its own unique personality and décor, designed to recreate the elegance and relaxed pace of the Golden Age of travel.
