I get this train from Birmingham down to London Marylebone and have had some very pleasant journeys! There are many attributes to this train service that may suit you very well, and some that beat other trainlines!

The positives...

:) Space availability- I've never had a reserved seat on these trains but find they are very spacious, with many seats and tables available. They do fill up when you get nearer London but the train is very open and airy so you can never feel clostrophobic or stuffy.

:) Many cool tables- It's a nice contrast from the stuffy Virgin carriages to find cool white tables in funky round shapes. There are so many tables available, you wonder why more trains don't have so many!

:) Colour scheme- Cool white and blue, not stuffy or suffocating by having carpets and fuzzy chairs. These trains are very airy and relaxing. You don't feel sleepy, you feel bright.

:) The journey- There's no endless fields and loads of stops. There's something about the journey that feels like you stay within cities so you stay awake and refreshed, not bored? Not sure if that is psychological but you don't feel worn out, like you've travelled forever through the countryside from one end of the country to another!

:) The price. I once travelled from Birmingham to London for £3.30! Can't beat that!

Any gripes? No not really! There seems to be no food or drink on this train, which may have changed and you might prefer this, so bring your own for much cheaper! Also the journey is a little longer than what Virgin offers.