Boarding a train in London can sometimes mean delays, cramped seats, and snacks that just don’t hit the spot. Well, forget your daily commute. Set in the fictional train station of Pedley Street, under the very real train arches between Whitechapel and Bethnal Green, The Murdér Express offers a 1930s train journey that serves a delicious feast, aesthetic vibes, and a mysterious yet comedic storyline.
This award-winning immersive dining experience invites you on a glamorous journey. But that’s not all. You’re suddenly a part of a mysterious crime scene. The beloved diamond is missing, and bodies are piling up… Are you ready to face the challenges of this thrilling train ride? Can you prove to be innocent?
What can you expect from The Murdér Express Part Deux?
From the moment you step into Pedley Street, you are no longer just an observer; you become a part of the story. As we received our vintage-style tickets (such a cute design, I am tempted to frame mine), we went from being ticket-holders to passengers before the first scene even unfolded. Coats got checked in, and we were escorted to this fabulous and very realistic bar space where drinks were served to set the mood. Then, in true theatrical fashion, the high society host decked out in full glam, inviting us to the train where the journey begins.
We took our place in a beautifully appointed carriage. The windows kept shifting the landscape outside, creating an illusion of the train actually moving – every detail was truly captivating. As the evening unfolded, the actors appeared all around us, interacting with us, chatting, asking questions (if you’re like me and also love a silly chat with strangers, this is the perfect show for you). The room was filled with pride, witty anecdotes, and gossip. As the first course landed on the table, the mystery started to unfold. Suddenly, the lights started flickering, and the crime took place. No spoilers, but trust me, anyone is a suspect, even you….
What was the food like at The Murdér Express?
Knowing how much I love to indulge in a good meal, I was a bit sceptical – was I about to eat some regular trolley food? Not at all! The Murdér Express brand new seasonal menu, created in collaboration with award-winning restaurant Lunar, was a treat for our taste buds.
Each of the three courses was well seasoned and presented beautifully. The dinner started with gougères – traditional pre-dinner French cheese puffs that were absolutely melting in my mouth, you can really never go wrong with cheese… Then we moved on to the actual starter, asparagus velouté, a creamy and velvety-smooth soup. I was really surprised with how well it was made, especially knowing how difficult it can be to make green veggies taste so luxurious.
The main course was beef bordelaise served with mushrooms, baby onions, orzo, pom purée, and red wine sauce, while my vegetarian partner in crime (I swear we’re both innocent) enjoyed a veggie lasagne. Both meals were exceptionally aromatic with just the right amount of flavour. The sauce was definitely a highlight of the meal – rich and deep with prominent red wine notes, making it taste really premium.
But the best part of the dinner for me is always the dessert. I was so focused on the show up until I saw the waiters bringing sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce (my sweet tooth heaven) and some ice cream. As a big dessert lover, I enjoyed every sweet bite of it. The scenes of the show took place around the eating times – not during them – so thankfully I didn’t miss the whole thing.
Before you board the train, there is a bar area where you can get drinks – be mindful that, unlike your meal, drinks aren’t included in your ticket. You can also order drinks using a QR code from this same bar to your table throughout the meal. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to try the cocktails, but we’d previously been told these were all in line with the theme.
Was the show really as interactive as promised?
It definitely was. Every single scene included lots of audience participation elements. From chatter, to silly questions, and even sitting next to the performers – I almost forgot this was only a show and not a real train ride. The Murdér Express team seemed to do a good job of judging the groups and who would give as good as they got, so we didn’t feel awkward or worried about being approached.
The new production of The Murdér Express Jewel of the Empire was definitely worth visiting. A light-hearted, fun, with extraordinary dining, really took us to the 1930s in the best way possible. The characters were funny and offered an escape from daily life with their comedic take on a murder mystery. Expect mouth-watering food and lots of laughs throughout the evening.