Meet Hendrik Huebner, General Manager of Britain's most glamorous new train

Walpole: Can you tell us a bit more about your job on the Britannic Explorer?

Hendrik Huebner: I am extremely lucky to have this fantastic job. Not only do I get to host our amazing guests aboard the Britannic Explorer, but I also get to shape its future. In my role, I am responsible for all aspects of the train, from trialing new routes for the upcoming season and liaising with our fantastic engineering team to further enhance our train for our guests, and consulting with the chefs about our new seasonal menu, or meeting local suppliers and tradespeople to add new story telling elements during our excursions. No two days are the same.

What is your career background – and how will you bring those skills to your work on the Britannic Explorer?

I have spent my entire life in hospitality, and I have been lucky enough to work in some remarkable places around the world, but for the last 15 years I have made London my home. My time in London has been an incredible experience so far and I had the great fortune to work in some amazing properties. During this time, I have grown very passionate about the United Kingdom and am often on the move exploring corners of our beautiful nation. Often travelling with my dog, we seek remote corners of the country that showcase nature and a slower lifestyle. When straying off the beaten path you see how much Britain has to offer that we often don't talk about enough.

What most excites you about working with the Britannic Explorer?

As a long-time admirer of Belmond, a company that truly understands and exemplifies slow luxury, I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to lead one of their flagship projects. The Britannic Explorer perfectly aligns with my passions: showcasing Britain to our guests, collaborating with one of the nation's top chefs, developing an exceptional food and beverage program, and championing a new wellbeing movement that goes beyond the traditional spa experience. I'm incredibly excited about what the future holds.

How will it be different working with a train to working on a non-moving property, like a traditional hotel?

One challenge comes from using national rails, which involves a lot of moving parts and external factors. Given the busy railway network, there are many variables outside of our control that need to be carefully managed to ensure smooth operations.

One of the key opportunities, however, is the chance to travel around England and Wales, reaching some of these countries' most unique destinations that can otherwise be difficult to access. The stunning scenery and rich cultural experiences along the way offer our guests a truly immersive experience.

How will you ensure the guests have an exceptional experience aboard?

One of the most exciting aspects of the Britannic Explorer is the chance to experience immersive excursions off-board that offer a unique insight into the UK’s historic and cultural gems. Wherever we go with the train, there will be experts on hand to allow our guests to immerse themselves in the culture of each destination both on-board and off.

In addition to this, our wellness collaboration with Wildsmith, a British brand known for its nature-inspired wellness approach, reflects our commitment to offering more than just a journey. By integrating Wildsmith's wellness and nature-focused philosophy into our offerings, we present a treatment menu onboard that offers bespoke wellbeing experiences of mindfulness, grounding techniques, and personalised reflection. Wellbeing extends to many of our excursions, incorporating elements like morning tea ceremonies, meditation, and breathwork sessions and is at the heart of everything we do on the Britannic Explorer.

What’s one of the most exciting experiences a guest can try aboard?

Each of our itineraries offers a unique blend of nature, art, and dining experiences. While each has its own distinct charm, I'm personally most excited about the Lake District excursions. The main excursion to the Lingholm Estate will feature an incredible garden party with a few surprises. We will round the trip off with a visit to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, where guests can enjoy a spectacular evening with Raymond Blanc’s team. I believe this journey allows for extended periods onboard, truly showcasing the Britannic Explorer experience to our guests, and especially our dining experience with extended tasting menus and our spectacular Sunday roast.

Why does this new train represent the future of British luxury?

Following the success of the Royal Scotsman, we believe England and Wales are ideal locations for exceptional, slow journeys, offering stunning scenery, rich culture, and unique experiences. The Britannic Explorer represents this by cultivating the art of slow luxury, celebrating exceptional craftsmanship, local sourcing, curated exclusivity, genuine encounters, and the cultural richness of England and Wales.