The British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England has unveiled the Celia carriage, a private dining and events car imagined by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin. Launching in early summer 2026, the carriage will seat up to 12 guests and depart from London Victoria Station across all British Pullman journeys, with exclusive use starting from £15,000 including transfers within Greater London.
Shakespeare meets cinema in Celia
Set within an original 1932 Pullman car, the carriage features its own cocktail bar, lounge, dining area and entertainment space. It operates as a fully self-contained private venue within the train, complete with dedicated stewards, a pantry and kitchen. On request, a private chef will design customised menus using the finest British seasonal produce.
The design concept follows the fictional narrative of a character named Celia, an imagined West End leading lady of the 1930s. In the story crafted by Luhrmann, she was gifted her own Pullman car in 1932 in honour of a celebrated performance as Titania, Queen of the Fairies, in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Drawing on this theatrical backstory, every detail of the carriage weaves together the character’s story with elements of Shakespeare’s world, London’s West End theatre scene and vintage cinema.
British craftsmanship and design
To bring Celia to life, Catherine Martin worked with a roster of British artisans and makers. These include marquetry specialists Dunn & Son, bespoke furniture designer Bill Cleyndert, Tony Sandles Bespoke Glass studio, embroiderers Hand and Lock, and J.K Interiors. Duchess China, a historic British manufacturer of fine bone china, collaborated on the tableware, while David Mellor supplied the cutlery and Tom Dixon the glassware.
Inside, an elaborate fabric ceiling crowns the space over veneered marquetry and custom timber parquetry. Thick velvet upholstered furniture sits alongside oak-wood marquetry decorated with floral motifs celebrating British flora, set to a colour palette of rich greens, yellows, reds and purples. Heavy theatre-style curtains divide the spaces, each revealing elaborate dreamscapes etched into the interiors. A separate powder room features mosaic and hand-painted walls with floral and mystical motifs.
Private events and celebrations
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The British Pullman is designed to function as a venue for private banquets, intimate celebrations, performances and bespoke cocktail hours. Guests booking the carriage will have the opportunity to personalise both their onboard and offboard experiences, with the space able to transform from a grand dining room to a theatrical stage or dance floor.
The Celia carriage joins the train’s existing collection of individually designed cars, which includes the Cygnus carriage by filmmaker Wes Anderson. The British Pullman operates from February to December, with scenic day excursions departing from London Victoria to destinations including Oxford, Canterbury and Bath, as well as immersive experiences such as the Moving Murder Mystery lunches and dinners.
The new British Pullman carriage is available to book now for its summer 2026 launch.
Quick Summary – British Pullman’s Celia carriage
- 🚂 Type: Private dining and events carriage
- 📍 Departure: London Victoria Station
- 📅 Launch: Early summer 2026
- 🎨 Designers: Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin
- 👥 Capacity: Up to 12 guests
- 🔑 Key features: Cocktail bar, lounge, dining and entertainment area, private kitchen
- 💷 Price: From £15,000 for exclusive use
- ✨ Ideal for: Private celebrations, bespoke events, intimate dining
