The Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate will temporarily close from 5 January to early March 2025, to undergo a ‘restoration, culinary and service transformation.’
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book small luxury hotels and part of the Irish-owned and -managed MHL Hotel Collection. It is located two miles from Galway City and boasts views overlooking Lough Corrib on a 138-acre estate.
“The upcoming renovations are not just about structural upgrades – they embody a thoughtful reimagining of the dining experience,” said Rónán O’Halloran, general manager of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate. “Every aspect has been designed with a singular objective: to provide an even more elevated experience.”
O’Halloran added, “Over the coming months, a dedicated team of experts will work behind the scenes to implement the new Pullman journey.”
Featuring two original carriages from the Orient Express, this Pullman train has become a restaurant car on the hotel grounds, preserving its unique character. Previously, it was located at Elsenham Station, in Hertfordshire, England, before becoming part of Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate.
The restoration works will retain many of the carriages’ original details, including the intricate wooden architraves and light fittings, for which the carriages are renowned. The refreshed interiors will take design cues from contemporary carriages, and the exterior will be transformed to mirror the classical glamour of the new interiors.
It has also been announced that the restaurant will be employing a new culinary team, led by head chef Angelo Vagiotis, who previously worked as head chef at Terre Restaurant, in the Castlemartyr Resort.
