Luxury gin train ride branded 'shambles' by customers complaining of 'small measures' and being 'herded like cattle'

Booze enthusiasts who bought tickets for a 45-mile luxury gin train ride complained about receiving "small measures" and said the event was a "shambles".

The “Gin Train Experience” organised by Railroad Events offered customers a “unique gin tasting event” on a 45-mile train journey through Norfolk on Friday.

But the company has come was bombarded with complaints on social media after customers who spent up to £40 on tickets were left feeling they did not receive value for money.

Angry customers complained that the trip was disorganised, the gin measures were too small and that they were "herded about like cattle".

The company has said it has since “ironed out” any teething problems customers may have experienced during Friday’s trip and immediately reacted to customer's feedback.

Deborah Amiss who went on the train with seven of her friends described the experience as a “shambles.”

She said: “With VIP we expected something a little bit special but still queued up and herded into a tent with too many people and too little space.

“Arrival drink wasn’t forthcoming for some of us as they had ‘run out!’

“Chased drinks and they arrived just as we had to get on the train. Measures of gin were appalling. All were supposed to be 15ml but they varied greatly. I think we were lucky to have got 15ml in total!”

She continued: “Very poor event and we overheard a lot of people expressing the same. Won’t be booking the prosecco train as originally intended. This was a very poor experience.”

Nick Pye wrote: “Went on the Gin Train from Dereham to Wymondham and back yesterday.

“I have to say it was disappointing and could've been so much better.

“It's a good money spinning idea but not a great experience or value for money in my view.”

Others complained of the train carriages being “too hot” and being unable to “open windows”.

Chris Bone told The Times: “The coach was absolutely boiling and we couldn't open the windows. The train started off and they gave us the gin samples but it was just neat gin. They didn't provide mixers so we had to buy a £10 card to get them."

Railroad Events responded to the feedback on its website.

It said: “Railroad Events delivered to customers everything promised as part of the ticket price which ranged from £22.50 to £40. It included 5 gin tasting measures of 15 ml, a 2 hour train ride, with the option to upgrade to first class seating. This information was available on our website prior to booking.”

A spokesman for the company said: “Our increased staffing levels for the on-board bar immediately ironed out the earlier teething problems on Friday’s trains.

“We reacted to feedback immediately and are pleased so many customers enjoyed the remaining trains over the weekend.”