Celia designed by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, redefining luxury train travel in England for 2026 - read more
Luxury train travel enters a new chapter in 2026 as the British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England unveils Celia — an extraordinary new private dining and events carriage imagined by acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Academy Award-winning designer Catherine Martin.
Launching in May 2026, Celia transforms the timeless glamour of train travel into a theatrical world of fantasy, storytelling, and immersive luxury. Designed as an intimate yet lavish private carriage accommodating up to 12 guests, the space blends fine dining, performance, art, and cinematic escapism into one unforgettable experience.
A Space of Architectural Indulgence
Perched within the storied world of the British Pullman, Celia feels less like a train carriage and more like stepping inside a living film set. Inspired by Shakespeare, the English countryside, and the whimsical grandeur often associated with Luhrmann’s films, the carriage revolves around the fictional character of Celia — an imagined 1930s West End actress gifted her own Pullman carriage after her legendary portrayal of Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Every detail inside the carriage reflects that narrative. Velvet curtains divide the interiors like acts in a theatre production, gradually revealing spaces that feel dreamlike and deeply nostalgic. The lounge features parquet floors, fairy motifs, intricate marquetry, and richly layered textures, while the dining room channels the romance of the English countryside through floral patterns, jewel-toned palettes, and dramatic lighting.
“Celia tells the story of a true and authentic narrative,” said Catherine Martin. “The central design was built around storytelling in mind and how guests created their own narratives within the world of Celia.”
The project also celebrates British craftsmanship at its finest. Martin collaborated with renowned artisans and heritage makers including Dunn & Son, Bill Cleyndert, Hand & Lock, Duchess China, and Waterford Crystal to create a carriage filled with bespoke details — from custom marquetry and embroidered interiors to curated tableware and glassware designed to resemble a treasured private collection.
Adding another sensory layer, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin also developed a signature scent exclusively for Celia, further immersing guests into its fantastical atmosphere.
A New Era of Bespoke Experiences for the British Pullman
But Celia is not simply about aesthetics. The experience is designed to be entirely bespoke from start to finish. Guests booking the carriage receive access to a dedicated guest experience curator who tailors every detail — from custom menus and wine selections to private entertainment and exclusive off-train excursions across England.
The culinary experience itself becomes part of the theatre. Guests can enjoy a fully personalised three-course dining menu featuring elevated British classics such as beef wellington and chicken liver parfait, all reimagined with contemporary flair. Exclusive cocktails curated by Monica Berg of the world-renowned Tayer + Elementary add to the carriage’s decadent atmosphere.
As the journey unfolds, Celia seamlessly transforms from elegant dining room into performance venue complete with a stage and dance floor, allowing live music, DJ sets, and immersive entertainment to become part of the storytelling.
According to Gary Franklin, Senior Vice President of Trains & Cruises at Belmond, Celia marks a major evolution for the British Pullman.
“Celia introduces an entirely new kind of private dining experience, not just to trains, but also to the British capital,” he said. “It is a rare opportunity to create your own journey at a level of bespoke luxury not seen before.”
More than just a new carriage, Celia reflects the growing demand for immersive luxury experiences where design, culture, gastronomy, and storytelling merge seamlessly. In an era where modern travellers seek emotional connection as much as exclusivity, Belmond’s latest creation offers a journey that feels deeply personal, cinematic, and unforgettable.
Exclusive hire for Celia aboard the British Pullman starts from £15,000, including private transfers within Greater London. For more information on Belmond trains, please click here.
By: Kazuri Team
Photo: Courtesy of the British Pullman
2026-05-16