Routes

Chef, farmer and Great British Menu judge Tommy Banks joins Jenni on this episode of Routes from LNER to talk food, family and the winding road that led him to two Michelin stars.Tommy opens up about the illness at 18 that ended his cricket ambitions and redirected all his drive into cooking, the early days at The Black Swan when he'd rope in family and friends to fill the restaurant when a well-known chef booked a table, and how winning Great British Menu became the big break that changed everything. He shares the meals abroad that shaped his palate and his philosophy, and explains why his hyper-local approach means some ingredients, including fish, don't make it onto his menu at all.There's also a look at life on the farm with his brother and sister-in-law, the animals named after boxers and actors, and what the next 20 years might hold for the business he's built from the ground up.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/

Jim Chapman joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to share the snacks, tracks and hacks that get him through a travel day.Expect an honest confession about crisps and cheating on the diet, a playlist built entirely around music that hurts a little, and a podcast habit that swings between true crime and dinosaurs. There’s a firm commitment to packing light, a clever click and collect hack for parents, and a relaxed, unflappable approach to family travel that comes down to one question: where’s the fire?Jim also opens up about why travel days are the one time he never switches off, the special place that holds a lot of meaning for him, and the far-flung destination that makes him feel wonderfully small. It’s a funny, thoughtful chat about travelling light, in every sense.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/

From a childhood that never took him beyond the Isle of Man to a life spent chasing adventure across the globe, Jim Chapman has made a point of saying yes to every opportunity. In this episode of Routes from LNER, one of the original YouTubers joins Jenni on the train to Aberdeen to talk about travelling with his young family, the places that have shaped him, and why he wants his children to see the world.Jim reflects on his first trip abroad to Thailand and Australia at twenty-one, a long-haul flight with no entertainment, and a night train shared with cockroaches. He shares stories of spotting wild orangutans in Borneo with WWF, being nibbled by a raccoon in Costa Rica, and cold plunging in the Arctic Circle, as well as why a week lying on a Maldivian beach isn’t really his thing.There’s plenty of talk about life online too, from the early days of YouTube alongside a tight-knit group of creators to being named GQ’s Best Dressed Man and taking over Louis Vuitton’s social media in New York. Jim also opens up about his unconventional Seville wedding, the story behind his “fun dad” travel style, and how finding his calling gave him a new lease of life.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/

Hilary Whitehall joins Jenni on this Quiet Coach episode of Routes from LNER to share the snacks, hacks and holiday habits that keep her family moving.Expect a rainy honeymoon story that ends in indoor badminton and a Scrabble match so competitive it nearly caused an early divorce, plus a packing list that always includes Marmite, English teabags and a squashable hat that's travelled the world with her.Hilary also opens up about the trip to Australia that finally lived up to years of anticipation, and shares a string of hard-won staycation hacks, from motorway service station strategy to the dangers of accepting live seafood as a parting gift. It's a warm, funny rundown of the small rituals that make travelling with a family that little bit easier.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/

Hilary Whitehall, wife of Michael and mother to Jack, joins Jenni on this episode of Routes from LNER to talk travel, tours and the family holidays that never quite go to plan.Hilary looks back on decades of family trips, from camping holidays in Devon and the New Forest to touring spa towns and theatres up and down the country with her podcast. She shares the story of flying out to keep Jack company while he was filming abroad, including one especially hot hike to the Hollywood sign and an unplanned trip to a sweat lodge that proved more intense than expected.There's also a longstanding camper van ambition Michael refuses to indulge, some strong opinions on train bacon baps, and a warm reflection on finally getting the whole family under one roof for a holiday after years apart.It's a funny, affectionate conversation about the chaos, characters and closeness that come with travelling as a family.lner.co.uk/destinations/travel-inspiration/podcast/