It takes just six minutes to reach Stratford International rail station from London St Pancras on the UK’s only domestic high-speed train service. You’re then just seconds from the new Gantry hotel, which overlooks the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Southeastern’s Javelin service comprises train sets named after speedy sportsmen and women, including athletes Dame Kelly Holmes, Dame Jessica Ennis, and Dina Asher-Smith. I was travelling – swiftly – with my wife, Jude. We hopped on the Ed Clancy, named for