Jay Rayner reveals his love of train travel, teenage Interrail adventures and the perfect train picnic on Routes with Jenni Falconer

From being allowed to travel across Europe by train aged just 15 to discovering a lifelong love of rail travel, food and adventure. A self-confessed train enthusiast, Jay reveals that he no longer owns a car and relies heavily on the railway to travel around the country for his work.

Speaking to Jenni, Jay explains why the train has become such an important part of his working life:

I don't even own a car anymore, but I travel around the country a lot. I worked out in 2025... I did 65 events in front of live audiences. And doing all that travel driving would be a nightmare. So I used the train an awful lot.

Jay also looks back on his first major independent travel adventure, when he and three friends were allowed to travel around Europe by Interrail at just 15, without mobile phones or the internet. Years later, after finishing his A-levels, he embarked on another ambitious Interrail adventure, travelling through Europe before eventually heading to North Africa.

Recalling a spontaneous meeting with friends in Florence in 1984, Jay says:

We arrived in Florence and suddenly we started seeing people we knew... I would say 35, 40 people gathered at the Duomo in Florence.

Episode highlights include:

The teenage Interrail adventure: Jay recalls being allowed to travel around Europe with friends at just 15, navigating trains without mobile phones, the internet or constant contact with home - something he looks back on with amazement today.

From Leeds Student to restaurant critic: Jay reveals that he chose to study at the University of Leeds because it had the largest student newspaper in the country at the time, with his first ever restaurant review written for Leeds Student. He also reflects on his love for Leeds in the 1980s, from its vibrant music scene to the city's nightlife and venues.

Why Newcastle keeps calling: Jay explains why the city reminds him of Leeds and why he loves its restaurants, cultural venues and proximity to the coast - including Tynemouth's Riley's Fish Shack, which he describes as a favourite.

The art of being a restaurant critic: Jay explains why he doesn't accept complimentary meals or freebies, how he discovers hidden culinary gems around the country and why his rule is to "punch up, not down" when writing negative reviews.

A very specific train picnic: Jay reveals what happens when The Kitchen Cabinet team finishes recording and has to catch the train home without having eaten – with cured meats, hummus, good bread, pickles, olives, cocktail sausages and pork pies all making the cut. With Jay’s love of food on the move taking centre stage, the episode coincides with LNER’s launch of its new First Class menus on 16 September, bringing a fresh selection of dishes to its onboard dining experience.

Finding joy beyond food: Jay talks about his passion for jazz, how an accidental gig in 2012 led to his own sextet and why he is happiest performing to a packed room of around 110 people.

Routes with Jenni Falconer sees the broadcaster travel across the LNER network with well-known guests, uncovering the journeys, destinations and memories that have shaped their lives.

The episode featuring Jay Rayner is available from 15th September 2026 on all major podcast platforms.