Of course nothing's that final, at least as far as flying bananas are concerned. Yesterday I saw the other one - the NMT - come through Reading at speed, heading for Paddington (139N arriving 1610). Mind you, seats on it have always been very hard to book ...
The catering doesn't match broadgage's exacting standards, either.
I did once get a seat on the NMT, due to a friend in the railway industry, a most interesting trip.
The catering was not up to Pullman standards, but still impressive. I recall fresh salmon, new potatoes, and salad, followed by cheesecake with clotted cream. No wine, but it IS a workplace.
Blimey, didn't they provide you with fillet steak, a cheeseboard and a bottle of Blue Nun? Don't they know who you are?
I'm surprised you didn't insist that they let you out at the next station!