Carriages exclusively for business travellers are to be introduced by Eurostar, the high speed train operator between London and Paris and Brussels, in September.
The decision to separate business and leisure travellers comes after what the train operator said was its “largest ever research study” among passengers.
From September, the company will run a three-class service.
In the new Business Premier class, passengers will have a ten-minute fast track check-in, lounge access, an at seat meal and drinks service, power socks, both UK and continental, at all seats as well as newspapers and magazines on board.
There is also a chauffeur drive service available at extra cost to and from the station at each end.
The two other classes of service are Leisure Select with a 30 minute check-in and larger seat pitch as well as the at seat meal service and power sockets and Standard Class also with a 30 minute check-in.
The changes are part of Eurostar's £1m investment to upgrade its service for business travellers. Eurostar now carries more business travellers than airlines on corresponding air routes.
The company's research found that business travellers wanted their journey to be as productive as possible for work while leisure travellers wanted a more relaxed atmosphere.
Paul Charles, director of communications, said: “Business customers want choice, not the restrictions of a single class of service offered by many airlines. While some airlines are losing their share of business flyers, our significant investment reiterates our long-term commitment to this market and shows that we truly understand the needs of business travellers.”
Eurostar moves to its new London station St. Pancras International in 2007 when the high-speed line now being built is due to be completed. Journey times to Brussels will be then 1hr 53m and to Paris 2 hr 15m.