Momentum Services celebrates 25 years of great hospitality
- stephanievancalste6
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 5
This month marks a significant milestone for Momentum Services: a quarter of a century at the forefront of European rail travel hospitality. Over the past 25 years, Momentum has redefined what it means to serve with passion; delivering exceptional customer service on board Eurostar trains, in Eurostar Premier lounges and at Amsterdam and Rotterdam stations, building a unique brand rooted in quality, innovation, and human connection.
Founded in 2000, Momentum has grown from a bold concept into an industry leader known for its robust operational excellence. Working exclusively with Eurostar, Momentum’s vision has been clear: to set the gold standard for hospitality on the move, and to deliver a world-class, guest-first service.
Momentum officially launched on 1 June 2000, as a subsidiary of Gruppo Cremonini, an Italian family-owned business that operates in the food sector, including concession catering and retail, and restaurants.
In the first year, Momentum proudly achieved its ISO 9001 certification, a first in the onboard service industry, laying the foundations for an ongoing commitment to continuous quality improvement in management systems.
Early in 2003, the company responded rapidly when the launch of the UK’s High Speed 1 (HS1) changed journey times - and service windows - overnight. Momentum adapted its model, reduced onboard service time by 20 minutes and maintained the high standards it prides itself on.
By 2005, the wider industry began to take notice. Momentum competed against the best in the business to win Best Onboard Services at the Cost Sector Catering Awards, proving that high-speed 300 km/hr train travel was no barrier to delivering fine-tuned hospitality.
In the years that followed, the focus on service improvement has continued. Between 2006 and 2008, Momentum earned ISO 14001 and ISO 22000 certifications, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to responsible environmental and food safety practices.
In 2009, the company took on management of the Eurostar Premier lounges in London, Paris, and Brussels - extending customer service standards beyond trains across both lounges and stations.
For every day of the last 25 years, Momentum has been proud to work closely with Eurostar - supporting them to deliver high-profile moments, events and experiences. These have included the London and Paris Olympics in 2012 and 2024, and the first-ever plastic-free train event in 2019 as part of Eurostar’s own 25th anniversary celebrations. These events have highlighted how Momentum can respond to and reflect the changing face of consumer and industry expectations.
Today, Momentum is defined by its people, its values, and its forward-thinking approach to sustainability and inclusion.
Recent achievements include:
achieving EcoVadis Silver medal putting Momentum in the top 15% of companies evaluated in 2024 – showcasing the ongoing commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices;
earning Gender Equality European & International Standard (GEEIS) Level 2 certification;
joining the UN Global Compact, a voluntary initiative aimed at the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices;
achieving a 99/100 Index Egalité Professionnelle score in France for gender parity, and a close to 0% median gender pay gap in the UK, maintained for 7 years.
Following her recent nomination for an Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award and reflecting on Momentum’s success and achievements, Managing Director of Momentum, Camille Dargelos, said:
“Like every company, we reflect the world around us. And in 25 years, that world has changed in so many ways. We’ve adapted. Often, we’ve even been one step ahead. We’ve worked closely with our client Eurostar to stay perfectly in tune with its goals and expectations, always aiming to give customers the very best experience. At the same time, we’ve stayed true to what makes us who we are: hospitality delivered with the warmth of a smile, a personal approach for every passenger, kindness, and a real sense of welcome that includes all of our colleagues.”
What’s next: building for the future
As Momentum celebrates its 25th year, it enters the next stage of its journey with ambition and purpose.
In the years ahead, the company will continue to focus on raising the bar for customer service, onboard retail, and sustainability. It will also keep innovating and embracing digital solutions that enhance service delivery, optimise operations, and set new benchmarks for the industry — all while staying firmly rooted in the evolving needs and expectations of its client and their consumers.
Key Moments
1999
Cremonini and Granada Food Services create a joint venture, Momentum, to bid for the Eurostar on-board services contract, focusing exclusively on Eurostar.
2000
Momentum is born and the partnership with Eurostar begins.
2001
Momentum is awarded ISO 9001 certification. This international standard sets the requirements for establishing a Quality Management System.
2003
Journey times for Momentum onboard teams on France–UK trains are reduced by 20 minutes following the opening of the first section of the UK’s High Speed One link to the Channel Tunnel.
2005
Momentum wins the ‘Cost Sector Catering’ award for the best onboard services.
2006
Momentum gains ISO 14001 certification, an international standard for environmental management.
2007
Momentum’s London teams relocate from Waterloo Station to the newly renovated St. Pancras International Station, with the official opening on November 6 and the first service on November 14.
2008
Momentum is awarded ISO 22000. This standard sets the requirements for a Food Safety Management System based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
2009
Momentum wins the tender for the Eurostar Premier Lounges in Brussels, Paris and London.
2012
As the official International Services Provider for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Eurostar brings the French and Belgian Paralympic teams to London.
Momentum staff take care of the athletes onboard and in the Lounges.
2014
Eurostar, with the help of Momentum, achieves two stars in the Food Made Good Standard.
Eurostar refreshes the uniform after ten years for the Onboard and Lounge teams.
Successful negotiations with Eurostar result in a new 7-year contract for Momentum.
2015
New onboard equipment, training and procedures with the introduction of the E320 trains.
2018
Launch of the direct London-Amsterdam route.
Opening of the cocktail bar in the Eurostar Premier Lounge in London, managed by Momentum.
2019
Momentum teams support Eurostar’s 25th anniversary with the launch of the first ever plastic-free train.
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, by March the 18th only the London base remains open. Despite many challenges and some tough decisions, Momentum overcomes the crisis and recovers, thanks to the resilience and commitment of our teams, and the support of our client.
The Netherlands to London service now once again operates fully direct, with Momentum providing check-in services for Eurostar in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
2021
Momentum’s contract is extended as part of the 7+7 years contract signed in 2014.
Eurostar, with the help of Momentum, achieves 3 stars in the Food Made Good Standard (the highest available rating).
2023
Momentum achieves 99/100 in France’s Professional Equality Index.
2024
For the second year running, Momentum achieves 99/100 in France’s Professional Equality Index.
Momentum is awarded the Gender Equality European & International Standard (GEEIS) Level 2 certification.
Momentum joins the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative aimed at the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices.
2025
Momentum joins the Institute of Hospitality.
Momentum is awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal, placing us in the top 15% of all companies evaluated in 2024.
Momentum teams welcome thousands of passengers on board Eurostar trains, in the Lounges and at check-in in the Netherlands, all coming to attend the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Momentum supports Eurostar with the introduction of the New Customer Offer and takes over the management of the Continental Lounge in Brussels.
Momentum celebrates its 25th anniversary.
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