There are definitely no 'buddy seats' on the 789 as the TV screen is fixed in position and you would have to be a hunchback to sit on what is essentially the foot rest. The fact that there are no seat belts also indicates that this feature has been designed out on this fleet.

Having just done this same route myself I would agree that the food in BA F was poor by comparison to their competitors - both in terms of content and presentation. I have had better meals in J on other airlines.

BA often have good fare sales so if you can pick up one of those I would still give them consideration.