In summary, despite the recovery with the quality of the afternoon tea service I expected better, but it appears the standard set on the JFK route hasn’t been met on this occasion by Gate Gourmet. I think Do&Co appear to take this all more seriously than our GG friends, from the staff preparing and plating all the way to the handover to the crew. BA has some serious work to do if it is to differentiate from the old CW offer (which to be honest doesn’t feel like much more than just new tableware). I do enjoy having a look at the food, but that has been cut back as well as the trolley doesn’t apply any more for the dessert and cheese service (replaced by a hand-held partial tray display).

Other notes (from both the JFK and this DXB experience):
1. The new tableware on the DXB route at least is all BA branded rather than Do&Co, though it feels the same except for the plastic tray. I think the setup feels fresh, the shapes felt very organic and pleasing in relative terms to the boxy or symmetrical shapes on old CW (and arguably on most other premium business carriers). Wouldn’t it be nice to have a ‘restaurant experience’ with a proper plated main course though?
2. The ceramic side tray within the main meal tray had the bread and butter on it and a blank space - can’t remember what I saw on the JFK route! Will update when I remember or refer to other posts to remember.