The photo from malkie above (# 1848) prompts me to post one of my own. It was taken aboard BA398 LHR-BRU (Nov 13).

Spot the key difference between the two afternoon tea offerings !

My own tray (food untouched at time of photo) includes clotted cream, strawberry jam, but no …..er ……scone.
It quickly became apparent that I had not been singled out for this particular deprivation ; all CE pax were in fact missing a scone. Nor was I the first to mention this to crew - in fact, the very amiable Purser / IFM / Lead (not up to speed with precise job titles, sorry) approached me, unsolicited, and apologised profusely before I could even utter a word. After a brief exchange, the Purser & I both saw the comedic side of the situation and ended up shrugging it off together. He was as bemused as I was, and then felt comfortable enough to confide to me that he had spotted the lack of scones before the catering truck had left and he asked a member of the team “Where are my scones ?” which drew a seemingly curt response of “There aren’t any stocks”. After which (to quote the Purser again) “they just said ‘goodbye’ …… and pulled down the shutter”

On a happier note, I was headed for a nice dinner in Brussels that evening with some Belgian friends, so perhaps the ‘no-scones afternoon tea’ helped (albeit inadvertently) to preserve my appetite.

As an aside ….. I had booked ET exit row (as I customarily do for such short sectors), but was handed an upgraded BP at T5 check-in. When politely asking if I could be moved back to my original seat, I was told - with equal politeness - that it wouldn’t be possible because the flight load was 100%. Fair enough.