Apr 16, 2017, 1:12 pm
Last edit by: corporate-wage-slave
Club Europe Catering Guide 2017.
This thread outlines the new arrangements for Club Europe catering, introduced on Sunday 26 March 2017 and due to end on Tuesday 11 September 2018, based on 3 zones. A new Club Europe catering product is due to be launch on Wednesday 12 September 2018, and this is based on 4 bands. The main information piece - in terms of timings and the distance zones for the meals can be found in post 1. The following cross references the photos below against the matrix of options. In addition to the photos, some FTers have written extensively on their experiences so there is more to this thread than the pictures. Also note that there was an increase in food offered on some combinations shortly after the start-up, so the more recent photos may be the best place to start.The previous shorthaul catering guide, now locked but which had the previous 4 band system, is to be found here.
Numbers relate to the post number. Vegetarian means the alternative option provided as standard rather than the pre-ordered versions - which are VLML (Lacto-ovo), AVML (Asia) and VGML (Vegan) . There are differences between the offering in/out of LHR, LGW, LCY+STN. Last update: 833
-------------------------
Note posts before 1-832 are typically the April 2017 menu. 833 and above is from the menu for May 2017.
----
Chef's Chat sheets for:
CE LHR Summer 2017 - Rotation A
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28338151-post954.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28339641-post958.html
-----.
Short Band (UK, France, Ireland, BeNeLux, Germany)
Breakfast: 279, 570 (vegetarian), 629, 674, 821 (Express breakfast for MAN and LBA), 1343 (Vegan), 2285 (Express for LBA and MAN), 2445
Brunch: 180, 289, 469, 563, 685, 716, 2625 (AVML)
Lunch: 207, 545 (diabetic), 644 (first photo), 680 (VLML), 802, 928, 1322 (Kosher), 2284
Afternoon tea: 339, 404 (vegetarian), 480, 600 (VLML), 710 (including low lactose), 800, 882 (gluten free), 1281, 1322 (Kosher), 1673, 2679 (Kosher), 2792
Dinner: 563, 630 (VGML), 669 (Kosher Passover), 771 (VGML LCY) 799, 819 (AVML), 833 (May 2017 menu), 1283, 1287, 1674, 2446, 2616 (Kosher), 2793
Comments on difference between AVML and VLML here.
-----
Medium Band (e.g. Madrid, Nice, Prague, Copenhagen)
Breakfast: 645 (vegetarian), 724 (vegetarian), 1003
Brunch: 199 (VLML), 600 (VLML), 659 (Kosher Passover)
Lunch: 239 (child), 251, 425, 641, 733
Afternoon tea: 332 (also includes vegetarian), 426 (GFML), 813 (Muslim)
Dinner: 456, 551 (also includes VLML), 666, 1004,
1278
-----
Long Band (e.g. Lisbon, Rome, Warsaw, Stockholm).
Breakfast: 195 (vegetarian)
Rest of the day: 306 (LFML), 345, 427, 443, 468, 597, 676, 687, 695, 783 (VLML)
======
NOT MAINTAINED AND OUT OF DATE: The complete Short Haul meal structure for the longer flights as of October 2017 is:
LHR
Meal 1: Chicken / red pepper risotto
Meal 2: Beef cheek
Meal 3: Chicken supreme / gnocchi
Meal 4: Miso glazed cod
Meal 5: Chicken khao soi
Meal 6: Hot smoked salmon linguine
LGW
Meal 1: Thyme roasted chicken
Meal 2: Spicy corn and paneer masala
Meal 3: Thai Penang chicken curry
Meal 4: Roasted red pepper tortellini
Meal 5: Beef and mushroom caserole
Meal 6: Tomato and four cheeses tortellini
Structured into:
Rotation A
LHR outbound
Meal 3
Meal 4
inbound to LHR
Meal 5
Meal 6
Rotation B
LHR outbound
Meal 5
Meal 6
inbound to LHR
Meal 1
Meal 2
Rotation C
LHR outbound
Meal 1
Meal 2
inbound to LHR
Meal 3
Meal 4
===
October 2017 = Rotation C
November 2017 = Rotation A
December 2017 = Rotation B
January 2018 = Rotation C
etc
This thread outlines the new arrangements for Club Europe catering, introduced on Sunday 26 March 2017 and due to end on Tuesday 11 September 2018, based on 3 zones. A new Club Europe catering product is due to be launch on Wednesday 12 September 2018, and this is based on 4 bands. The main information piece - in terms of timings and the distance zones for the meals can be found in post 1. The following cross references the photos below against the matrix of options. In addition to the photos, some FTers have written extensively on their experiences so there is more to this thread than the pictures. Also note that there was an increase in food offered on some combinations shortly after the start-up, so the more recent photos may be the best place to start.The previous shorthaul catering guide, now locked but which had the previous 4 band system, is to be found here.
Numbers relate to the post number. Vegetarian means the alternative option provided as standard rather than the pre-ordered versions - which are VLML (Lacto-ovo), AVML (Asia) and VGML (Vegan) . There are differences between the offering in/out of LHR, LGW, LCY+STN. Last update: 833
-------------------------
Note posts before 1-832 are typically the April 2017 menu. 833 and above is from the menu for May 2017.
----
Chef's Chat sheets for:
CE LHR Summer 2017 - Rotation A
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28338151-post954.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28339641-post958.html
-----.
Short Band (UK, France, Ireland, BeNeLux, Germany)
Breakfast: 279, 570 (vegetarian), 629, 674, 821 (Express breakfast for MAN and LBA), 1343 (Vegan), 2285 (Express for LBA and MAN), 2445
Brunch: 180, 289, 469, 563, 685, 716, 2625 (AVML)
Lunch: 207, 545 (diabetic), 644 (first photo), 680 (VLML), 802, 928, 1322 (Kosher), 2284
Afternoon tea: 339, 404 (vegetarian), 480, 600 (VLML), 710 (including low lactose), 800, 882 (gluten free), 1281, 1322 (Kosher), 1673, 2679 (Kosher), 2792
Dinner: 563, 630 (VGML), 669 (Kosher Passover), 771 (VGML LCY) 799, 819 (AVML), 833 (May 2017 menu), 1283, 1287, 1674, 2446, 2616 (Kosher), 2793
Comments on difference between AVML and VLML here.
-----
Medium Band (e.g. Madrid, Nice, Prague, Copenhagen)
Breakfast: 645 (vegetarian), 724 (vegetarian), 1003
Brunch: 199 (VLML), 600 (VLML), 659 (Kosher Passover)
Lunch: 239 (child), 251, 425, 641, 733
Afternoon tea: 332 (also includes vegetarian), 426 (GFML), 813 (Muslim)
Dinner: 456, 551 (also includes VLML), 666, 1004,
1278
-----
Long Band (e.g. Lisbon, Rome, Warsaw, Stockholm).
Breakfast: 195 (vegetarian)
Rest of the day: 306 (LFML), 345, 427, 443, 468, 597, 676, 687, 695, 783 (VLML)
======
NOT MAINTAINED AND OUT OF DATE: The complete Short Haul meal structure for the longer flights as of October 2017 is:
LHR
Meal 1: Chicken / red pepper risotto
Meal 2: Beef cheek
Meal 3: Chicken supreme / gnocchi
Meal 4: Miso glazed cod
Meal 5: Chicken khao soi
Meal 6: Hot smoked salmon linguine
LGW
Meal 1: Thyme roasted chicken
Meal 2: Spicy corn and paneer masala
Meal 3: Thai Penang chicken curry
Meal 4: Roasted red pepper tortellini
Meal 5: Beef and mushroom caserole
Meal 6: Tomato and four cheeses tortellini
Structured into:
Rotation A
LHR outbound
Meal 3
Meal 4
inbound to LHR
Meal 5
Meal 6
Rotation B
LHR outbound
Meal 5
Meal 6
inbound to LHR
Meal 1
Meal 2
Rotation C
LHR outbound
Meal 1
Meal 2
inbound to LHR
Meal 3
Meal 4
===
October 2017 = Rotation C
November 2017 = Rotation A
December 2017 = Rotation B
January 2018 = Rotation C
etc
Club Europe catering guide
Oct 2, 2017, 5:03 pm
#1486
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: WAW ✈ LHR ✈ GLA
Programs: BA GfL/GGL/CCR, HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 2,498
2017/10/02 BA633 ATH-LHR Club Europe
Food menu:
Drinks menu:
Rant: We were seated in 3AB (moved from 2JK on 767 due to broken table on G-BNWA), during first drink run I've asked for Tanqueray gin, got it without question. Then my OH asked for the same - cabin crew member serving us asked the CSD for the Tanqueray - CSD replied there was none as it only Gordon's was served in Club Europe... when I pointed out it was on the top of drinks list... CSD replied, they have run out of it. Fine. Second run with meals (by CSD) - only Gordon's for us. Then after meal another crew member asked what I wanted - I cheekily said Tanqueray gin... and I got it! What the actual ....?!
Despite 9 rows CE cabin on Boeing 767, service was rushed and completed in under an hour! Pictures below - click for better quality.
Pre meal drinks
Diabetic starter and dessert (for my OH)
Single prawn on sliced melon
Cod - quite tasty - my OH wished they hadn't ordered their diabetic meal
Coffee - disgusting
Post meal drinks - back to Tanqueray gin
Drinks menu:
Rant: We were seated in 3AB (moved from 2JK on 767 due to broken table on G-BNWA), during first drink run I've asked for Tanqueray gin, got it without question. Then my OH asked for the same - cabin crew member serving us asked the CSD for the Tanqueray - CSD replied there was none as it only Gordon's was served in Club Europe... when I pointed out it was on the top of drinks list... CSD replied, they have run out of it. Fine. Second run with meals (by CSD) - only Gordon's for us. Then after meal another crew member asked what I wanted - I cheekily said Tanqueray gin... and I got it! What the actual ....?!
Despite 9 rows CE cabin on Boeing 767, service was rushed and completed in under an hour! Pictures below - click for better quality.
Pre meal drinks
Diabetic starter and dessert (for my OH)
Single prawn on sliced melon
Cod - quite tasty - my OH wished they hadn't ordered their diabetic meal
Coffee - disgusting
Post meal drinks - back to Tanqueray gin
Oct 2, 2017, 5:43 pm
#1487
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,233
Almost purely for comedy value:
BA's idea of appropriate catering for a 2 hour business class flight these days
And then Japan Airlines' a day later...
BA's idea of appropriate catering for a 2 hour business class flight these days
And then Japan Airlines' a day later...
Oct 3, 2017, 12:51 am
#1488
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: Executive Club: Gold - Flying Blue: Gold
Posts: 1,382
Oct 3, 2017, 1:47 am
#1489
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 1,222
People must be flying short/medium for baggage reasons or tier points only as its certainly not for the wonderful catering!
Oct 3, 2017, 1:49 am
#1490
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,914
Oct 3, 2017, 3:04 am
#1491
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: Executive Club: Gold - Flying Blue: Gold
Posts: 1,382
Whatever it is, it looks rather sad. Come on, we're talking CE here. They could have come with something more inspiring than that. Even IB has a proper meal on a 2H flight.
Oct 3, 2017, 3:08 am
#1492
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,888
So do BA. This wouldn't be served on a flight with a 2 hour flight time. Flights of that length are in the long band and you can see examples of long band food linked to in the wiki.
Oct 3, 2017, 3:36 am
#1493
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 845
Barcelona, Madrid and others are scheduled at 2 hours+, in the medium band and get a panini or a cheese toastie (or a tiny salad as the other option). You do also get a piece of cheese though, and a bread roll.
Oct 3, 2017, 3:39 am
#1494
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,888
My opinion is the paninis and flatbreads are perfectly nice on short 35-70 minute flight times. I do agree though that for the longer medium band flights (like MAD which you mentioned) the new CE menu (apart from breakfast) do need some improvement.
Oct 3, 2017, 3:48 am
#1495
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 845
To be fair I deliberately said flight time not block time.
My opinion is the paninis and flatbreads are perfectly nice on short 35-70 minute flight times. I do agree though that for the longer medium band flights (like MAD which you mentioned) the new CE menu (apart from breakfast) do need some improvement.
My opinion is the paninis and flatbreads are perfectly nice on short 35-70 minute flight times. I do agree though that for the longer medium band flights (like MAD which you mentioned) the new CE menu (apart from breakfast) do need some improvement.
My point, which I think you probably agree with, is that the offering on these medium routes is now very poor in comparison to what they had before. I like CE on BA but this is one thing they need to improve (BCN being my most frequent route!)
Oct 3, 2017, 5:44 am
#1496
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Krakow
Programs: BAEC Silver, Miles and More(FTL), IHG(Platinum), Accor, HHonors(Diamond), SPG, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 5,879
As has been said repeatedly across the last 100 pages, the longest mediums are losers, the shortest of the longs are winners in this new CE Catering configuration.
I think everyone is agreed on that.
I think everyone is agreed on that.
Oct 3, 2017, 6:03 am
#1497
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,233
Crew keep calling it a mezzaluna. To be honest it actually tastes OK, the couple of times I've had it there has been a decent amount of pepper on the chicken and it's been reasonably tender. Still don't think I'd buy it if it wasn't included in the ticket though. And it's not premium in any sense of the word.
Oct 3, 2017, 6:19 am
#1498
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,981
It's dreadful. Not worthy of CE in any sense. It would be far better to have a Ploughmans or a charcuterie plate with a couple of fresh rolls- I'd be happy with that and don't necessarily expect a five course meal, but that pannini/mezze whatever is just plain crap. Surely even the most blinkered Waterside managers can see that?
Oct 3, 2017, 8:34 am
#1499
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
Programs: AF/KL Life Plat, BA GGL+GfL, ALL Plat, Hilton Diam, Marriott Gold, blablablah, etc
Posts: 30,502
i think that’s getting a little subtle thinking of actual flight time etc. IB flights of well below 2hrs block time have a full hot meal and i think that the current catering is wholly inadequate for former band 3 flights. The afternoon tea sandwich meal is probably inadequate for any C meal at all.
Oct 3, 2017, 8:42 am
#1500
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,888
Yes, I think that has been noted by me a few posts up and, as noted by scottishpoet, many times already in this thread.