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 18, 2017, 3:25 pm
#1591
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold (OneWorld Emerald)
Posts: 218
I just got off the phone to BA to discuss a flight in November which I needed to change and thought I may as well confirm the meals are as per some of the advice on the forum, which I can see is now in the wiki. The agent told me that the meals I will be getting reflect Rotation C rather than Rotation A - is the forum wrong or is the agent wrong?
Oct 18, 2017, 3:33 pm
#1592
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold (and other non-status plastic)
Posts: 1,889
So, earlier this week, I was on a long XXX-LHR breakfast flight, presumably back-catered from LHR the previous evening. At least 1 week out, there were 8 rows of club (I was in row 9 
), and the flight went out full 32 out of 32 pax (but no op-ups that I was aware of, as Y was not full). Before take off, the CSM was chatting at length to various people in different rows: apparently there were only 24 meals catered. To her credit, she did a good job with language barrier and lots of connecting passengers, explaining the situation, ensuring those pax got something (pastries), and proactively filling in Avios compensation claims ("I can see that you're a bronze member...")
However, why was she put in this situation in the first place? Also, why was BA offering upgrades at online check-in 3 hours before the flight, when it should've been obvious there weren't enough meals when the plane left LHR the previous evening? The smoothness with which the MF crew dealt with the situation suggests that it was far from an isolated incident...
), and the flight went out full 32 out of 32 pax (but no op-ups that I was aware of, as Y was not full). Before take off, the CSM was chatting at length to various people in different rows: apparently there were only 24 meals catered. To her credit, she did a good job with language barrier and lots of connecting passengers, explaining the situation, ensuring those pax got something (pastries), and proactively filling in Avios compensation claims ("I can see that you're a bronze member...")However, why was she put in this situation in the first place? Also, why was BA offering upgrades at online check-in 3 hours before the flight, when it should've been obvious there weren't enough meals when the plane left LHR the previous evening? The smoothness with which the MF crew dealt with the situation suggests that it was far from an isolated incident...
Oct 19, 2017, 12:23 am
#1593
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 116
Sorry this was the 5:30pm flight. Also to add the no preordered choices were a duck salad or a chicken club panini so if you were veggie and hadn't preordered they were offering to remove the duck from the salad.
Last edited by gismo1554; Oct 19, 2017 at 12:28 am
Oct 19, 2017, 1:44 am
#1594
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: 30,541
Oct 20, 2017, 6:05 am
#1595
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Switzerland
Programs: AY+ Platinum, SK Gold, BAEC Silver, airbaltic VIP, Radisson VIP
Posts: 6,531
3 (!) options on today's BA753 BSL-LHR (noon/lunch flight).
(1) Mozzarella/tomato panini, (2) chicken/potato salad and (3) coronation chicken salad.
I asked the crew about it and they told me that the CE load went up in the last minute so they rushed some more catering to the airplane, which then didn't match the catering already on board, thus the 3 choices.
OT, but no duty free was sold on this flight, as they couldn't open the padlock. A shame, as my OH wanted to buy a perfume.
(1) Mozzarella/tomato panini, (2) chicken/potato salad and (3) coronation chicken salad.
I asked the crew about it and they told me that the CE load went up in the last minute so they rushed some more catering to the airplane, which then didn't match the catering already on board, thus the 3 choices.
OT, but no duty free was sold on this flight, as they couldn't open the padlock. A shame, as my OH wanted to buy a perfume.
Oct 21, 2017, 3:52 am
#1596
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,985
LHR-VIE yesterday potato and chicken salad or beef jalapeńo panini. Had the former. Perfectly adequate if you've already eaten a full three course meal. Otherwise hopelessly inadequate. Also, I'm sure this breaded chicken with potato snack has been doing the rounds for ages. Pls can BA (1) change the menu and (2) make the portions larger.
Oct 21, 2017, 4:55 pm
#1597
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Buckinghamshire
Programs: BAEC Gold Guest List, Hilton Honours Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 2,303
Am I being a bit thick as my mate had a completely different menu to the one listed above to MLA on Thurs pm.
He was offered Thai chicken curry or tortellini outbound from Gatwick.
Neither are listed above.
He was offered Thai chicken curry or tortellini outbound from Gatwick.
Neither are listed above.
Oct 21, 2017, 5:05 pm
#1598
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Buckinghamshire
Programs: BAEC Gold Guest List, Hilton Honours Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 2,303
I flew to and from LIN last week ex-LHR. I got the distinct feeling that the purser outbound was embarrassed by the food she was offering as she made a great play on drinks, drinks, nuts (2 bags etc) and only asked us if we wanted something to eat with 38 minutes to landing...
Inbound it was the same tiny portions: panini or paltry salad with a chocolate slice. Come on BA: Medium range short-haul routes deserve better than this in CE! Outbound had a portion of fruit salad that looked days old: limp and discoloured. Disappointing.
Inbound it was the same tiny portions: panini or paltry salad with a chocolate slice. Come on BA: Medium range short-haul routes deserve better than this in CE! Outbound had a portion of fruit salad that looked days old: limp and discoloured. Disappointing.
Oct 22, 2017, 1:45 am
#1599
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,830
"Above" being where exactly? LGW has a different menu from LHR, if that is what you meant.
Oct 22, 2017, 11:08 am
#1600
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Buckinghamshire
Programs: BAEC Gold Guest List, Hilton Honours Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 2,303
Yes, in the wiki section. I accept that it says that other airports may have variations but this seems like a complete difference to me. In my experience of flying CE it's quite unusual for them to offer a hot vegetarian meal as one of the two main dishes.
Oct 22, 2017, 11:35 am
#1601
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,830
So Rotation C for LGW can be found in this post 1221.
Oct 22, 2017, 11:46 am
#1602
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: 30,541
Oct 22, 2017, 11:55 am
#1603
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,830
Oct 22, 2017, 4:14 pm
#1604
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: IHG
Posts: 22
Just off of the OTP-LHR and what a difference from a near perfect LHR-WAW earlier in the week. To start wth the purser had her nose put out of joint when the captain instructed a manual safety demo as the taxi from stand to runway was too short for the film. Didn't we all know she wasn't a happy bunny.
Shortly after take off normal drinks run was then followed by the meal, a choice of chicken or chicken. No menus offered so a verbal offering of chicken risotto or chicken gnocchi with the stater of peppered melon slices dumped on the table next to all other courses at the same time. Teas and coffees followed as we had just finished the starters let alone the main. The whole meal service in a six row cabin with 16 pax was finished before we had flown over Budapest.
With the two CE staff hidden behind the galley curtain for most of the flight someone pressing the call button for a drink was met with the cabin staff member leaving a whole bottle of champagne with them so he could go back into hiding in the hope they would not be disturbed again. The purser busy sat down having a cup of tea and doing the Mail on Sunday crossword.
At least the small chicken breast was tasty.
Shortly after take off normal drinks run was then followed by the meal, a choice of chicken or chicken. No menus offered so a verbal offering of chicken risotto or chicken gnocchi with the stater of peppered melon slices dumped on the table next to all other courses at the same time. Teas and coffees followed as we had just finished the starters let alone the main. The whole meal service in a six row cabin with 16 pax was finished before we had flown over Budapest.
With the two CE staff hidden behind the galley curtain for most of the flight someone pressing the call button for a drink was met with the cabin staff member leaving a whole bottle of champagne with them so he could go back into hiding in the hope they would not be disturbed again. The purser busy sat down having a cup of tea and doing the Mail on Sunday crossword.
At least the small chicken breast was tasty.
Oct 22, 2017, 4:26 pm
#1605
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,985
I'm not sure what rotation goes on, if any. On my recent inbound from VIE I was offered a panini or chicken salad. Whilst I didn't get a good look at the salad, so cannnot be certain it was the same as the outbound, I certainly had a chicken salad of sorts (breaded chicken with potato) on the outbound. I went for the panini and it was truly woeful. Also: no nuts and no bread basket (not that I would have wanted any more bread with my panini). Another poor CE experience, but on the plus side the crew were very sweet.