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
Feb 4, 2018, 12:38 pm
#1906
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,146
MLA-LGW, Sep 17. 1250 departure for a c. 3 hour sector.
1. The bread roll managed [just] to stay on the table at 2D.
2. The Starter was light and fresh and well spread out on the platter! Used the space to save the roll!
3. The Beef Casserole was HIDEOUS to look at but was actually delicious, and was eaten with a spoon.
1. The bread roll managed [just] to stay on the table at 2D.
2. The Starter was light and fresh and well spread out on the platter! Used the space to save the roll!
3. The Beef Casserole was HIDEOUS to look at but was actually delicious, and was eaten with a spoon.
Feb 4, 2018, 1:57 pm
#1907
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Surrey
Programs: BAEC - Gold
Posts: 885
Re prawngate above - reply was “we are sorry you were disappointed...” and will pass onto catering Dept.
Clearly nothing will change but that is an utter joke.
Clearly nothing will change but that is an utter joke.
Feb 4, 2018, 2:07 pm
#1908
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,399
Thanks for getting back.
So, pretty much as expected ....... the familiar ‘sorry-not-sorry ......’ line.
So, pretty much as expected ....... the familiar ‘sorry-not-sorry ......’ line.
Feb 4, 2018, 2:23 pm
#1909
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chelsea
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,227
In other entirely predictable news I am able to confirm that afternoon tea remains as -gate worthy as ever. Even massively hungover, with nothing to eat, and following a mad three hour dash down the A10 to Bordeaux at a speed incompatible with the ‘special offer’ Avis hire car given me, the afternoon tea is unable to rise to the occasion. Thank goodness they still load the Club World nuts otherwise I would have gone really hungry.
Feb 4, 2018, 4:16 pm
#1910
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,586
The "premium" afternoon tea exists to serve BA's purpose than the wishes of their "premium" pax.
A few BA stale sandwiches cost pennies, the fillings are cheap and to my taste, rubbish. That's across both CE and CW. It achieves one goal, its very cheap. They already did this with Galleries First (aka Oasis of Calm) by replacing a lot of counter space with more cheap sandwiches. Of course, sandwiches don't have to be cheap, but BA are not interested in using quality ingredients to give a tasty sandwich full of tasty ingredients that's filling. They're more bread than anything else, the tiniest slither of processed ham etc. Afternoon tea's are popular in the hospitality trade because you can buy a loaf of processed white (BA style) bread for £0.70. Given the portion sizes, BA could cater entire batches of flights with one Morrisons super soft loaf, I recall they are two for £1 or £1.10.
If pax really were crying out for it, they could just load a few and adjust the demand over time for those who desperately want that crap but that would cost more money and the intention is to get away with catering the flights as cheaply as possible which is why even the Afternoon Tea has been cut.
It seems they do the budget in a cut something here, add something here style, but overall its balanced out from the crap to the decent option. We don't have the seafood meal anymore, which was a way to avoid the AT, and that was a budget decision because otherwise it would still exist. Full size bottles of wine/champagne for some flights, small bottles for others. My last AT flight I found the scone is pre-prepped which saves on the cream, the jam and the likely food waste of over-catering the scones as well as cutting the cake but the long routes got better and more food.
A few BA stale sandwiches cost pennies, the fillings are cheap and to my taste, rubbish. That's across both CE and CW. It achieves one goal, its very cheap. They already did this with Galleries First (aka Oasis of Calm) by replacing a lot of counter space with more cheap sandwiches. Of course, sandwiches don't have to be cheap, but BA are not interested in using quality ingredients to give a tasty sandwich full of tasty ingredients that's filling. They're more bread than anything else, the tiniest slither of processed ham etc. Afternoon tea's are popular in the hospitality trade because you can buy a loaf of processed white (BA style) bread for £0.70. Given the portion sizes, BA could cater entire batches of flights with one Morrisons super soft loaf, I recall they are two for £1 or £1.10.
If pax really were crying out for it, they could just load a few and adjust the demand over time for those who desperately want that crap but that would cost more money and the intention is to get away with catering the flights as cheaply as possible which is why even the Afternoon Tea has been cut.
It seems they do the budget in a cut something here, add something here style, but overall its balanced out from the crap to the decent option. We don't have the seafood meal anymore, which was a way to avoid the AT, and that was a budget decision because otherwise it would still exist. Full size bottles of wine/champagne for some flights, small bottles for others. My last AT flight I found the scone is pre-prepped which saves on the cream, the jam and the likely food waste of over-catering the scones as well as cutting the cake but the long routes got better and more food.
Feb 5, 2018, 1:54 am
#1911
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
I can't see the picture for the meal that Tobias-UK enjoyed on his MAN flight but based on the description it might be the same?
Feb 5, 2018, 2:00 am
#1912
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,928
Yes, that is the very same. Perfect for the short hop MAN-LHR but woefully inadequate as a ‘lunch’ on any longer service. I actually enjoyed it, but if I was served that on a LUX flight I’d be vigorously bashing out a complaint.
Feb 5, 2018, 2:37 am
#1913
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
To be honest, LUX and MAN are both very short, but I agree that when I next get it on my OSL, NCE, or MAD flights all of which I am taking in the next few days, I'll be puzzled. In fact, I might continue ordering the KSML whilst not requiring it in any way for religious/dietary purposes but just because it is still minimally more generous than this (if not as much as before). It's a shame because this undoubtedly costs BA more money than giving a larger meal. And I agree with you that the 'official' description is probably something like prawn carpaccio or prawn ceviche (though typically in both I'd expect the prawns to be raw rather than boiled?)
Feb 5, 2018, 2:45 am
#1914
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,928
Feb 5, 2018, 2:50 am
#1915
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Biot, France
Programs: BA Executive Club Gold, TK Smiles and Miles, Hilton Honors
Posts: 222
BA2733 3 FEB 18 ACELGW (Long)
The inbound menu for Longs in to LGW for February is identical to the Outbound Menu in January (at least it was for me!!).
Full details can be seen in my post #1872
Cheers
Steve
Full details can be seen in my post #1872
Cheers
Steve
Feb 5, 2018, 3:56 am
#1916
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, CX Gold (OW Sapphire), Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Accor Platinum
Posts: 1,476
I think the prawn meal shown above was dinner on my good wife's OSL flight last night. Was an Avios redemption (because for £7.50 more, lounge access for her & the free drinks on board more than recouped the extra cost above economy), but that's really a poor excuse for dinner on a 2hr flight.
Feb 5, 2018, 4:29 am
#1917
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,364
Whether what BA serves could properly be described as a prawn ceviche, which I think was your main point, is, of course, another matter altogether.
Feb 5, 2018, 4:30 am
#1918
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,928
I think the prawn meal shown above was dinner on my good wife's OSL flight last night. Was an Avios redemption (because for £7.50 more, lounge access for her & the free drinks on board more than recouped the extra cost above economy), but that's really a poor excuse for dinner on a 2hr flight.
Feb 5, 2018, 4:45 am
#1919
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Singapore - the hot, little red dot
Programs: BA, SQ
Posts: 861
CSM made a point of highlighting that the prawns were cold and a rather small portion. I went for the chicken and tomato panini instead which was fine.
That chocolate mouse type of dessert though was fab
I didn't have the courage to ask for seconds....
Feb 5, 2018, 1:40 pm
#1920
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 41
The inbound menu for Longs in to LGW for February is identical to the Outbound Menu in January (at least it was for me!!).
Full details can be seen in my post #1872
Cheers
Steve
Full details can be seen in my post #1872
Cheers
Steve
flying back from ACE next Monday