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
Mar 26, 2017, 3:29 pm
#256
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London and Brussels
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 170
Just flew LHR > BRU in CE - we had a choice of a hot sandwich or the chicken / prawn dish already shown in a photo on this post - it was quite pleasant compared to the asian vegetarian I usually go for. Also, the Castlenau is still served in the mini bottles as the crew confirmed there is no time to serve it from a large bottle on such a short flight.
Overall - after one flight, I think the food has improved compared to the previous offerings.
Overall - after one flight, I think the food has improved compared to the previous offerings.
Mar 26, 2017, 3:31 pm
#257
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold Guest List, Concorde Room Card, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 728
Mar 26, 2017, 3:32 pm
#258
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,246
Yes surprised MAD is not a long route.
Salad has never been Dinner, never will be.
Salad has never been Dinner, never will be.
Mar 26, 2017, 3:38 pm
#259
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SQ Gold, KQ Platinum, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,351
But bread plates and nicer presentation on the whole (except the sandwiches). ^
Mar 26, 2017, 3:39 pm
#260
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,130
A shame, I've had some lovely meals in Club Europe. Next BA flight isn't until May...
Mar 26, 2017, 3:42 pm
#261
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold, *G, EK Skywards Silver
Posts: 1,020
Initial reaction is that these "fresh salads" and "hot sandwiches" are fine for former Band 1 routes and Band 2 at a push. But they have made a complete balls of deciding which routes are medium and therefore get these choices. BCN/MAD/OSL/LIN etc? At evening meal times? Where is the incentive to buy Club? So frustrating as I used to really like the Club Europe service when it was done properly and there was a hot meal at lunch time/dinner time.
Last edited by surryson; Mar 26, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Mar 26, 2017, 4:09 pm
#262
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR/Lifetime Gold, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 562
I agree. The experience of "short" today was underwhelming - salad smaller than previously and not really better, the "hot sandwich" my wife had looked unappealing and not at all premium, pudding and bread very average as before, and wine was the same, nothing special.
The only upgrade seems to be the crockery - and I really don't particularly care about that.
The CE value proposition looks rather unappealing overall - an exit row with food purchased in the terminal suddenly starts to look more appealing.
The only upgrade seems to be the crockery - and I really don't particularly care about that.
The CE value proposition looks rather unappealing overall - an exit row with food purchased in the terminal suddenly starts to look more appealing.
Mar 26, 2017, 4:17 pm
#263
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: London
Posts: 3,459
Says what? It is an option that wasn't available previously. The change on domestics is most welcome, a significant improvement to that of recent years.
As for the rest, I'm reserving judgment until I've actually experienced it. I'd rather not moan just yet, no matter how fashionable that maybe here at the moment.
As for the rest, I'm reserving judgment until I've actually experienced it. I'd rather not moan just yet, no matter how fashionable that maybe here at the moment.
Mar 26, 2017, 4:34 pm
#264
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, IHG Spire Elite Ambassador, HH Diamond, Avis President’s Club
Posts: 357
All of the photos so far... the portion sizes are tiny and so much has been removed. I was a huge fan of CE and have a lot of flights for this year already booked. Will wait until I sample it myself but I can't see any improvements just more and more cuts!
Mar 26, 2017, 4:50 pm
#265
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: LON BCN SYD
Programs: BA, OZ, A3, VA, VS, DL, QF, former BD and others
Posts: 1,074
No photo but a supposed NLML meal on LHR-BCN today was 4 pieces of VGML sushi, bland, with a tiny proportion of vegetables to rice, no flavour and no soy sauce. Not what sushi should be at all and inadequate for a a main evening meal.
This is definitely more cost-cutting presented as an enhancement.
This is definitely more cost-cutting presented as an enhancement.
Mar 26, 2017, 5:05 pm
#266
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: 30,543
Mar 26, 2017, 5:12 pm
#267
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: 30,543
I think that more than brunch your point very rightly underlines that the new system is both much improved and appropriate for domestics. I also agree with those who say that for band 1, what is lost in quantity seems to be gained in presentation and choice of the panini some people might like. For downgraded band 3 like NCE, BCN, MAD, OSL, Etc, this is a very substantive loss however, especially on lunch/dinner flights and I think those of us who fly those routes should express our disappointment to crew/cr in no uncertain terms.
Mar 26, 2017, 7:21 pm
#268
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: glasgow, scotland
Programs: BA Executive Club Gold
Posts: 224
Just emailed CR. Completely lost my patience with this.....
GLA/PMI return in June X3 for my 30th = very not cheap.
BA website stating still 'a tasty hot meal accompanied by warm bread and a full bar service (on flights within Europe).'
Well, a choice between an 'Amuse Buche' salad with warm bread, or a heated panini without warm bread isn't that.
So that's false advertising no?
GLA/PMI return in June X3 for my 30th = very not cheap.
BA website stating still 'a tasty hot meal accompanied by warm bread and a full bar service (on flights within Europe).'
Well, a choice between an 'Amuse Buche' salad with warm bread, or a heated panini without warm bread isn't that.
So that's false advertising no?
Mar 26, 2017, 7:34 pm
#269
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Executive Club - Silver (OWS)
Posts: 768
Mar 26, 2017, 7:48 pm
#270
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: glasgow, scotland
Programs: BA Executive Club Gold
Posts: 224
that's exactly what they've done. The website should read, 'Choose between an amuse bouche served with hot bread with a plate, or a sub-par, warm sandwich served with a plate for warm bread (although you are not entitled to warm bread if you select said panini), on some of our 2+ hour flights to Europe in Business Class'