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
Sep 4, 2018, 9:51 am
#2896
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 10
Curious how much time until an element or two on each of these loaded trays disappears?
Sep 4, 2018, 9:56 am
#2897
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: London UK
Programs: BAEC Silver,, Oman Air Gold
Posts: 747
“...premium hot dishes...”
“...premium desserts...”
”...premium cheese and crackers...”
”...premium sandwiches...”
”...substantial fresh salad...”
Let’s wait and see!
“...premium desserts...”
”...premium cheese and crackers...”
”...premium sandwiches...”
”...substantial fresh salad...”
Let’s wait and see!
Sep 4, 2018, 10:07 am
#2898
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
Aaaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!!! The one thing we did not think about! So basically, that would be a case of complete rebranding of bands! In effect, most former band 1 destinations would become a new "express" and god knows what nasty plans BA has in mind for them, many former band 2 destinations (TXL, GVA, TLS etc) would now be part of band 1, the former band 3A destinations (NCE, PRG, OSL, VIE, etc) would now become band 2, and so on.
Another way to say it is that it seems that the only destinations to get the hot meals are the ones which had been rebranded as "long" which had it anyway! (including MAD which was "promoted" recently thanks to the lobbying of IAG men in suits who use the route a lot from what we heard). Though now they are subdivided into bands 3 and 4 so the former "winners" of long may well lose something compared to the current system!
The current "medium" have just been downgraded to band 2 even though many of them were former band 3 and what is in store for them is at best uncertain but I must say I am not optimistic.
I'll wait to see, but basically, this all sounds very bad to me.
Another way to say it is that it seems that the only destinations to get the hot meals are the ones which had been rebranded as "long" which had it anyway! (including MAD which was "promoted" recently thanks to the lobbying of IAG men in suits who use the route a lot from what we heard). Though now they are subdivided into bands 3 and 4 so the former "winners" of long may well lose something compared to the current system!
The current "medium" have just been downgraded to band 2 even though many of them were former band 3 and what is in store for them is at best uncertain but I must say I am not optimistic.
I'll wait to see, but basically, this all sounds very bad to me.
Last edited by orbitmic; Sep 4, 2018 at 10:17 am
Sep 4, 2018, 10:09 am
#2899
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Fingers crossed on this one - I'm really hoping that they can improve the current derisory value proposition of CE with this change ^
I'll withhold feedback until I try the new catering, probably on 17th September LHR-ZRH, but initial impressions from the photos look good. I really hope the panini has been enhanced since it was a running joke with many friends, family and colleagues.
I'll withhold feedback until I try the new catering, probably on 17th September LHR-ZRH, but initial impressions from the photos look good. I really hope the panini has been enhanced since it was a running joke with many friends, family and colleagues.
Sep 4, 2018, 10:11 am
#2900
Join Date: Apr 2006
Programs: BA (GGL, CCR & G4LIFE), VS (Gold4life), Hilton (Diamond), IHG (Spire Elite), SPG (Plat)
Posts: 83
I was told by Head of Catering at recent GGL event the panini was going and the scones were coming back and there would generally be more/better food for each band.... fingers crossed
Sep 4, 2018, 10:13 am
#2901
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
Sep 4, 2018, 10:24 am
#2903
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 move away from the depressing evolution of the new catering, just had another NCE-LCY in C and catering was again good. Because of a last minute change, I was actually in row 10 so by the time they reached me, there was no choice, just the Italian cured meat plate but I must say it was nicer than the LHR equivalent - 2 large slices of salami, 2 large slices of prosciutto, and 3 large slices of coppa, some rocket, sundried tomatoes, and a cup of Italian dressing. Starter included a slice of smoked chicken and a bocconcino, on a bed (for whatever reason) of hummus. Dessert was a very good coconut cheesecake and in my view, the LCY (sliced crusty) bread is always a lot nicer than the LHR and LGW ones despite not being 'warm' (or 'signature warm'! 
). The alternative main would have been the crayfish salad which I have had in the past and prefer.
My neighbour actually had a pre-ordered vegetarian and I was quite impressed. It was a tomato pasta salad with cucumbers (again, the reason escapes me), radishes, and a healthy amount of chargrilled asparagus spears. Starter was hummus with pomegranate and a separate tomato focaccia (not sure if it was warm!) and for some reason he had a different cheesecake. This all looked quite appetising and closer to "KSML portions" than to current LHR portions.
). The alternative main would have been the crayfish salad which I have had in the past and prefer.My neighbour actually had a pre-ordered vegetarian and I was quite impressed. It was a tomato pasta salad with cucumbers (again, the reason escapes me), radishes, and a healthy amount of chargrilled asparagus spears. Starter was hummus with pomegranate and a separate tomato focaccia (not sure if it was warm!) and for some reason he had a different cheesecake. This all looked quite appetising and closer to "KSML portions" than to current LHR portions.
Sep 4, 2018, 10:43 am
#2904
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 423
Under the previous system the only places to always get a hot meal on all flights were in band 4, and BUD was, and reverts back, to band 3. So under the previous 4 band system there was a risk of ambient brunch / afternoon tea in band 3, while lunch and dinner timings got the hot meal. Clearly if the flight timings avoid brunch / tea then BUD would only get hot breakfast, lunch, dinner. Now BUD did well under the current system, since being a Long it always gets a hot meal. Under my reading of this, it still seems to keep hot meal since it is in the same band as Faro, indeed benefits from the third main meal salad option.
(This was before the new CE catering)
Sep 4, 2018, 10:46 am
#2905
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, Bonvoy Tit, Hilton Dia etc etc
Posts: 2,354
Well, it's all about whether the new band 2 get hot meals or not, if they don't it's basically going to be a no change save maybe the new band 2 get five pieces of chicken on the so-called salad tray while band 1 still get the current offer of three pieces 
Especially with the change to the wine service to have small bottles all around, all this banding is really not a good sign - if we assume the ones in the new band 4 get something like the current long service, we've got ten days of second guessing what gets replaced or taken off the tray as you move down the bands ...
Especially with the change to the wine service to have small bottles all around, all this banding is really not a good sign - if we assume the ones in the new band 4 get something like the current long service, we've got ten days of second guessing what gets replaced or taken off the tray as you move down the bands ...
Sep 4, 2018, 11:02 am
#2906
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,603
Interesting that TLL is in band 4 and HEL in band 3 even though distance to HEL is marginally longer and HEL CE gives 80 TP and TLL 40 TP.
Sep 4, 2018, 11:43 am
#2908
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
Sep 4, 2018, 11:43 am
#2909
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Spitalfields, London
Programs: BA Gold, KFC 'The Colonel's Club' Palladium tier, Mucci des Visions Célestes du Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Posts: 2,327
Am I seeing a single blueberry sliced in half?!
Sep 4, 2018, 11:46 am
#2910
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,345
Does anyone know when the Band info by airport will be published please?