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 24, 2017, 11:55 am
#76
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA GfL, Marriott PlatfL/Ambassador, TP Gold, IHG Spire
Posts: 1,656
Do we know if the hot sandwich or salad are actually coming from the BOB selection? That wouldn't surprise me at all.
Mar 24, 2017, 11:57 am
#77
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold Guest List, Concorde Room Card, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 728
Following extensive customer research and feedback, British Airways have decided to enhance the choice of two hot main courses on OPO MAD BIO BCN PMI NCE MXP LIN VCE VRN SZG ZAG VIE PRG CPH GOT OSL etc.
Welcome to the new Club Toastie!
Welcome to the new Club Toastie!
Mar 24, 2017, 12:02 pm
#78
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA - Gold for Life, CCR & GGL; IC Spire Elite Ambassador; Diamond Hilton Honors; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 6,720
The proof will be in the eating, or not eating, if some of the above predictions are correct.
As usual, we should 'feed'back (
) our comments (sorry) probably complaints using the usual channels.
While this may not be effective, we should not hesitate to make our feelings known, with positive comments, where justified.
As usual, we should 'feed'back (
) our comments (sorry) probably complaints using the usual channels. While this may not be effective, we should not hesitate to make our feelings known, with positive comments, where justified.
Mar 24, 2017, 12:04 pm
#79
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Mucci de la Cuisine Aérienne du Réseau Courte Durée de British Airways
Posts: 4,704
That sounds really disappointing and I'm personally disappointed that 'brunch' and 'afternoon tea' have not been discontinued (I'm sure some people like them, I'm not one of them) although at least, now we can have a salad instead of the sandwiches for the tea thing.
On the whole, this strikes me as an improvement for long flights (not least the part of ex-band 3 that is now rejoining long) and UK, and a downgrade for everyone else based on Littlegirl and Petrus's additional information, and even a very significant downgrade for the ex-band 3 that have been lowered to 'medium'. As most of my European flights belong to the latter category, I'm certainly very unhappy about the changes.
On the whole, this strikes me as an improvement for long flights (not least the part of ex-band 3 that is now rejoining long) and UK, and a downgrade for everyone else based on Littlegirl and Petrus's additional information, and even a very significant downgrade for the ex-band 3 that have been lowered to 'medium'. As most of my European flights belong to the latter category, I'm certainly very unhappy about the changes.
A few of the shorter Band 3 flights are now in the Medium group and they will no longer get a hot meal. They will though get wine and champagne from the larger bottles.
Almost all flights, Short, Medium and Long now get a choice, so that is an enhancement. (LBA and MAN being the exception, I think).
Afternoon tea does lose the scones but for those who don't like sandwiches, there is a very nice ploughmans offering, so again, that is good.
New larger mugs for tea and coffee (same as CW) infact all the crokery is now the same as the new CW crokery.
Mar 24, 2017, 12:07 pm
#80
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 1,174
Shame the BA Site is yet to provide the correct info...
For lunch and dinner you can choose between a fresh salad and a hot sandwich (on flights within the UK) or a tasty hot meal accompanied by warm bread and a full bar service (on flights within Europe).
For lunch and dinner you can choose between a fresh salad and a hot sandwich (on flights within the UK) or a tasty hot meal accompanied by warm bread and a full bar service (on flights within Europe).
Mar 24, 2017, 12:09 pm
#81
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, AA 1MM LT GLD, SPG PLAT, National Exec Selc, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 8,278
There are some positives as lots of flights have moved to this new LONG group that no longer get Brunch and afternoon tea, like LIS, ARN, WAW, HEL and FCO etc. There are many more and they now will always get a hot meal.
A few of the shorter Band 3 flights are now in the Medium group and they will no longer get a hot meal. They will though get wine and champagne from the larger bottles.
Almost all flights, Short, Medium and Long now get a choice, so that is an enhancement. (LBA and MAN being the exception, I think).
Afternoon tea does lose the scones but for those who don't like sandwiches, there is a very nice ploughmans offering, so again, that is good.
New larger mugs for tea and coffee (same as CW) infact all the crokery is now the same as the new CW crokery.
A few of the shorter Band 3 flights are now in the Medium group and they will no longer get a hot meal. They will though get wine and champagne from the larger bottles.
Almost all flights, Short, Medium and Long now get a choice, so that is an enhancement. (LBA and MAN being the exception, I think).
Afternoon tea does lose the scones but for those who don't like sandwiches, there is a very nice ploughmans offering, so again, that is good.
New larger mugs for tea and coffee (same as CW) infact all the crokery is now the same as the new CW crokery.
That said, I've often not liked the dinner service given that its a heavy main plus cheese and desert with no salad, etc. So the entree salad option at dinner on more flights is a plus for some.
Mar 24, 2017, 12:11 pm
#82
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
Personally, I would be quite happy with some Greggs pasties or sausage rolls. Better still, how about a nice stottie with ham and pease pudding?
Mar 24, 2017, 12:18 pm
#83
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Mucci de la Cuisine Aérienne du Réseau Courte Durée de British Airways
Posts: 4,704
Its not all bad as you say but unless these toasties are amazing, I think that's a pretty poor dinner offer for Medium flights. Less phased about lunch.
That said, I've often not liked the dinner service given that its a heavy main plus cheese and desert with no salad, etc. So the entree salad option at dinner on more flights is a plus for some.
That said, I've often not liked the dinner service given that its a heavy main plus cheese and desert with no salad, etc. So the entree salad option at dinner on more flights is a plus for some.
The new service starts this Sunday 26th with Donestics following on 1st April, so only two days until you can see for yourselves.
Mar 24, 2017, 12:18 pm
#84
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
So based on the further details above, my list of the winners and losers are as follow from biggest winner to biggest loser:
1) Biggest winner: UK domestics: move from nothing to Club Europe. In practice, breakfast is really about getting in CE what all pax used to get (full breakfast on longer UK flights, bacon buttie on shorter ones) but meal the rest of the day will be a benefit.
2) Other clear winner: Longer half of band 3 flights: those effectively being upgraded to band 4 status so no more brunch or afternoon tea!
3) Marginal winner: Band 4: cosmetic improvements on crockery, china, etc supposedly better wine.
4) Mixed bag: Band 1 and 2 are least affected. Now they can get a 'hot sandwich' instead of their main course salad on "lunch" and "dinner" flights, but conversely they lose scones on afternoon tea. The service is effectively an 'all day snack' with variations (hot sandwich at 'meal' times or cold finger sandwiches in the afternoon). they also seem to lose the cold plate option on breakfast flights from the website description.
5) Biggest loser: Shorter half of band 3 flights: based on what Petrus and Littlegirl mention, seems downgraded from full meals for lunch and dinner (which arguably currently are the best C/J food BA has to offer, better than CW mains IMHO) to 'all day snacking' with salad or sandwich be it hot (meal times) or cold (afternoon tea). Brunch remains the same, not clear if the panini is making a return as an alternative to the cold cut plate? Cold breakfast option does not seem to remain. So yes, some choice in bits like the salad instead of sandwiches for tea (but tough on the scone lovers, although I personally do not mind that loss at all) but to me the loss of proper lunch and dinner outweighs this significantly.
1) Biggest winner: UK domestics: move from nothing to Club Europe. In practice, breakfast is really about getting in CE what all pax used to get (full breakfast on longer UK flights, bacon buttie on shorter ones) but meal the rest of the day will be a benefit.
2) Other clear winner: Longer half of band 3 flights: those effectively being upgraded to band 4 status so no more brunch or afternoon tea!
3) Marginal winner: Band 4: cosmetic improvements on crockery, china, etc supposedly better wine.
4) Mixed bag: Band 1 and 2 are least affected. Now they can get a 'hot sandwich' instead of their main course salad on "lunch" and "dinner" flights, but conversely they lose scones on afternoon tea. The service is effectively an 'all day snack' with variations (hot sandwich at 'meal' times or cold finger sandwiches in the afternoon). they also seem to lose the cold plate option on breakfast flights from the website description.
5) Biggest loser: Shorter half of band 3 flights: based on what Petrus and Littlegirl mention, seems downgraded from full meals for lunch and dinner (which arguably currently are the best C/J food BA has to offer, better than CW mains IMHO) to 'all day snacking' with salad or sandwich be it hot (meal times) or cold (afternoon tea). Brunch remains the same, not clear if the panini is making a return as an alternative to the cold cut plate? Cold breakfast option does not seem to remain. So yes, some choice in bits like the salad instead of sandwiches for tea (but tough on the scone lovers, although I personally do not mind that loss at all) but to me the loss of proper lunch and dinner outweighs this significantly.
Mar 24, 2017, 12:20 pm
#85
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,180
If I hear anyone lamenting Afternoon Tea, I will come down there with my hairbrush. Never has any meal presentation attracted so many moans here. I did not disagree with this, but it looks to me as though this overhaul is way overdue. My own thoughts are that an exception should have been made in the case of Madrid, Barcelona, and Milan. There is a lot of Business Traffic on here - and this may be rather unwise. I do not fly these often so I have no axe to grind. This overhaul was long overdue.
What I am wondering is - at the moment on Band 3 and 4 - drinks are supposed to be served before the meal. What are the new arrangements?
What I am wondering is - at the moment on Band 3 and 4 - drinks are supposed to be served before the meal. What are the new arrangements?
Mar 24, 2017, 12:24 pm
#86
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
Very true, but now for most people it will be the exact same albeit minus the scones. Personally I prefer a salad so I get a marginal improvement on that specific meal but I expect to be in a minority on that.
Mar 24, 2017, 12:29 pm
#87
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Mucci de la Cuisine Aérienne du Réseau Courte Durée de British Airways
Posts: 4,704
Just to add, those flights in the Long group get a starter now too.
Mar 24, 2017, 12:30 pm
#88
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA - Gold for Life, CCR & GGL; IC Spire Elite Ambassador; Diamond Hilton Honors; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 6,720
Although flight time is a key determinant, it would seem sensible for important routes, such as business heavy and likely to have passengers paying more for CE, to have better catering, especially if the competition is meaningful. Of course, this is no real competition on two of the routes you mention.
Mar 24, 2017, 12:33 pm
#89
In memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: BA GGL/CCR/GfL
Posts: 405
In all this seems like an actual improvement to me and a very welcome one at that! I'm especially excited about many of the longer band 3 flights getting actual food instead of the god awful "extended breakfast" and "afternoon tea".
Mar 24, 2017, 1:04 pm
#90
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,041
