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, 11:06 am
#226
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: London
Posts: 3,500
There's no changes planned to the glass size, and there's no space available for bigger glasses to be stored.
I would suggest packing a Riedel glass in your hand luggage, and asking crew to pour wine or champagne in to that.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:12 am
#227
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 6,349
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.
As for domestics, well yes having introduced CE they could hardly have served what they offered before.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:15 am
#228
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Wedged somewhere between BTS and VIE ✈
Programs: Star Alliance Gold (A3 Gold), Oneworld Emerald (BA Gold), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,338
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.
I don't understand why you have to use such inflammatory language. What you may consider to be a moan might well by others be considered to be constructive criticism, and I almost find your comment offensive, perhaps you should withdraw that remark.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:28 am
#229
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: 30,531
Ok, I was one of the people who hoped that this would be an improvement for at least many. I have not tried/tasted yet so can't comment on taste, but based on the photos it looks like an outright deterioration for most.
I'd revise my earlier chart and say that in fact, the only winners seem to be domestic ce that did not exist and the half of band 3 flights that have now been upgraded to 'long'.
the biggest losers are the half of band 3 downgraded to medium: 'pathetic' has been used by others and seems entirely appropriate. The two examples of 'hot sandwich' shown look ghastly to me and can't be construed as a 'hot meal' by any stretch of the imagination. The 'salad' is not even a starter plate, it looks much smaller than even the previous band 1 salad. Even the brunch plate is effectively half of what the previous brunch plate was.
as for band 4, yes there is now a starter but this seems to come at the expense of the main which looks like the former band 4... Y serving of pre-bob.
there is frankly zero intention to improve CE catering here, just good old cost cutting and crass lies from to vaguely disguise the said savings. As I was saying, it just looks pathetic.
I'd revise my earlier chart and say that in fact, the only winners seem to be domestic ce that did not exist and the half of band 3 flights that have now been upgraded to 'long'.
the biggest losers are the half of band 3 downgraded to medium: 'pathetic' has been used by others and seems entirely appropriate. The two examples of 'hot sandwich' shown look ghastly to me and can't be construed as a 'hot meal' by any stretch of the imagination. The 'salad' is not even a starter plate, it looks much smaller than even the previous band 1 salad. Even the brunch plate is effectively half of what the previous brunch plate was.
as for band 4, yes there is now a starter but this seems to come at the expense of the main which looks like the former band 4... Y serving of pre-bob.
there is frankly zero intention to improve CE catering here, just good old cost cutting and crass lies from to vaguely disguise the said savings. As I was saying, it just looks pathetic.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:30 am
#230
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: 30,531
Mar 26, 2017, 11:36 am
#231
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,258
I don't comment on these threads usually - but I dipped in and was pleased to hear of improvements, however the last few pages have proved that it's another dressed up cost cut. Very well described and i completely agree orbitmic
Mar 26, 2017, 11:40 am
#232
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: 30,531
I don't entirely agree: not so long ago, the hot panini was in fact available as an option for 'brunch' instead of the cold plate albeit accompanied by fruit plate etc. It was discontinued because passengers did not like it. In that sense, to me, this is not a new option but rather the reincarnation of what that was originally tried and failed, albeit now offered instead of the 'good' CE meals (lunch and dinner) and not just as an alternative to the 'bad' brunch.
My recent NCE CE flights included such meals as confit pork belly with Savoy cabbage and roasted root vegetables, cod filled with wasabi mash and grilled peppers, and a prawn curry and I have always mentioned that those CE meals were good, better than CW, although brunch and after tea were poor. I'm afraid I won't feel compelled to reserve judgement on whether any of the new offering is an improvement on such a route: it is plainly an obvious, major, unidirectional deterioration of the proposition and no amount of BA webpage PR will be able to disguise it regardless of their use of 'fresh', 'gourmet', 'inspiring' and other nonsensical adjectives.
My recent NCE CE flights included such meals as confit pork belly with Savoy cabbage and roasted root vegetables, cod filled with wasabi mash and grilled peppers, and a prawn curry and I have always mentioned that those CE meals were good, better than CW, although brunch and after tea were poor. I'm afraid I won't feel compelled to reserve judgement on whether any of the new offering is an improvement on such a route: it is plainly an obvious, major, unidirectional deterioration of the proposition and no amount of BA webpage PR will be able to disguise it regardless of their use of 'fresh', 'gourmet', 'inspiring' and other nonsensical adjectives.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:43 am
#233
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,926
Regarding domestics, I suppose that depends which side of the curtain you're on. But let's not forget, less than 3 months ago you'd have got a hot breakfast (not very much different to this CE offering) with an economy, business or First ticket....I'd say that the standard on domestics has gone down quite considerably.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:44 am
#234
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Tonbridge
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 2,034
The sandwich looks ok to me as a snack. As an addition to extended breakfast or afternoon tea it would get a thumbs up from me. If it is now a lunch / dinner on former band 3 flights than that is a disgraceful downgrade. And no I don't think 'disgraceful' is too strong a word, considering what I think should be expected on a business flight over 2 hours at a meal time.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:46 am
#235
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,926
I don't entirely agree: not so long ago, the hot panini was in fact available as an option for 'brunch' instead of the cold plate albeit accompanied by fruit plate etc. It was discontinued because passengers did not like it. In that sense, to me, this is not a new option but rather the reincarnation of what that was originally tried and failed, albeit now offered instead of the 'good' CE meals (lunch and dinner) and not just as an alternative to the 'bad' brunch.
My recent NCE CE flights included such meals as confit pork belly with Savoy cabbage and roasted root vegetables, cod filled with wasabi mash and grilled peppers, and a prawn curry and I have always mentioned that those CE meals were good, better than CW, although brunch and after tea were poor. I'm afraid I won't feel compelled to reserve judgement on whether any of the new offering is an improvement on such a route: it is plainly an obvious, major, unidirectional deterioration of the proposition and no amount of BA webpage PR will be able to disguise it regardless of their use of 'fresh', 'gourmet', 'inspiring' and other nonsensical adjectives.
My recent NCE CE flights included such meals as confit pork belly with Savoy cabbage and roasted root vegetables, cod filled with wasabi mash and grilled peppers, and a prawn curry and I have always mentioned that those CE meals were good, better than CW, although brunch and after tea were poor. I'm afraid I won't feel compelled to reserve judgement on whether any of the new offering is an improvement on such a route: it is plainly an obvious, major, unidirectional deterioration of the proposition and no amount of BA webpage PR will be able to disguise it regardless of their use of 'fresh', 'gourmet', 'inspiring' and other nonsensical adjectives.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:52 am
#236
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: London
Posts: 3,500
Not exactly a like-for-like comparison, I'd hope the food would be a major improvement if the only other difference onboard was the middle seat being left empty!
Mar 26, 2017, 11:54 am
#237
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LHR/ATH
Programs: Amex Platinum, LH SEN (Gold), BA Bronze
Posts: 4,489
From the pics my observations:
The Band 4's look like an upgrade, I certainly would have appreciated the smoked salmon starter on my LHR-ATH in CE!
The sandwich looks like an absolute disgrace, I would personally just go to Itsu and Pret and just have a bunch of champagne in CE short flights without touching the food, if it doesn't run out of course = )
The salad option also a disgrace, as said before the sandwich/salad option looks about the same, if not worse than on a TK domestic Y 45 min flight IST-ESB!
They might as well not offer anything if they will offer that!
The Band 4's look like an upgrade, I certainly would have appreciated the smoked salmon starter on my LHR-ATH in CE!
The sandwich looks like an absolute disgrace, I would personally just go to Itsu and Pret and just have a bunch of champagne in CE short flights without touching the food, if it doesn't run out of course = )
The salad option also a disgrace, as said before the sandwich/salad option looks about the same, if not worse than on a TK domestic Y 45 min flight IST-ESB!
They might as well not offer anything if they will offer that!
Mar 26, 2017, 12:10 pm
#238
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
Programs: SPG LT Plat, BA G, BD*LG, MG Blue+ ...
Posts: 16,032
This thread has been reopened following a timeout for moderator review, and a number of posts have been deleted or edited to bring them into line with our community standards.
Given the amount of effort a number of FT member have invested in contributing to this guide and posting useful pictures and updates, it's a shame that the thread is being derailed by personally-directed remarks and repeated off-topic throwaway comments.
This thread is receiving considerable interest from outside this forum from folks wishing to read about BA's catering changes, so please stay on topic, and quit discussion of the discussion.
mod team
Given the amount of effort a number of FT member have invested in contributing to this guide and posting useful pictures and updates, it's a shame that the thread is being derailed by personally-directed remarks and repeated off-topic throwaway comments.
This thread is receiving considerable interest from outside this forum from folks wishing to read about BA's catering changes, so please stay on topic, and quit discussion of the discussion.
mod team
Last edited by Oxon Flyer; Mar 26, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Mar 26, 2017, 12:28 pm
#239
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR/Lifetime Gold, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 562
New CE catering - Child's special meal
Just got off HAM - LHR. Very surprised that my daughter's child meal was just effectively an adult meal. Although different to the adult meal being served on our flight.
Mar 26, 2017, 12:30 pm
#240
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 4,510
Certainly doesn't equate to the child's meals you would usually get. Suspect this was labelled/loaded in error - at least I hope so!