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 29, 2017, 12:40 pm
#436
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: BA GGL, FB Platinum, Delta Nothing, HHonors Diamond, IAG Gold Ambassador, Ritz Silver, SPG Gold
Posts: 100
Gotta say, for my money, I'd rather have a US-style snack basket and a proper full bar preflight beverage service than any of this garbage. None of this food would be acceptable from a lower end fast food restaurant....heck, it's sub-kebab-shop level in my opinion. Just stop, give me some tasty little prepackaged carbs, and keep the booze coming from start to finish.
Mar 29, 2017, 12:54 pm
#437
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,014
For medium routes it's a massive downgrade for passengers and (most importantly) a significant saving for BA. Awful.
Mar 29, 2017, 1:27 pm
#438
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold Guest List, Concorde Room Card, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 728
The medium/long distinction seems extremely harsh and in stark contrast.
A LHR-ARN (2h35m block time) gets a full hot main at all times and all the trimmings.
A LHR-MAD (2h30m block time) gets a solitary prawn and half a baby cheery tomato.
A LHR-ARN (2h35m block time) gets a full hot main at all times and all the trimmings.
A LHR-MAD (2h30m block time) gets a solitary prawn and half a baby cheery tomato.
Mar 29, 2017, 1:55 pm
#440
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Programs: BA Gold, Mucci
Posts: 2,068
It doesn't make a lot of sense really. I think the long meal service should be on more flights. Perhaps it is related to revenue somehow. Who knows!
Mar 29, 2017, 2:12 pm
#441
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,399
It's one thing for an airline to quietly make 'minor' cut after cut to various aspects of the onboard service, in the hope (and an obviously vain hope) that they may escape the attention of paying customers.
But another thing entirely to announce in public allegedly serious levels of investment in catering facilities which - once implemented - have the effect of leaving many, many passengers, on many routes, worse off than they were before.
But another thing entirely to announce in public allegedly serious levels of investment in catering facilities which - once implemented - have the effect of leaving many, many passengers, on many routes, worse off than they were before.
Mar 29, 2017, 2:19 pm
#442
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Sussex
Programs: BA; IHG; LHW; Hilton
Posts: 785
Prague sandwich
The veggie alternative on Heathrow to Prague this afternoon consisted of some strange rice concoction that was pseudo sushi – instead of the three finger sandwiches the rest of club Europe were enjoying. From Gatwick, the veggie afternoon tea alternative was always sandwiches without me to: a watercress sandwich, cucumber sandwich and a tomato sandwich. Not much, but something. Declining The rice offering, there was nothing else for me. This on a two hour flight. Fully retro grade!
Mar 29, 2017, 2:25 pm
#443
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,945
My first new CE experience today on HEL-LHR 1710d.
First came a drinks run first with usual nuts given out. The CSM also took some time to explain that this was a new CE service and explained what the differences are. She also took food orders, the offerings were chicken supreme or a cod dish. The crew also offered a top up of my drink as they were going back to galley.
The tray with a starter came out first and she explained what was on tray, also bread was offered (I don't think the selection has changed?) and more drinks offered:
Next the trolley came out to collect the finished stater dishes and offer more drinks and bread.
The main courses were brought out two at a time by the CSM on a tray.
Then there was a pass with the trolley to take away trays and offer more drinks, I took a tea at this stage (good builders strength).
I noticed that the cleaning towelettes are no longer in cutlery pack anymore.
Also I asked the CSM and the lemon melt biscuits are gone (they wused to have some to give out to CE passengers), they now have the highland shortbread twin finger packs.
First came a drinks run first with usual nuts given out. The CSM also took some time to explain that this was a new CE service and explained what the differences are. She also took food orders, the offerings were chicken supreme or a cod dish. The crew also offered a top up of my drink as they were going back to galley.
The tray with a starter came out first and she explained what was on tray, also bread was offered (I don't think the selection has changed?) and more drinks offered:
Next the trolley came out to collect the finished stater dishes and offer more drinks and bread.
The main courses were brought out two at a time by the CSM on a tray.
Then there was a pass with the trolley to take away trays and offer more drinks, I took a tea at this stage (good builders strength).
I noticed that the cleaning towelettes are no longer in cutlery pack anymore.
Also I asked the CSM and the lemon melt biscuits are gone (they wused to have some to give out to CE passengers), they now have the highland shortbread twin finger packs.
Mar 29, 2017, 2:43 pm
#444
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: ba exec club
Posts: 126
My first new CE experience today on HEL-LHR 1710d.
First came a drinks run first with usual nuts given out. The CSM also took some time to explain that this was a new CE service and explained what the differences are. She also took food orders, the offerings were chicken supreme or a cod dish. The crew also offered a top up of my drink as they were going back to galley.
The tray with a starter came out first and she explained what was on tray, also bread was offered (I don't think the selection has changed?) and more drinks offered:
Next the trolley came out to collect the finished stater dishes and offer more drinks and bread.
The main courses were brought out two at a time by the CSM on a tray.
Then there was a pass with the trolley to take away trays and offer more drinks, I took a tea at this stage (good builders strength).
I noticed that the cleaning towelettes are no longer in cutlery pack anymore.
Also I asked the CSM and the lemon melt biscuits are gone (they wused to have some to give out to CE passengers), they now have the highland shortbread twin finger packs.
First came a drinks run first with usual nuts given out. The CSM also took some time to explain that this was a new CE service and explained what the differences are. She also took food orders, the offerings were chicken supreme or a cod dish. The crew also offered a top up of my drink as they were going back to galley.
The tray with a starter came out first and she explained what was on tray, also bread was offered (I don't think the selection has changed?) and more drinks offered:
Next the trolley came out to collect the finished stater dishes and offer more drinks and bread.
The main courses were brought out two at a time by the CSM on a tray.
Then there was a pass with the trolley to take away trays and offer more drinks, I took a tea at this stage (good builders strength).
I noticed that the cleaning towelettes are no longer in cutlery pack anymore.
Also I asked the CSM and the lemon melt biscuits are gone (they wused to have some to give out to CE passengers), they now have the highland shortbread twin finger packs.
Mar 29, 2017, 2:47 pm
#445
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,945
I think that for a former band 3 route (which HEL was) this new offering is better than probably even the former band 4 meals both in terms of quality and quantity.
I haven't tried a short or medium route yet and that does seem to be where things may not have improved in some instances - so I am certainly not suggesting everything is better across the board.
I haven't tried a short or medium route yet and that does seem to be where things may not have improved in some instances - so I am certainly not suggesting everything is better across the board.
Mar 29, 2017, 2:51 pm
#446
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Cumbria, UK
Programs: BAEC - Silver
Posts: 107
Nooooo! I (selfishly) didn't mind to much about the bulk of the changes as it's mostly domestics and LHR-HEL (for which I prefer BA over AY unless on the A350) for me, and so personally this is an improvement, but this really takes the biscuit!
Mar 29, 2017, 3:12 pm
#447
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: 16,348
All the Long routes look to have improved, although there have been some cuts eg. fruit plates at breakfast. Losing the brunch (and the afternoon tea) from some ex-Band 3 routes is a positive step forward.
I can just about stomach the minuscule quantity on Short routes, but BA are so far off the mark with the same offering for Medium routes (notably those ex-Band 3s) that it's laughable
I can just about stomach the minuscule quantity on Short routes, but BA are so far off the mark with the same offering for Medium routes (notably those ex-Band 3s) that it's laughable
Last edited by Genius1; Mar 29, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Mar 29, 2017, 4:06 pm
#449
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 1,137
Agreed, I'll be avoiding MAD flights on BA after what I've already booked.
Mar 29, 2017, 4:17 pm
#450
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Buckinghamshire
Programs: BAEC Gold Guest List, Hilton Honours Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 2,303
I flew on the inuguaral LHR-MJV service on Tuesday afternoon and was quite impressed with the food and the service. I think I might file a separate TR on the experience. Crew were hard pressed to deliver a three-course, two-part meal service in what was a 2h10m flight (billed as 2h35m). 23 pax were hard to deliver for for the two CC concerned, but as grafters they did it and never stopped. I was also surprised to see blankets and pillows supplied - the purser thought they were a mistake (listed on the flight manifest and they said they'd query).