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
Jun 1, 2017, 2:31 pm
#1021
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 114
Here's the chicken salad from yesterday's VCE-LGW flight (BA2589, 2250 dep)
It was rather tasty, and not just for plane food either. I washed it down with some Tiger Beer, perfect combo.
I did notice something odd on the flight. A couple next to me in CE didn't get served any food, just drinks. They didn't seem annoyed, although I had my headphones on so I couldn't hear any conversations with the CSM. Could this have been an op-up or service recovery?
It was rather tasty, and not just for plane food either. I washed it down with some Tiger Beer, perfect combo.
I did notice something odd on the flight. A couple next to me in CE didn't get served any food, just drinks. They didn't seem annoyed, although I had my headphones on so I couldn't hear any conversations with the CSM. Could this have been an op-up or service recovery?
Jun 1, 2017, 2:39 pm
#1022
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,760
Jun 1, 2017, 2:49 pm
#1023
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,086
Staff?
Jun 1, 2017, 3:01 pm
#1024
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: london, uk
Posts: 66
Here's the chicken salad from yesterday's VCE-LGW flight (BA2589, 2250 dep)
It was rather tasty, and not just for plane food either. I washed it down with some Tiger Beer, perfect combo.
I did notice something odd on the flight. A couple next to me in CE didn't get served any food, just drinks. They didn't seem annoyed, although I had my headphones on so I couldn't hear any conversations with the CSM. Could this have been an op-up or service recovery?
It was rather tasty, and not just for plane food either. I washed it down with some Tiger Beer, perfect combo.
I did notice something odd on the flight. A couple next to me in CE didn't get served any food, just drinks. They didn't seem annoyed, although I had my headphones on so I couldn't hear any conversations with the CSM. Could this have been an op-up or service recovery?
Has anyone else noticed that they seem to be offering the main based on status? I've always been used to that in the US but I was watching the CSM running around like a mad man with his list in hand.
Jun 1, 2017, 3:36 pm
#1025
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 698
ABZ flight: pilot's meal, but no champagne 
Jun 1, 2017, 3:57 pm
#1026
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: BAEC Gold, M&M Sen, Delta Skymiles Gold
Posts: 866
Monday this week, CE, lunch flight. Medium route, kosher meal. It tasted ok, but of course you have to like cured fish. It was quite substantial.
Jun 1, 2017, 4:48 pm
#1027
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: WAW ✈ LHR ✈ GLA
Programs: BA GfL/GGL/CCR, HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 2,498
FRA-LHR on LH in J a few days ago, pax sitting next to me didn't like the white asparagus salad, so crew brought him a selection of sandwiches from Y. no idea what type of service LH does at the back, but the unhappy pax was not asked to pay for anything.
Jun 1, 2017, 6:09 pm
#1028
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SFO, LON
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, Bonvoy Tit, Hilton Dia etc etc
Posts: 2,354
I've seen that a couple of times too, they were op-ups who were served last but they were vegetarian and it was all gone. They were offered the choice of purchasing BOB, but they seemed quite happy to get merrily sozzled!!
Has anyone else noticed that they seem to be offering the main based on status? I've always been used to that in the US but I was watching the CSM running around like a mad man with his list in hand.
Has anyone else noticed that they seem to be offering the main based on status? I've always been used to that in the US but I was watching the CSM running around like a mad man with his list in hand.
Jun 2, 2017, 1:15 am
#1029
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,041
And let me also add my welcome to Chatty_Chef, that is indeed a very helpful post indeed. Welcome to the BA forum and Flyertalk. I see the entire Heathrow Rotation A is now available. So, by way of explanation, each month rotates between A, B and C. LHR, LGW and LCY have different meals. We are currently on Rotation A, so if flying from or to LHR in Club Europe in May or August, this is the entire menu. I'll put the rest of Rotation below.
If I can put in a plea to BA (or staff members) to give us this information for all 3 rotations at all 3 airports: I think this would be very helpful indeed. The allergen issue is best considered in advance rather than being reduced to "chicken or pasta" from a crew member trying to get everyone served quickly. For parents with young children who eat some but not all adult food, again this would be very helpful. Some people who may consider a Special Meal would avoid doing so if they could see this information in advance. Though there is some unhappiness here on Mediums outside of Breakfast, the rest of the CE meal service is actually worth showcasing in my view.
If I can put in a plea to BA (or staff members) to give us this information for all 3 rotations at all 3 airports: I think this would be very helpful indeed. The allergen issue is best considered in advance rather than being reduced to "chicken or pasta" from a crew member trying to get everyone served quickly. For parents with young children who eat some but not all adult food, again this would be very helpful. Some people who may consider a Special Meal would avoid doing so if they could see this information in advance. Though there is some unhappiness here on Mediums outside of Breakfast, the rest of the CE meal service is actually worth showcasing in my view.
So routes which had rotation A in May will now get B
C will get A and B will get C?
Is that the way it works?
Jun 2, 2017, 1:34 am
#1030
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,760
Within a rotation, the inbound from the previous month slides over to the outbound. So inbound C became outbound A. Then LGW, LHR and LCY all have different menus, and LCY has a different approach anyway.
Or so I reckon, I haven't actually seen a B menu (outbound or inbound) yet so it would be good to see one to see if I got that right or not.
Jun 2, 2017, 5:42 am
#1031
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 847
Afternoon tea 'ploughman's salad', LHR-MAH (Menorca) on 19th May. The scotch egg is of the bullet-hard service station variety, although I am quite partial to those. The cake was surprisingly good.
Jun 2, 2017, 5:46 am
#1032
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 847
Dinner (duck salad) MAH-LHR on 26th May. Mango sauce with the cheese is a bit weird, but I liked it. Overall it was tasty but insubstantial. The crew were kept extremely busy topping up the thimble-glasses throughout the flight.
Jun 2, 2017, 6:29 am
#1033
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,398
I was particularly interested because this is a regular route for me - although generally I do it with Monarch because their extra-legroom seating options in Y are preferable to BA, whether CE or ET.
I did try the BA service to MAH around this time last year, soon after it had been launched, and was bitterly disappointed by the 'afternoon tea' provided in CE (stale bread mini sandwiches + dry-tasting scones) and your photo of the revamped offering does look to be an improvement.
Amused somewhat by your reference to 'thimble glasses' ! Were these actually seen on BA in the past (I seem to think not ?) ......or were they commissioned specially as part of the er all-new improved CE catering ...??
I have visions of a sample of a smart new glass arriving at the BA bunker for sign-off .....only for it to be sent back to the supplier with a note saying "rejected, sorry, far too big, we're looking for something more thimble-like ......"
Jun 2, 2017, 6:55 am
#1034
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 847
Amused somewhat by your reference to 'thimble glasses' ! Were these actually seen on BA in the past (I seem to think not ?) ......or were they commissioned specially as part of the er all-new improved CE catering ...??
I have visions of a sample of a smart new glass arriving at the BA bunker for sign-off .....only for it to be sent back to the supplier with a note saying "rejected, sorry, far too big, we're looking for something more thimble-like ......"
I have visions of a sample of a smart new glass arriving at the BA bunker for sign-off .....only for it to be sent back to the supplier with a note saying "rejected, sorry, far too big, we're looking for something more thimble-like ......"
You can see the glass in the picture - somebody may correct me but I think they're the same ones as used previously? The difference now is that with champagne and wine being served from big bottles on medium routes, the crew have a lot of extra work to do in topping people up (because previously the little bottles handed out = two glasses or so).
Jun 2, 2017, 7:19 am
#1035
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,398
We've seen a good few comments bemoaning the loss of the mini bottles, for the very reason you mention.
The full-sized bottles do help in creating a more stylish catering service ; but the downside of having to wait for top-ups becomes more of an issue on heavy sectors where CE can often occupy a large number of rows.