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
May 26, 2018, 1:25 pm
#2401
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: 30,520
To me it is indeed not a question of formal or informal. However, in my experience, many crew are excellent at asking passengers if they need/want anything else at various points, others do it with some of us but not others, and others do not do it at all.
It is absolutely right that even in that last case, one can always ask pro-actively and if you do you will get your drink, but quite frankly, I do not think that this should be necessary, and in a way, it takes a level of familiarity with the service to know that you can ask at any time (unless it is said which is then fine), and some people would not feel comfortable asking for things if not asked and there is no point saying that they should because it is just a matter of personal sense of what is polite or not (and to be honest, I tend to personally share their view).
Oh and before anyone starts worrying about my alcohol consumption, my drink of choice is normally sparkling water and yes, I do drink a lot of it at home, at work, and pretty much anywhere else too. And as unfortunately BA does not carry small bottles of sparkling water onboard, we are indeed dependent on top ups.
It is absolutely right that even in that last case, one can always ask pro-actively and if you do you will get your drink, but quite frankly, I do not think that this should be necessary, and in a way, it takes a level of familiarity with the service to know that you can ask at any time (unless it is said which is then fine), and some people would not feel comfortable asking for things if not asked and there is no point saying that they should because it is just a matter of personal sense of what is polite or not (and to be honest, I tend to personally share their view).
Oh and before anyone starts worrying about my alcohol consumption, my drink of choice is normally sparkling water and yes, I do drink a lot of it at home, at work, and pretty much anywhere else too. And as unfortunately BA does not carry small bottles of sparkling water onboard, we are indeed dependent on top ups.
May 26, 2018, 3:59 pm
#2402
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,924
To me it is indeed not a question of formal or informal. However, in my experience, many crew are excellent at asking passengers if they need/want anything else at various points, others do it with some of us but not others, and others do not do it at all.
It is absolutely right that even in that last case, one can always ask pro-actively and if you do you will get your drink, but quite frankly, I do not think that this should be necessary, and in a way, it takes a level of familiarity with the service to know that you can ask at any time (unless it is said which is then fine), and some people would not feel comfortable asking for things if not asked and there is no point saying that they should because it is just a matter of personal sense of what is polite or not (and to be honest, I tend to personally share their view).
Oh and before anyone starts worrying about my alcohol consumption, my drink of choice is normally sparkling water and yes, I do drink a lot of it at home, at work, and pretty much anywhere else too. And as unfortunately BA does not carry small bottles of sparkling water onboard, we are indeed dependent on top ups.
It is absolutely right that even in that last case, one can always ask pro-actively and if you do you will get your drink, but quite frankly, I do not think that this should be necessary, and in a way, it takes a level of familiarity with the service to know that you can ask at any time (unless it is said which is then fine), and some people would not feel comfortable asking for things if not asked and there is no point saying that they should because it is just a matter of personal sense of what is polite or not (and to be honest, I tend to personally share their view).
Oh and before anyone starts worrying about my alcohol consumption, my drink of choice is normally sparkling water and yes, I do drink a lot of it at home, at work, and pretty much anywhere else too. And as unfortunately BA does not carry small bottles of sparkling water onboard, we are indeed dependent on top ups.
May 26, 2018, 4:13 pm
#2403
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: 30,520
Which again, I completely agree with. I was just pointing out that I understand why some are frustrated that some crews are not very proactive/good at offering extra drink (including on longer flights) even though a lot (a majority) of them are.
May 26, 2018, 5:42 pm
#2404
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BA
Posts: 101
Just to report today's flight to MAD ( 319, 10 CE rows)
Great crew and I was able to exchange a quick word with one of them regarding the "upgraded" services.
With my surprise, she mentioned it is still a trial and she was hoping they would reverse it to the old catering as it's very hard to serve everything to everyone in such a short flight.
I prepared for the worse but the service was smooth, with one FA serving a first round of drinks while the other followed with the food. Food came a little later , but you might expect that with 10 CE rows (wasn't there a rumour somewhere with a limit of 6/7 rows?)
All in all the food serving took more or less 15min, which left everyone plenty of time to get top ups....
They managed that flight very good! Big up for the crew.
Great crew and I was able to exchange a quick word with one of them regarding the "upgraded" services.
With my surprise, she mentioned it is still a trial and she was hoping they would reverse it to the old catering as it's very hard to serve everything to everyone in such a short flight.
I prepared for the worse but the service was smooth, with one FA serving a first round of drinks while the other followed with the food. Food came a little later , but you might expect that with 10 CE rows (wasn't there a rumour somewhere with a limit of 6/7 rows?)
All in all the food serving took more or less 15min, which left everyone plenty of time to get top ups....
They managed that flight very good! Big up for the crew.
May 26, 2018, 6:12 pm
#2405
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: BRU
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 518
Just to report today's flight to MAD ( 319, 10 CE rows)
Great crew and I was able to exchange a quick word with one of them regarding the "upgraded" services.
With my surprise, she mentioned it is still a trial and she was hoping they would reverse it to the old catering as it's very hard to serve everything to everyone in such a short flight.
I prepared for the worse but the service was smooth, with one FA serving a first round of drinks while the other followed with the food. Food came a little later , but you might expect that with 10 CE rows (wasn't there a rumour somewhere with a limit of 6/7 rows?)
All in all the food serving took more or less 15min, which left everyone plenty of time to get top ups....
They managed that flight very good! Big up for the crew.
Great crew and I was able to exchange a quick word with one of them regarding the "upgraded" services.
With my surprise, she mentioned it is still a trial and she was hoping they would reverse it to the old catering as it's very hard to serve everything to everyone in such a short flight.
I prepared for the worse but the service was smooth, with one FA serving a first round of drinks while the other followed with the food. Food came a little later , but you might expect that with 10 CE rows (wasn't there a rumour somewhere with a limit of 6/7 rows?)
All in all the food serving took more or less 15min, which left everyone plenty of time to get top ups....
They managed that flight very good! Big up for the crew.
May 26, 2018, 11:15 pm
#2406
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: 30,520
it’s not on medium flights. The trial is merely to move MAD to the long band. Medium keep the usual wholly inadequate food for the time being.
May 27, 2018, 1:39 am
#2407
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,924
Perhaps those who travel on these ‘trial’ medium band service should be encouraged to provide positive feedback.
May 27, 2018, 2:04 am
#2408
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: 30,520
Needless to say I'd applaud with hands, feet, and whatever else I can summon!! ^
May 27, 2018, 3:26 am
#2409
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BA
Posts: 101
Although it's only a feeling, but from the conversation I had with the CC I was under the impression that this was a trial for a possible change in medium band catering. Maybe it was just driven by my hopes!!
I will try to chit chat on the way back to LHR and will report back!
I will try to chit chat on the way back to LHR and will report back!
May 27, 2018, 3:55 am
#2410
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 above MAD meal looks similar to that served on the LHR-OTP route at the moment, except the main course is chicken or cod.
I think the dessert looks messy but tastes ok.
I think the dessert looks messy but tastes ok.
May 27, 2018, 6:20 am
#2411
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 408
The dessert "Coffee cream caramel with gingerbread crumble" is actually quite nice. Its only messy because of the plane movements.
May 27, 2018, 6:25 am
#2412
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: 30,520
May 27, 2018, 7:18 am
#2413
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: West Sussex, UK
Programs: BAEC, Silver
Posts: 148
Flying LGW-PFO this week, PFO-LGW next week.
What sort of service loop can I expect? I.e should I “stock up” on drinks on the first bar round or will the crew do an after take off drink, then another round before meal service?
Is lunch served as a three course meal or are courses served individually on the longer routes?
Is the return PFO-LGW likely to be a different service loop due to departing at 2000ish?
What sort of service loop can I expect? I.e should I “stock up” on drinks on the first bar round or will the crew do an after take off drink, then another round before meal service?
Is lunch served as a three course meal or are courses served individually on the longer routes?
Is the return PFO-LGW likely to be a different service loop due to departing at 2000ish?
Also, how many crew would operate in Club? Currently sold at 6 rows out, 7 rows coming back.
thanks in advance.
thanks in advance.
May 27, 2018, 12:26 pm
#2414
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: LCY
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,208
Absolutely not. I’ve never had Champagne de Castelnau anywhere other than a BA flight (thankfully) and I like to take time to enjoy what I drink when I’ve chosen it. But it has occasionally been an enjoyable challenge during a short outward bound flight. Although in hindsight, cocktail parties on cruise ships is another occasion I take up the challenge - again, limited amount of time but no charge per flute as already included in the cost of the original fare...
May 27, 2018, 1:40 pm
#2415
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,345
Anyone else dislike the oat cakes served with the cheese, find them horrible. Why can't they change them to crackers or water biscuits preferably?