Sep 12, 2018, 5:55 am
Last edit by: EJetter
Club Europe Catering Guide - September 2018 onwards
This thread outlines the new arrangements for Club Europe catering introduced on Wednesday 12 September 2018 based on 5 bands (Express, and Bands 1-4). 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 the menus for LGW routes rotate monthly, whereas LHR routes rotate bi-weekly
Please keep this thread clear for for reviews, menu descriptions, and photos. For chat about the new service arrangements there is a dedicated thread has now been set up for this Club Europe catering opinions and general discussion
Please do not quote photos in this thread.
The previous shorthaul catering guide for Sunday 26 March 2017 to Tuesday 11 September 2018 is now locked, but is to be found here.
Numbers relate to the post number. Vegetarian means the alternative option provided as standard rather than the special meals. The pre-ordered special meals are AVML (Asia-vegetarian), CHML(children meal), DBML (diabetic meal), GFML (gluten free), HNML (Hindu non-vegetarian meal), KSML (Kosher meal), LCML (low calorie meal), LFML (low fat meal), NLML (low-lactose meal), LSML (low salt meal), MOML (Muslim meal), VGML (vegan meal), and VLML (lacto-ovo vegetarian).
There are differences between the offering in/out of LHR, LGW, and BA CityFlyer routes operated from LCY, STN, BRS, BHX, MAN, EDI, and DUB. For BA CityFlyer flights please refer to this guide created by eJetter BA CityFlyer catering guide
Last update: post 1830
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Chef's Chat sheets for:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Express (LBA, MAN, and JER only. Note JER is classes at express but gets band 1 service)
Breakfast: 176, 289 (KSML), 345 (VLML), 347 (JER), 375, 622, 705, 1063, 1359, 1390 (JER)
Brunch: 813, 987 (AVML), 1066
Lunch: 226, 326, 388 (KSML), 427 (AVML), 553 (KSML), 586, 678, 887, 1014 (JER), 1015, 1128, 1139, 1148 (KSML), 1276, 1351, 1396, 1452, 1456, 1789
Afternoon tea: 103, 176, 643 (LCML), 733, 1038
Dinner: 279, 332 (JER), 359 (AVML), 521, 588, 608, 647, 752, 914, 941, 950, 961, 1006 (KSML), 1014 (JER), 1016, 1026, 1050 (AVML), 1054 (KSML), 1095, 1142 (VLML), 1143 (NLML), 1186 (KSML), 1399 (JER), 1523, 1524 (KSML), 1598
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Band 1 (UK, France, Ireland, BeNeLux, Germany)
Breakfast: 9, 56, 105, 183, 203, 256, 304, 377, 420 (LGW), 445, 452 (VGML), 457 (VGML), 558, 641, 971 (LGW), 1071, 1417, 1424, 1584 (VGML), 1605, 1638, 1748,1758 (LGW), 1810
Brunch: 68, 121, 142, 197, 420, 458, 555, 559, 620 (LCML), 660, 662, 770, 923, 1077 (VGML), 1354, 1410, 1560, 1704, 1747 (LGW), 1755, 1819
Lunch: 16, 142, 147 (VLML), 170 (KSML), 230, 255, 344, 498, 510, 529, 535, 556, 560, 592, 612, 632, 640, 660, 707 (LGW), 713 (KSML), 723, 838, 981 (LGW) (VLML), 1008 (KSML), 1094, 1183 (VGML), 1196, 1222 (VGML), 1223, 1318, 1360, 1461 (VGML), 1475 (LGW), 1539 (LGW) (VLML), 1543, 1709 (LGW), 1778, 1794, 1820 (LGW)
Afternoon tea: 32, 36 (LGW), 71, 90, 104, 123 (LGW), 139 (LCML), 146, 167 (VLML), 207 (KSML), 252, 277, 285, 353 (KSML), 441, 527 (LGW), 557, 739, 783, 831, 907, 976, 1160, 1337 (LGW), 1340, 1343 (VGML), 1382, 1408 (LGW), 1642 (LGW), 1756, 1757, 1804, 1809, 1817
Dinner: 49, 130 (LGW), 142, 642185, 186 (LGW & VLML), 208 (KSML), 225, 225 (LGW), 237, 242, 268, 281, 298, 307 (KSML), 353 (KSML), 367, 436 (AVML), 441, 444, 498, 517 (AVML), 554, 648, 652, 653, 669, 690, 708, 758, 789, 822, 916 (LGW), 917 (LGW), 955 (VGML), 981 (LGW) , 1060, 1070, 1136, 1212 (VGML), 1217, 1218, 1275, 1308 (KSML), 1321, 1358, 1365, 1369, 1529, 1556 (LGW), 1568 (VGML), 1576, 1577, 1617 (LGW), 1638, 1682, 1690, 1703, 1769, 1771, 1778 (VGML), 1788 (VGML), 1812, 1813, 1820 (LGW)
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Band 2 (e.g. Barcelona, Nice, Venice, Prague, Copenhagen)
Breakfast: 8, 269, 309, 329, 400, 576 (KSML), 613, 650 (LGW), 679 (AVML), 914 (AVML), 955 (VGML), 1463, 1655 (LGW)
Brunch: 578, 610, 659, 910
Lunch: 18, 40, 107, 163 (AVML), 235, 421, 431, 504, 578, 614, 760, 894 (VGML), 1243, 1407, 1641 (LGW), 1656 (LGW), 1830
Afternoon tea: 278 (LGW), 306, 362 (KSML), 399, 496 (LGW), 499, 578, 749, 1150, 1191 (AVML), 1204, 1279 (KSML), 1730 (LGW)
Dinner: 155 (AVML), 227, 269, 287, 385, 496 (LGW), 578, 583, 591 (KSML), 593 (LGW), 596 (AVML), 596 (HNML), 794, 875, 910, 925, 937, 940, 982, 1204, 1221 (GFML), 1231 (KSML), 1237, 1238 (AVML), 1720 (LGW), 1774, 1777, 1806, 1830
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Band 3 (e.g. Madrid, Rome, Warsaw, Stockholm)
Breakfast: 57, 171, 418, 507, 631, 677, 762, 956, 1165 (VGML), 1425, 1430, 1443, 1464,1749, 1727, 1749
Rest of the day: 27, 44, 59, 87, 100, 165, 168, 199 (LGW), 200 (LGW), 216, 268, 282, 321 (LGW), 322, 335, 341 (LGW), 343, 350 (LGW), 351 (LGW), 387, 397 (KSML), 398, 400, 419, 429, 435 (AVML), 448 (VGML), 477, 484, 485, 500, 448 (KSML), 551 (LCML), 571 (KSML), 587, 599 (LGW), 619, 649 (KSML), 676, 743 (VLML), 753, 763, 778 (GFML), 780, 803, 806, 816, 854, 880, 882 (LGW), 895, 929, 944, 954, 957, 963, 984, 985, 998 (LFML), 1002, 1017 (LGW), 1035, 1037 (LGW), 1046 (LGW), 1067 (KSML), 1071, 1072, 1074, 1078, 1091, 1097, 1104, 1121, 1126 (LFML), 1127, 1132, 1135, 1145 (KSML), 1151, 1152, 1154 (KSML), 1205, 1220, 1227 (VGML), 1246, 1266, 1269 (LGW), 1272, 1273, 1274, 1323, 1426, 1465 (AVML), 1482, 1504, 1538, 1552, 1561, 1586 (LGW), 1610, 1612, 1620, 1621 (AVML), 1658 (LGW), 1673 (LGW), 1680, 1685, 1687, 1696, 1699 (LGW), 1706, 1718, , 1728, 1731, 1735 (LGW), 1736 (KSML), 1742 (LGW), 1770, 1772, 1773, 1790 (LGW), 1791, 1793, 1796 (LGW), 1805, 1828, 1829
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Band 4 (e.g. Malta, Sofia, Kiev, Istanbul)
Breakfast: 159, 223, 440, 483, 661, 795, 796, 878 (AVML), 898 (LGW), 919 (KSML), 1226
Rest of the day: 61 (LGW), 63 (LGW), 83, 122 (LGW), 129 (LGW), 191 (LGW), 233, 244, 255, 264, 342, 349, 618 (CHML) (LGW), 624, 661, 730 (LGW), 797, 798, 835 (LGW), 836 (LGW), 863 (LGW), 893, 896 (LGW), 897 (LGW), 911 (LGW), 942, 986, 1047, 1141 (CHML), 1149, 1226, 1250 (LGW), 1252 (LGW), 1263, 1277 (LGW), 1280, 1314 (LGW), 1366, 1371, 1450, 1469, 1474, 1484 (LGW), 1497, 1505, 1516, 1520, 1522, 1648, 1661 (LGW), 1662 (LGW), 1681 (LGW), 1722 (LGW) (VGML), 1746 (LGW) (VGML), 1786, 1787, 1811 (LGW)
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This thread outlines the new arrangements for Club Europe catering introduced on Wednesday 12 September 2018 based on 5 bands (Express, and Bands 1-4). 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 the menus for LGW routes rotate monthly, whereas LHR routes rotate bi-weekly
Please keep this thread clear for for reviews, menu descriptions, and photos. For chat about the new service arrangements there is a dedicated thread has now been set up for this Club Europe catering opinions and general discussion
Please do not quote photos in this thread.
The previous shorthaul catering guide for Sunday 26 March 2017 to Tuesday 11 September 2018 is now locked, but is to be found here.
Numbers relate to the post number. Vegetarian means the alternative option provided as standard rather than the special meals. The pre-ordered special meals are AVML (Asia-vegetarian), CHML(children meal), DBML (diabetic meal), GFML (gluten free), HNML (Hindu non-vegetarian meal), KSML (Kosher meal), LCML (low calorie meal), LFML (low fat meal), NLML (low-lactose meal), LSML (low salt meal), MOML (Muslim meal), VGML (vegan meal), and VLML (lacto-ovo vegetarian).
There are differences between the offering in/out of LHR, LGW, and BA CityFlyer routes operated from LCY, STN, BRS, BHX, MAN, EDI, and DUB. For BA CityFlyer flights please refer to this guide created by eJetter BA CityFlyer catering guide
Last update: post 1830
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chef's Chat sheets for:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Express (LBA, MAN, and JER only. Note JER is classes at express but gets band 1 service)
Breakfast: 176, 289 (KSML), 345 (VLML), 347 (JER), 375, 622, 705, 1063, 1359, 1390 (JER)
Brunch: 813, 987 (AVML), 1066
Lunch: 226, 326, 388 (KSML), 427 (AVML), 553 (KSML), 586, 678, 887, 1014 (JER), 1015, 1128, 1139, 1148 (KSML), 1276, 1351, 1396, 1452, 1456, 1789
Afternoon tea: 103, 176, 643 (LCML), 733, 1038
Dinner: 279, 332 (JER), 359 (AVML), 521, 588, 608, 647, 752, 914, 941, 950, 961, 1006 (KSML), 1014 (JER), 1016, 1026, 1050 (AVML), 1054 (KSML), 1095, 1142 (VLML), 1143 (NLML), 1186 (KSML), 1399 (JER), 1523, 1524 (KSML), 1598
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Band 1 (UK, France, Ireland, BeNeLux, Germany)
Breakfast: 9, 56, 105, 183, 203, 256, 304, 377, 420 (LGW), 445, 452 (VGML), 457 (VGML), 558, 641, 971 (LGW), 1071, 1417, 1424, 1584 (VGML), 1605, 1638, 1748,1758 (LGW), 1810
Brunch: 68, 121, 142, 197, 420, 458, 555, 559, 620 (LCML), 660, 662, 770, 923, 1077 (VGML), 1354, 1410, 1560, 1704, 1747 (LGW), 1755, 1819
Lunch: 16, 142, 147 (VLML), 170 (KSML), 230, 255, 344, 498, 510, 529, 535, 556, 560, 592, 612, 632, 640, 660, 707 (LGW), 713 (KSML), 723, 838, 981 (LGW) (VLML), 1008 (KSML), 1094, 1183 (VGML), 1196, 1222 (VGML), 1223, 1318, 1360, 1461 (VGML), 1475 (LGW), 1539 (LGW) (VLML), 1543, 1709 (LGW), 1778, 1794, 1820 (LGW)
Afternoon tea: 32, 36 (LGW), 71, 90, 104, 123 (LGW), 139 (LCML), 146, 167 (VLML), 207 (KSML), 252, 277, 285, 353 (KSML), 441, 527 (LGW), 557, 739, 783, 831, 907, 976, 1160, 1337 (LGW), 1340, 1343 (VGML), 1382, 1408 (LGW), 1642 (LGW), 1756, 1757, 1804, 1809, 1817
Dinner: 49, 130 (LGW), 142, 642185, 186 (LGW & VLML), 208 (KSML), 225, 225 (LGW), 237, 242, 268, 281, 298, 307 (KSML), 353 (KSML), 367, 436 (AVML), 441, 444, 498, 517 (AVML), 554, 648, 652, 653, 669, 690, 708, 758, 789, 822, 916 (LGW), 917 (LGW), 955 (VGML), 981 (LGW) , 1060, 1070, 1136, 1212 (VGML), 1217, 1218, 1275, 1308 (KSML), 1321, 1358, 1365, 1369, 1529, 1556 (LGW), 1568 (VGML), 1576, 1577, 1617 (LGW), 1638, 1682, 1690, 1703, 1769, 1771, 1778 (VGML), 1788 (VGML), 1812, 1813, 1820 (LGW)
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Band 2 (e.g. Barcelona, Nice, Venice, Prague, Copenhagen)
Breakfast: 8, 269, 309, 329, 400, 576 (KSML), 613, 650 (LGW), 679 (AVML), 914 (AVML), 955 (VGML), 1463, 1655 (LGW)
Brunch: 578, 610, 659, 910
Lunch: 18, 40, 107, 163 (AVML), 235, 421, 431, 504, 578, 614, 760, 894 (VGML), 1243, 1407, 1641 (LGW), 1656 (LGW), 1830
Afternoon tea: 278 (LGW), 306, 362 (KSML), 399, 496 (LGW), 499, 578, 749, 1150, 1191 (AVML), 1204, 1279 (KSML), 1730 (LGW)
Dinner: 155 (AVML), 227, 269, 287, 385, 496 (LGW), 578, 583, 591 (KSML), 593 (LGW), 596 (AVML), 596 (HNML), 794, 875, 910, 925, 937, 940, 982, 1204, 1221 (GFML), 1231 (KSML), 1237, 1238 (AVML), 1720 (LGW), 1774, 1777, 1806, 1830
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Band 3 (e.g. Madrid, Rome, Warsaw, Stockholm)
Breakfast: 57, 171, 418, 507, 631, 677, 762, 956, 1165 (VGML), 1425, 1430, 1443, 1464,1749, 1727, 1749
Rest of the day: 27, 44, 59, 87, 100, 165, 168, 199 (LGW), 200 (LGW), 216, 268, 282, 321 (LGW), 322, 335, 341 (LGW), 343, 350 (LGW), 351 (LGW), 387, 397 (KSML), 398, 400, 419, 429, 435 (AVML), 448 (VGML), 477, 484, 485, 500, 448 (KSML), 551 (LCML), 571 (KSML), 587, 599 (LGW), 619, 649 (KSML), 676, 743 (VLML), 753, 763, 778 (GFML), 780, 803, 806, 816, 854, 880, 882 (LGW), 895, 929, 944, 954, 957, 963, 984, 985, 998 (LFML), 1002, 1017 (LGW), 1035, 1037 (LGW), 1046 (LGW), 1067 (KSML), 1071, 1072, 1074, 1078, 1091, 1097, 1104, 1121, 1126 (LFML), 1127, 1132, 1135, 1145 (KSML), 1151, 1152, 1154 (KSML), 1205, 1220, 1227 (VGML), 1246, 1266, 1269 (LGW), 1272, 1273, 1274, 1323, 1426, 1465 (AVML), 1482, 1504, 1538, 1552, 1561, 1586 (LGW), 1610, 1612, 1620, 1621 (AVML), 1658 (LGW), 1673 (LGW), 1680, 1685, 1687, 1696, 1699 (LGW), 1706, 1718, , 1728, 1731, 1735 (LGW), 1736 (KSML), 1742 (LGW), 1770, 1772, 1773, 1790 (LGW), 1791, 1793, 1796 (LGW), 1805, 1828, 1829
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Band 4 (e.g. Malta, Sofia, Kiev, Istanbul)
Breakfast: 159, 223, 440, 483, 661, 795, 796, 878 (AVML), 898 (LGW), 919 (KSML), 1226
Rest of the day: 61 (LGW), 63 (LGW), 83, 122 (LGW), 129 (LGW), 191 (LGW), 233, 244, 255, 264, 342, 349, 618 (CHML) (LGW), 624, 661, 730 (LGW), 797, 798, 835 (LGW), 836 (LGW), 863 (LGW), 893, 896 (LGW), 897 (LGW), 911 (LGW), 942, 986, 1047, 1141 (CHML), 1149, 1226, 1250 (LGW), 1252 (LGW), 1263, 1277 (LGW), 1280, 1314 (LGW), 1366, 1371, 1450, 1469, 1474, 1484 (LGW), 1497, 1505, 1516, 1520, 1522, 1648, 1661 (LGW), 1662 (LGW), 1681 (LGW), 1722 (LGW) (VGML), 1746 (LGW) (VGML), 1786, 1787, 1811 (LGW)
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Club Europe catering | menus, reviews and photos
Sep 12, 2018, 6:28 am
#16
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: 63,821
Band 1 lunch
And so to Brussels. This is normally a very short flight, longer than LBA but shorter than NCL. This was BA394, with a 12.20 hrs departure, we arrived 5 minutes early on a fast flight.
The options for lunch were rare beef salad, or goats cheese and beetroot salad. Both options had the same slaw accompaniment and themango passion fruit panna cotta. This time we definitely had the different signature bread rolls, and the new Union coffee, I guess my EDI service was using up the bread stocks.
The beef was excellent, a good choice and the horseradish had a good kick without being overpowering. And I liked both the new bread and the dessert. The slaw wasn't terribly exciting but not in a bad way. And the whole tray was certainly filling, given the short flight timings.
The crew struggled with the to get everything completed, and were held up by the need to familiar with the new product.They did get everyone served, but some of them would have been 16 minutes to landing, so only a brief period of time to eat. And this was with very experienced cabin crew. However as we have seen elsewhere, usually it takes a few weeks for changes to get embedded and then things tend to speed up.
This flight was on an A319, Eurofleet. 4 crew with 2 pursers in CE. Not completely full, but nearly full. There were 7 rows for CE, and 25 passengers in Club.
And so to Brussels. This is normally a very short flight, longer than LBA but shorter than NCL. This was BA394, with a 12.20 hrs departure, we arrived 5 minutes early on a fast flight.
The options for lunch were rare beef salad, or goats cheese and beetroot salad. Both options had the same slaw accompaniment and the
The beef was excellent, a good choice and the horseradish had a good kick without being overpowering. And I liked both the new bread and the dessert. The slaw wasn't terribly exciting but not in a bad way. And the whole tray was certainly filling, given the short flight timings.
The crew struggled with the to get everything completed, and were held up by the need to familiar with the new product.They did get everyone served, but some of them would have been 16 minutes to landing, so only a brief period of time to eat. And this was with very experienced cabin crew. However as we have seen elsewhere, usually it takes a few weeks for changes to get embedded and then things tend to speed up.
This flight was on an A319, Eurofleet. 4 crew with 2 pursers in CE. Not completely full, but nearly full. There were 7 rows for CE, and 25 passengers in Club.
Last edited by corporate-wage-slave; Sep 12, 2018 at 7:46 am
Sep 12, 2018, 6:34 am
#17
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Windsor
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 909
That does look like an improvement on the old catering, especially in terms of quantity!
Sep 12, 2018, 7:09 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: GGL, BA lifetime Gold, Many Hotel Sparkles
Posts: 891
Oslo to London heathrow lunch
Lunch service from Oslo to London
A very tasty coronation chicken ceaser salad, prawn and mushroom salad starter with a decidant Do&Co pudding. Quite nice.
Oslo to London lunch
A very tasty coronation chicken ceaser salad, prawn and mushroom salad starter with a decidant Do&Co pudding. Quite nice.
Oslo to London lunch
Last edited by BugAlugs; Sep 12, 2018 at 7:10 am Reason: Spelling
Sep 12, 2018, 7:10 am
#19
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
Sep 12, 2018, 7:12 am
#20
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: 30,540
). I still don't think that makes the cut for former medium/band 2 but for something like LHR-BRU it certainly looks reasonable indeed.
Sep 12, 2018, 7:13 am
#21
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,928
Band 1 lunch
...
The options for lunch were rare beef salad, or goats cheese and beetroot salad. Both options had the same slaw accompaniment and the Mango panna cotta.
...
The beef was excellent, a good choice and the horseradish had a good kick. And I liked both the new bread and the dessert. And certainty filling, given the flight timings.
...
...
The options for lunch were rare beef salad, or goats cheese and beetroot salad. Both options had the same slaw accompaniment and the Mango panna cotta.
...
The beef was excellent, a good choice and the horseradish had a good kick. And I liked both the new bread and the dessert. And certainty filling, given the flight timings.
...
Sep 12, 2018, 7:15 am
#22
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 681
Do these new arrangements also apply to LGW routes as I understand they are not catered by Do&Co.?
Sep 12, 2018, 7:21 am
#23
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Certainly looking like improvements in quantity and quality so far ^ Looking forward to see more inputs from our roving reporters. Although still to see the Band 3/Medium dinner offering....
Thankfully no paninis yet!!!!
Thankfully no paninis yet!!!!
Sep 12, 2018, 7:24 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
Programs: LH HON, BA GGL, AF Plat, EK Plat
Posts: 6,428
Completely agree, wonder what band 2 meals are like
Sep 12, 2018, 7:26 am
#25
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: 16,350
Somebody needs to tell Mixed Fleet to remove the plastic lids and put the glasses upright!
Sep 12, 2018, 7:31 am
#26
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: 30,540
Sep 12, 2018, 7:40 am
#27
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 137
LHR-HEL, Band 3
"Rest of day" (11.25am departure)
Menus provided after doors closed. Menu cards now folded into mini Club World-style menus, with a choice of two hot and one cold main:
Champagne remained in full-sized bottles while the wines reverted to quarter-bottles. I rarely drink wine in Club Europe (today being an exception, for research of course!) but the quality of the wine seems an improvement.
On this flight a bar run, with bagged nuts, was completed before the meals, but I overheard the crew discussing whether or not that was correct. There were no wine glasses loaded separately from on the meal trays, so the initial drinks run was served in tumblers.
All courses were presented on one of the new(ish) tiny trays, meaning a smaller starter plate. Previously "long" flights (which included Helsinki) would have received the main separately, albeit still using the tiny trays.
Bread
Extremely good, a certain improvement! I didn't have complaints about the previous bread, but this tasted as though it was baked fresh minutes before. The butter is perhaps slightly smaller but seemed good quality.
Starter
Shaved cabbage slaw with green apple, celery and flat leaf parsley
Nice flavours, crisp and fresh, more of a side salad than the previous starter plate on "long" flights. This seems to be the same as in c-w-s' band 1.
Main
British reared pork sausage and mash with slow-cooked onion gravy, fresh green beans and peas
I was unconvinced by this as a menu choice, but was interested to see whether it could be pulled off well. It was adequate - filling enough and OK - but perhaps poorer quality than previous "long" mains. Five 1cm slivers of green beans seems slightly stingy for something described as "with" fresh green beans. I wouldn't choose this again. The cold option appears to be the same as c-w-s' band 1.
Dessert
DO & CO's passion fruit panna cotta
Very good, certainly presented better than previous desserts with a fresh firm raspberry and a Do&Co chocolate disc. Again, this looks the same as c-w-s' band 1.
Cheese
Celebration of British cheese: Cromwell Bishop Stilton and Belton Red Leicester with fog relish and crackers
Similar to before, but presented in a smaller dish (though quantity of cheese seems constant). The packaged crackers (3x Peter's Yard Sourdough Crispbreads) are a definite improvement on the sometimes slightly-soggy biscuits from Heathrow before.
Summary:
Helsinki used to be a "long route", and is now band 3. I have been very happy with the previous long menus; it’s the shorter flights where the problems were evident.
On this Helsinki flight the quality of the wine seems improved. The starter, dessert and cheese were good quality, though the starter more of a (tasty) side salad. From one meal, I'd say the main seems "cheaper" than before. I wonder whether band 4 have an improved main meal?
Presenting the food on one tray presumably speeds service, particularly for those sat further back in the cabin. Note that on this flight Club extended to nine rows (~28 passengers), and three crew worked the Club cabin for the whole time (this would previously have been two?). The lack of familiarisation/changed loading locations was evident.
Based on this experience I'm satisfied with the band 3 "rest of day" menu, particularly if it allows improvements to filter down to shorter flights. I really hope the band 2 routes have received some love.
Menus provided after doors closed. Menu cards now folded into mini Club World-style menus, with a choice of two hot and one cold main:
Champagne remained in full-sized bottles while the wines reverted to quarter-bottles. I rarely drink wine in Club Europe (today being an exception, for research of course!) but the quality of the wine seems an improvement.
On this flight a bar run, with bagged nuts, was completed before the meals, but I overheard the crew discussing whether or not that was correct. There were no wine glasses loaded separately from on the meal trays, so the initial drinks run was served in tumblers.
All courses were presented on one of the new(ish) tiny trays, meaning a smaller starter plate. Previously "long" flights (which included Helsinki) would have received the main separately, albeit still using the tiny trays.
Bread
Extremely good, a certain improvement! I didn't have complaints about the previous bread, but this tasted as though it was baked fresh minutes before. The butter is perhaps slightly smaller but seemed good quality.
Starter
Shaved cabbage slaw with green apple, celery and flat leaf parsley
Nice flavours, crisp and fresh, more of a side salad than the previous starter plate on "long" flights. This seems to be the same as in c-w-s' band 1.
Main
British reared pork sausage and mash with slow-cooked onion gravy, fresh green beans and peas
I was unconvinced by this as a menu choice, but was interested to see whether it could be pulled off well. It was adequate - filling enough and OK - but perhaps poorer quality than previous "long" mains. Five 1cm slivers of green beans seems slightly stingy for something described as "with" fresh green beans. I wouldn't choose this again. The cold option appears to be the same as c-w-s' band 1.
Dessert
DO & CO's passion fruit panna cotta
Very good, certainly presented better than previous desserts with a fresh firm raspberry and a Do&Co chocolate disc. Again, this looks the same as c-w-s' band 1.
Cheese
Celebration of British cheese: Cromwell Bishop Stilton and Belton Red Leicester with fog relish and crackers
Similar to before, but presented in a smaller dish (though quantity of cheese seems constant). The packaged crackers (3x Peter's Yard Sourdough Crispbreads) are a definite improvement on the sometimes slightly-soggy biscuits from Heathrow before.
Summary:
Helsinki used to be a "long route", and is now band 3. I have been very happy with the previous long menus; it’s the shorter flights where the problems were evident.
On this Helsinki flight the quality of the wine seems improved. The starter, dessert and cheese were good quality, though the starter more of a (tasty) side salad. From one meal, I'd say the main seems "cheaper" than before. I wonder whether band 4 have an improved main meal?
Presenting the food on one tray presumably speeds service, particularly for those sat further back in the cabin. Note that on this flight Club extended to nine rows (~28 passengers), and three crew worked the Club cabin for the whole time (this would previously have been two?). The lack of familiarisation/changed loading locations was evident.
Based on this experience I'm satisfied with the band 3 "rest of day" menu, particularly if it allows improvements to filter down to shorter flights. I really hope the band 2 routes have received some love.
Last edited by SleepySynapse; Sep 12, 2018 at 8:41 am Reason: apostrophes etc got lost between phone notes and laptop upload, sorry!
Sep 12, 2018, 7:44 am
#28
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: 63,821
Thanks for reporting back so swifty and comprehensively on that Band 3, quite impressive in terms of menus and what not. You can see some overlap on the food between bands now. And I find out more precisely what I've eaten today!
Sep 12, 2018, 7:51 am
#29
Join Date: May 2006
Location: UK London / Salisbury
Programs: BA GGL, CCR, LTG
Posts: 543
“Rest of day” (11.25am departure)
Menus provided after doors closed. Menu cards now folded into mini Club World-style menus, with a choice of two hot and one cold main:
Champagne remained in full-sized bottles while the wines reverted to quarter-bottles. I rarely drink wine in Club Europe (today being an exception, for research of course!) but the quality of the wine seems an improvement.
On this flight a bar run, with bagged nuts, was completed before the meals, but I overheard the crew discussing whether or not that was correct. There were no wine glasses loaded separately from on the meal trays, so the initial drinks run was served in tumblers.
All courses were presented on one of the new(ish) tiny trays, meaning a smaller starter plate. Previously “long” flights (which included Helsinki) would have received the main separately, albeit still using the tiny trays.
Bread
Extremely good, a certain improvement! I didn’t have complaints about the previous bread, but this tasted as though it was baked fresh minutes before. The butter is perhaps slightly smaller but seemed good quality.
Starter
Shaved cabbage slaw with green apple, celery and flat leaf parsley
Nice flavours, crisp and fresh, more of a side salad than the previous starter plate on “long” flights. This seems to be the same as in c-w-s’ band 1.
Main
British reared pork sausage and mash with slow-cooked onion gravy, fresh green beans and peas
I was unconvinced by this as a menu choice, but was interested to see whether it could be pulled off well. It was adequate - filling enough and OK - but perhaps poorer quality than previous “long” mains. Five 1cm slivers of green beans seems slightly stingy for something described as “with” fresh green beans. I wouldn’t choose this again. The cold option appears to be the same as c-w-s’ band 1.
Dessert
DO & CO’s passion fruit panna cotta
Very good, certainly presented better than previous desserts with a fresh firm raspberry and a Do&Co chocolate disc. Again, this looks the same as c-w-s’ band 1.
Cheese
Celebration of British cheese: Cromwell Bishop Stilton and Belton Red Leicester with fog relish and crackers
Similar to before, but presented in a smaller dish (though quantity of cheese seems constant). The packaged crackers (3x Peter’s Yard Sourdough Crispbreads) are a definite improvement on the sometimes slightly-soggy biscuits from Heathrow before.
Summary:
Helsinki used to be a “long route”, and is now band 3. I have been very happy with the previous long menus; it’s the shorter flights where the problems were evident.
On this Helsinki flight the quality of the wine seems improved. The starter, dessert and cheese were good quality, though the starter more of a (tasty) side salad. From one meal, I’d say the main seems “cheaper” than before. I wonder whether band 4 have an improved main meal?
Presenting the food on one tray presumably speeds service, particularly for those sat further back in the cabin. Note that on this flight Club extended to nine rows (~28 passengers), and three crew worked the Club cabin for the whole time (this would previously have been two?). The lack of familiarisation/changed loadings was evident.
Based on this experience I’m satisfied with the band 3 “rest of day” menu, particularly if it allows improvements to filter down to shorter flights. I really hope the band 2 routes have received some love.
(I really hope these uploads worked!)
Menus provided after doors closed. Menu cards now folded into mini Club World-style menus, with a choice of two hot and one cold main:
Champagne remained in full-sized bottles while the wines reverted to quarter-bottles. I rarely drink wine in Club Europe (today being an exception, for research of course!) but the quality of the wine seems an improvement.
On this flight a bar run, with bagged nuts, was completed before the meals, but I overheard the crew discussing whether or not that was correct. There were no wine glasses loaded separately from on the meal trays, so the initial drinks run was served in tumblers.
All courses were presented on one of the new(ish) tiny trays, meaning a smaller starter plate. Previously “long” flights (which included Helsinki) would have received the main separately, albeit still using the tiny trays.
Bread
Extremely good, a certain improvement! I didn’t have complaints about the previous bread, but this tasted as though it was baked fresh minutes before. The butter is perhaps slightly smaller but seemed good quality.
Starter
Shaved cabbage slaw with green apple, celery and flat leaf parsley
Nice flavours, crisp and fresh, more of a side salad than the previous starter plate on “long” flights. This seems to be the same as in c-w-s’ band 1.
Main
British reared pork sausage and mash with slow-cooked onion gravy, fresh green beans and peas
I was unconvinced by this as a menu choice, but was interested to see whether it could be pulled off well. It was adequate - filling enough and OK - but perhaps poorer quality than previous “long” mains. Five 1cm slivers of green beans seems slightly stingy for something described as “with” fresh green beans. I wouldn’t choose this again. The cold option appears to be the same as c-w-s’ band 1.
Dessert
DO & CO’s passion fruit panna cotta
Very good, certainly presented better than previous desserts with a fresh firm raspberry and a Do&Co chocolate disc. Again, this looks the same as c-w-s’ band 1.
Cheese
Celebration of British cheese: Cromwell Bishop Stilton and Belton Red Leicester with fog relish and crackers
Similar to before, but presented in a smaller dish (though quantity of cheese seems constant). The packaged crackers (3x Peter’s Yard Sourdough Crispbreads) are a definite improvement on the sometimes slightly-soggy biscuits from Heathrow before.
Summary:
Helsinki used to be a “long route”, and is now band 3. I have been very happy with the previous long menus; it’s the shorter flights where the problems were evident.
On this Helsinki flight the quality of the wine seems improved. The starter, dessert and cheese were good quality, though the starter more of a (tasty) side salad. From one meal, I’d say the main seems “cheaper” than before. I wonder whether band 4 have an improved main meal?
Presenting the food on one tray presumably speeds service, particularly for those sat further back in the cabin. Note that on this flight Club extended to nine rows (~28 passengers), and three crew worked the Club cabin for the whole time (this would previously have been two?). The lack of familiarisation/changed loadings was evident.
Based on this experience I’m satisfied with the band 3 “rest of day” menu, particularly if it allows improvements to filter down to shorter flights. I really hope the band 2 routes have received some love.
(I really hope these uploads worked!)
Sep 12, 2018, 7:57 am
#30
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: 30,540
Yes, I almost wonder if band 4 will feature the prawn starter in the band 2 menu and then we'll have gone a full circle like:
band 1: level 1 starter, cold salad, standard dessert
band 2: level 2 starter, cold salad, standard dessert
band 3: level 1 starter, hot main/cold salad, cheese duo, standard dessert
band 4: level 2 starter, hot main/cold salad, cheese duo, standard dessert
??
band 1: level 1 starter, cold salad, standard dessert
band 2: level 2 starter, cold salad, standard dessert
band 3: level 1 starter, hot main/cold salad, cheese duo, standard dessert
band 4: level 2 starter, hot main/cold salad, cheese duo, standard dessert
??