TRIED & TESTED FLIGHTS

British Airways B747-400 Club World; Singapore Airlines B777-200 business; Thai Smile A320 economy

BACKGROUND British Airways is rolling out a new service in its Club World (long-haul business class) cabin. This includes changes to the food and drink service, along with new bedding and amenities by The White Company. The upgraded service debuted between London Heathrow and New York JFK, and will progressively be rolled out across the network in 2018. My flight was on a B747-400 configured with the “super-high-J” cabin – that is, 86 business class seats split across the main deck and the upper deck.

BOARDING I was directed to my seat 20A, towards the rear of the middle (main) cabin of the three Club World cabins. This is a rear-facing window seat with uninterrupted access to the aisle. I was asked if I wanted champagne, orange juice or water, my jacket was hung and I was given a bottle of water at the same time as the amenity pack. The White Company amenity bag included a toothbrush and toothpaste, a soft eye mask, ear plugs, some lip balm, moisturiser, plus a balm called Pulse Point that is supposed to help you sleep.

THESE AT The new bedding was waiting at my seat, comprising a large pillow, a smaller pillow and a large bag containing the mattress topper, duvet and blanket.

THE FLIGHT The new drinks service offers a choice of spirits including gins (Gordon’s or Tanqueray). To avoid spillage, the drinks are pre-poured and you are given a single measure (half the normal miniature amount). If you want the entire double measure, you need to ask for it but bear in mind that although the new glasses are lovely, they are not very large, so your drink will be very strong.

The flight attendants take your main course order, but you choose starters from a trolley service. The attendants were experienced at this, but it’s a slow system. A tray with bread and water was given to me at around 1330, and it took 20 minutes for the starters to reach me - though there were no drinks with that; wine came through later.

Choices included a roasted beef carpaccio with horseradish crème fraîche; smoked red pepper soup with cheese straws; or a tapas selection. I had the carpaccio, which was delicious, and the soup, which I thought was too salty. Mains were then brought to each seat. I enjoyed the tender and tasty braised beef cheeks with aubergine, tomato salsa and pommes au gratin. Other options included salmon or truffled mascarpone tortellini. Desserts included tiramisu, fresh mango with vanilla crème fraîche, or chocolate soufflé. There was also a cheese board, which was fresh and delicious. The wine choices included three champagnes. The whites were a Piedmontese Gavi or a South African sauvignon blanc; the reds were a California pinot noir or a Barossa Valley shiraz.

After dining I retrieved The White Company products and reclined my seat, laying out the mattress topper and making use of the blanket, duvet and eye mask. I slept for a couple of hours and found it very comfortable. The topper enhances the comfort levels, as there is something between you and the seat cushion.

I woke in time for the afternoon service. I was too full to do this justice, but the selection was much greater than previously, with sandwiches (ham, egg, cheese or smoked salmon) and a dish of prawns, mozzarella and grilled vegetables.

VERDICT The Club World changes are a definite improvement in terms of quality and choice. While the trolley service makes the meal more of an event, it also slows things down. The White Company products are also lovely.

The topper enhances the comfort levels, as there is something between you and the seat cushion