B747-400, CLUB WORLD, LONDON-NEW YORK
“British Airways is rolling out upgrades to its Club World (business class) cabin. The new service debuted on London Heathrow to New York JFK, and includes changes both to the way food and drink are served, along with new bedding and amenities provided by the White Company.
“The intention is for these improvements to be rolled out across North American routes, with both Boston and Washington DC seeing the new bedding by the end of 2017. White Company products will be on all Heathrow routes by summer 2018, and catering by the year-end. Gatwick routes will begin to be upgraded towards the end of 2018. Wifi is also gradually appearing across the fleet (it was on this B747).
“The new bedding was waiting for me on my seat. There was a large and a small pillow, plus a large bag, inside of which was a mattress topper, duvet and blanket. You don’t keep this with you for take-off (there’d be nowhere to sit if you did), so the flight attendants come around and try and find somewhere in the overhead lockers to put them. The White Company amenity bag had all the normal products in, including a toothbrush and toothpaste, a lovely eyemask (very soft), earplugs and White Company lip balm, moisturiser and something to help you sleep called Pulse Point with lavender, sage and peppermint.
“The new menu was presented differently. The crew come and ask for your main course choice but starters are selected by you from a trolley as it comes through the cabin. Options included roasted beef carpaccio, a tapas selection, smoked red pepper soup with a cheese straw, and fresh seasonal salad. Mains were braised heritage beef cheeks with aubergine, tomato salsa and pommes au gratin; poached Loch Fyne salmon fillet with spinach, watercress mousseline, pan-friend potatoes and basil oil; and homemade truffled mascarpone tortelloni and grilled asparagus. There were also three non-vintage champagnes – Henriot Brut Souverain, and De Castelnau Brut Reserve/ Brut Rosé. Flight attendants were attentive and enthusiastic, enjoying explaining the new service to passengers.”