Afternoon tea is the quintessential English dining experience. Often served in posh hotels, this traditional repast most commonly comprises of tea, scones and finger sandwiches.
Naturally those flying in premium cabins on British Airways get afternoon tea served as well. When flying within Europe in Club Europe, there are two choices, so let’s have a look and see what they are.
Ploughman’s Lunch
Introduced in March 2017, the Ploughman’s is clearly the favourite on European afternoon tea services. When seated at the rear of the business class cabin, it usually runs out first and your choice is then sandwiches only.
With cheese, meats, half a Scotch egg, tomato and condiments, it is quite delicious. Accompanied with afternoon tea cake and washed down with Champagne, it’s truly something to savour.
Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
Club Europe catering was upgraded in September 2018, with DO&CO taking over provisioning duties. The three finger sandwiches changed to what British Airways call “premium sandwiches”.
I’m all for sandwiches but these were remarkably tasteless. There was no pep in the fillings at all, which is a shame. They have good potential but that is a little bit wasted. Afternooon tea cake is also provided.
But What About The Scones?
Regardless of which option you choose for your meal, the cabin crew will offer you warm scones from the basket. For me, this is the highlight of the entire show.
Snagging two scones where possible is the pro choice, as your jam and clotted cream will do them just nicely. While the new scones are more crumbly than the previous versions, they are still just as yummy. Superb!
Overall Thoughts
Key to the whole experience is the fact that British Airways serve real French Champagne. None of this Cava, Prosecco or Sparkling Wine – proper, actual Champagne.
They serve Champagne Castelnau, though there is a variation. On my Dublin to London on 15 December and return the following day, after the first round of Castelnau, the bottles switched to Pommery. I’m curious as to why.
Regardless, the afternoon tea services which depart between 14:00 and 16:59 on British Airways are some of my favourites. They always have been and they will continue to be.
What do you think of the offering in Club Europe? Have you tried it? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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I agree the Ploughman’s lunch was a good meal. Unfortunately we flew Club Europe just before the catering change so we didn’t get the scones :(.
Yes, it’s quite tasty. They used to have scones, then they removed them for about 18 months, and brought them back, thankfully. At least you know you’ll get them next time! Thanks for the comment!