Round The World and other travels

Once again the A320 was nicely turned out, although I felt that the presentation was perhaps to not quite the standard of spotlessness achieved on the way out. Once again, there were two rows of Business Class, but this time - in addition to me in 1A - 1D, 1F, 2C, 2E and 2F were all taken. Not a bad loading factor! I wondered if any of the others were booked in I class! Another difference from the outward flight was that this was a UK crew.

We pushed back at 1653 and after a very short taxi to the northerly runway, were airborne by 1700 and climbing through murky conditions. We managed to weave our way around some exceptionally bumpy-looking clouds. There was a hot towels service and a round of drinks as soon as the cabin crew had been released from their seats. I had a gin & bitter lemon, accompanied by the same type of nibbles as on the way out. Disappointingly, no printed menu was presented. I was offered chicken or beef, without knowing anything else about the composition of the meal. I chose the beef and a Spanish red wine to wash it down.

The main course consisted of braised beef, served with rice, broccoli and peppers. The food was still in its foil tray, which was not ideal from a presentational angle but certainly kept it warm. Dessert consisted of an evil-looking wedge of chocolate tart, served with no accompaniment. I tried a little and indeed it was very nice, but I didn't dare finish it. (I may have been reasonably OK as it tasted noticeably bitter.) The cheese course consisted of some brie and a particularly nice Austrian smoked cheese and this was followed by coffee and an after-dinner mint.

Overall, this meal was perfectly competent and acceptable but, in contrast with the outward leg, it was not in any sense outstanding. The mystery was deepening. Never mind the revised Club Europe vs GB Airways question : here was a noticeable level of inconsistency between BA6864 and BA6865!

I noticed once again that the policy of using the correct toilets for each cabin was strictly enforced : two Economy passengers who tried to reach the Business Class toilet were turned back by the cabin crew. Fine by me!   I travel Economy often enough and barging into another cabin to use the facilities is not something I would ever dream of doing.