We look back on an action-packed summer, clue you in on the latest from High Life Café and celebrate pride in the lounges 

New additions to our High Life Café

Our High Life Café menu is always being updated for the better, and the new summer menu is no exception. Our latest menu starts with two new Mediterranean and Ploughman’s snack selections to whet the appetite. Then, for something more filling, star chef Tom Kerridge has designed an exclusive chicken shawarma-style sandwich, with a blend of mint yogurt mayo, pickled onions and slaw, succulent chicken breast and shawarama spices. On a health kick? The Pollen+Grace’s mezze houmous and rainbow veg grain bowl will strengthen your microbiome no end.

Finally, sweet treats from Pullin’s bakery are joining the party: a yummy strawberry and cream shortbread (BA Euroflyer in-flight only) and delicious Victoria Sponge muffin. To top it all off, there are even more refreshing drinks – including Rekorderlig strawberry-lime cider, a pre-mixed Aperol Spritz cocktail, Brewgooder Fair Trade IPA and Wildjac fresh citrus vodka, which can be ordered in-flight on selected routes or pre-ordered for all Heathrow and Gatwick short-haul flights. Cheers!

Pride in the lounges

Proud to be inclusive, we celebrated Pride Month with some tasty and tasteful collaborations. During June, our T5 lounges were home to a help-yourself parade of LGBTQIA+-authored books, picked by us in collaboration with Hachette Pride. This included Heartstopper (now a Netflix hit), epic India-inspired fantasy The Jasmine Throne and the emotional Love from the Pink Palace – inspired by the TV series It’s a Sin.

Joining the celebrations, the popular Amy’s Bakehouse whipped up more than 1,000 delicious Pride-themed cupcakes. Known for its jaw-dropping cake and cupcake creations, Amy’s Bakehouse has an extravagant range of exquisite designs, suitable for any celebration. As an added bonus, it offers a convenient hand-delivered service to most of London and even some of the home counties.

As an Executive Club Member, you can get 15% off any order over £50 from Amy’s Bakehouse using BABAKEHOUSE15 at the checkout until 1 February 2025. Before ordering, please check to see if your home address is eligible for delivery first. 

Upgrade your tech at T5 with Bose

Ready to level-up your listening? Innovative audio specialist Bose shows off world-class noise cancellation and luxe materials in its boundary-pushing selection of headphones and earbuds, making them the perfect partner for a long flight. So, a treat for you, until 31 August Bose is setting up shop in our T5 Galleries Club South Lounge. There’s an interactive self-demo station with headphones and earbuds from its top-quality ULTRA range, as well as ambassadors on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also purchase a pair when you’re there (subject to availability).

Last chance alert: Rooftop Film Club

Calling all cinephiles and movie buffs: have you made it to one of our travel-themed Rooftop Film Club nights this summer? Rooftop Film Club is the ultimate open-air cinema experience – with comfy deck chairs, sweeping city views, incredible food and drink and, of course, iconic movies in the heart of London. Luckily, it’s not too late to get involved, since there are a couple of our special showings left before the summer is out (including Mamma Mia! and Gladiator – essential viewing before Ridley Scott’s follow-ups in the autumn). For the uninitiated, here are six reasons to visit Rooftop Film Club.

Flying high at American Express presents BST Festival

We were back this year with our British Airways Bar and Beach House at American Express presents BST Festival, where we once again had the privilege of sponsoring the Rainbow Stage. If you joined our silent disco and dolled up for our glamdroid photobooth, then you’ll know the event was packed with memorable music acts and unforgettable memories. This year saw music icons Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain and Robbie Williams perform, as well as legends Stevie Nicks and Andrea Bocelli, SZA, Kings of Leon, and more.

A catch up with London Essentials
Bringing their signature feelgood factor to American Express presents BST Festival was premier international party band The London Essentials. We chatted with founder and managing director Ben Matthews. 

What’s been your favourite gig in 2024 so far? 
We caused chaos (the right kind) at The Solaris Cup in Sardinia back in May. The Bahrain Grand Prix (where we managed to watch the night race from the tower – wow!) and a dinner for Sotheby’s at Cliveden House were also pretty special. Super yachts and super cars – what’s not to like?

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to the band this year? 
We had an amazing week entertaining guests at Andrea Bocelli’s 30th anniversary show in Tuscany. His foundation does incredible work, and it was an honour to be part of such a significant milestone. We also ended up singing with the iconic and fabulous Shania Twain, which was rather memorable.

Have you guys ever been starstruck when performing for celebs? 
We do our best not to be starstruck and remind ourselves that everyone is human. However, singing ‘Walk This Way’ with Steven Tyler live on stage was a pinch-ourselves moment! Similarly, performing ‘Proud Mary‘ for Oprah was pretty surreal.

What’s been the best hotel the band has stayed in this year? 
We’ve just returned from our New York Showcase hosted by the fabulous Aman New York, complete with its iconic Jazz Club. It’s an incredible setting, along with high-tech sound technology hidden in the walls – all very James Bond!

Any fun plans on the horizon? 
We’re currently recording an EP featuring a mix of covers and originals. Event-wise, we’re looking forward to LA in November, where we’ll be playing for David Foster’s 75th birthday at The Hollywood Bowl, featuring a who’s who of the music industry, including Michael Bublé, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban and – the maestro himself – Andrea Bocelli.

How can Executive Club Members book The London Essentials for their own event? 
You can find us at TheLondonEssentials.com, and to keep up with our latest shenanigans, check out our Instagram @thelondonessentials.

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This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips