British Airways Flight BA2012 landed in London for a short two weeks receiving a frenzied response. This pop up event documents the Great Britons project and showcases the work of three chosen creatives who are mentored by famous experts in their fields: chef Simon Holstone with Heston Blumenthal, Pascal Anson with Tracey Emin and Prasanna Purwanarajah with Richard E Grant
The relaxed lounge houses artwork by Brighton born artist Pascal Anson. Influenced by the dove and motifs of feathers and flying, Pascal has developed a plane design which has been used to create nine limited edition aircraft that will take to the skies this month.
Leaving the lounge and down a corridor, you come to a smart viewing room where Prasanna Purwanarajah’s touching film, BOY is played for all to watch. Timothy Spall stars as a father who struggles to overcome the grief of losing his cyclist son. Particularly poignant without words, it is a moving story that manages to make a strong impression despite only running for a few minutes.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the project though is the food. Michelin-starred Head Chef from the Elephant in Torquay, Simon Holstone has created an appropriately British menu to be served specially for BA during the Olympic Games, with valuable assistance from food magician Heston Blumenthal. It is inspired by the menu on-board British Airways in 1948 – the last time that the Olympics were held in the UK. A recreated British Airways aeroplane seats the lucky diners who manage to book tickets for dinner, but for the visiting public a £10 tasting plate is available from the bar. I thought the Salad of golden beetroot, peppered goats curd, micro watercress with an elderflower dressing was particularly well balanced and delicious.
Simon’s four menus will be available on long-haul flights from London Heathrow from July in First, Club, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller cabins.
Flight BA2012 has now taken off into the stratosphere, but if you can afford a first class plane ticket, the Simon Holstone food is a treat.