Michelin-star chef Heston Blumenthal has unveiled the Olympic and Paralympic Games inspired menus created by rising star Simon Hulstone, which cabin crew will serve to three million British Airways customers during the Games.
Simon spent the past year being mentored by Heston Blumenthal as part of the BA Great Britons programme, which supports British talent in the run up to the London 2012 Games.
With a nod to Blumenthal’s creative approach, Hulstone’s dishes take inspiration from the airline’s menus dating back to 1948 – the last time the Games were held in London. Popular ingredients from the time have been incorporated into his menu, with some dishes reinvented for a modern day audience – rich in umami and using local produce.
To complement the menu there is a specially commissioned on-board soundtrack which customers can listen to – featuring uplifting music and commentary from iconic British moments from previous Games.
“Simon has created an exciting, delicious and well-balanced menu that pays homage to the Games in a clever and subtle way,” Blumenthal said.
“The dishes celebrate our rich history and British talent at its best. As a mentor, chef and friend I’m very proud of what he
has achieved.”
Blumenthal was mentoring the 37-year old Hulstone from Torquay as part of the BA Great Britons Programme, which offers a global platform for up and coming British talent in food, art and film in the run up to the Games.
“It’s an honour to have created a menu that millions of people will experience during the Games – I can’t think of a better platform to showcase British cuisine,” Hulstone said.
Hulstone created four menus, which will be available on long-haul flights from London Heathrow from July in; First, Club, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller cabins.
In honour of the Games, British Airways is putting particular emphasis on ingredients from London. This includes locally sourced salmon, and sugar from East London. In keeping with the drinks list from 1948, Gin from London is also available on-board.
“We are very proud to be quite literally bringing a taste of the London 2012 Games to our customers,” said British Airways’ Managing Director of brands and customer experience, Frank van der Post. “We have a very proud heritage with our in-flight menus, which Simon and Heston have tapped into in a credible and exciting way.”