Arrived and walked along the very long terminal to the BA desks to get my boarding card (had used iPhone check-in, but no option to print a boarding card where I was staying). This time no need for credit card identification. Headed through a deserted security and did a little shopping (bought a lovely grande reserve cava in the duty free - the boutique shops cost a lot more, so steer clear!).
Off to the Iberia VIP lounge. Nothing special, but at least this now they have improved the drinks options, and have some nice small bottles of cava to drink....well it would be rude not to! Needed some soft drinks as well, since there was no air-con working in the lounge....too warm for me. Left when the flight was called, which was good, as it was at the other end of the terminal, which is a good 10 minute stroll from the lounge. Again it was a coach to the plane (I thought I was late, but realised that I must have moved fast as there were lots of Euro Traveller passengers who turned up after me). Short drive this time to the plane, but they weren't ready and we weren't allowed off for what seemed like ages. Once on board, bag up asap (as more people in Club, so needed to put it somewhere as I was in 1A).
The captain annoucement before departure was long-winded and slightly inappropriate at times. Very long taxi to the other side of the airport for departure (he was right on that one), past the new Terminal there, which looks very good....although not connected to the train station.
Once in the air, it was time for a post-departure drink (champagne of course) and some pretzels. Dinner was served after enough time to have finished the champagne. There was a very nice chicken curry/rice, apple/sultana pie, cheese (pre-packed) and crackers, chocolate. No water and no offer of any wine with the meal [V](did manage to get some when I asked in a little bit). Tray was smaller again than a standard CE service, so it was a little cramped and not as nicely presented, but the curry was very tasty!
After dinner, time to sit back, read my book and have a vodka and diet coke. Landed at LCY spot on time - descent not over the city, so now great views on landing. Parked up at Gate 24, which means that as a non-domestic flight, there was a need for buses to take us over to an 'international gate'. Slight queue at immigration....non-EU nationals not completing their landing cards before getting to the desk. With no luggage, I was off the plane and out the airport, even with the bus, in about 10 minutes.
Not a bad return service - only slight thing was that the service in Club was a little lacking in some places (e.g. no offer of wine with meal), and so much easier to get home from LCY than LHR or LGW.
