British Airways Club passengers travelling from London to Gibraltar this summer can savour a refreshing pre-flight drink at a new bespoke bar dedicated to one of France’s famous rosé wines. Opened this summer, the exclusive Whispering Angel bar is located in the airline’s lounge near the B gates at Heathrow Terminal 5 (Terminal 5B).
Its opening coincides with a revamp of the airline’s B gates lounge, which will feature new and reupholstered furniture as well as a refreshed layout. The bar is coloured pale pink to emulate the light tones of the Caves d’Esclans rosé, described by British Airways as having “a delicate Provençal pink hue, spoiling customer with sun-kissed creamy flavours of peach and raspberries, with refreshing citrus undertones and a smooth, dry finish”.
At the airline’s other Club (business class) lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick, eligible customers can enjoy The Pale rosé, which is produced by the same winemakers as Whispering Angel. Whispering Angel is currently available in British Airways’ First and Club (business class) lounges.
“Our customers are already telling us how much they enjoy the Whispering Angel rosé we are serving in our lounges,” said British Airways chief customer officer Calum Laming, “so we are thrilled to be opening an exclusive Whispering Angel bar. We truly believe this will be a massive hit with customers and we are excited that its introduction will coincide with a newly refurbished lounge in the satellite at London Heathrow Terminal 5 B gates.”
Added the Chateau d’Esclans team, “Whispering Angel is incredibly proud to be working in partnership with British Airways. We are extremely excited to launch this beautiful bar and look forward to being able to offer British Airways’ customers a delicious glass of rosé before they fly.”
The bar has been set up as part of British Airways’ ongoing elevation of its drinks offering, following the appointment of a full time master of wine – one of only 415 in the world and believed to be the only one appointed by an airline.
In March this year, four new English sparkling wines were introduced for serving on board. They are available on a quarterly rotation, changing every three months. “Rich in variety, customers will be able to choose from two sparkling options when travelling in Club World, including the current Champagne resident Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Silver Top Non-Vintage Champagne, and now an exclusive English sparkling wine option.”
In the lead up to summer the English sparkling was Digby Fine English Brut NV, and from July the airline is serving the Balfour Rosé de Noirs, grown on the Balfour Hush Heath Estate in Kent, and made only from red grapes.
From October, Simpsons Chalklands Cuvee Brut NV, also from Kent, will be available for three months, and from January 2024 customers can try Wiston Estate Brut NV from the South Downs.