British Airways Heathrow lounge service ‘poor’

The Scots-founded firm which runs British Airways’ first class lounge at Heathrow airport has been ordered to make improvements by the Food Standards Agency after scoring two out of five in an inspection.

BaxterStorey was rated as “poor” for food hygiene and safety in the terminal five lounge, analysis of the inspection report by the local Hillingdon Council on the scoresonthedoors.org.uk website shows.

Poor is classed as “some major non-compliance with statutory obligations – more effort required to prevent fall in standards”.

The firm, co-founded and chaired by Scot Alastair Storey, won a five-year contract to run catering the lounge, which includes the Concorde Room, in January.

The inspection, in July, was given a score of two and the Food Standards Agency rating: “Improvement Necessary”.

BA describes the lounges as providing an “exceptional experience” and “outstanding food”.

It said the Concorde Room is the “epitome of elegance”, inspired by “the finest five-star boutique hotels”.

A British Airways spokeswoman said last night: “We work with BaxterStorey to provide a high quality service to customers using our lounges, and take all feedback seriously.

“We continue to invest in our product and are currently renovating our kitchen facilities.”