REVIEWS
Turkish Airlines’ dinner menu included a good selection of desserts
TURKISH AIRLINES B777-300ER Business class Hong Kong International–Istanbul
Despite the 2-3-2 layout,seats turn into comfortable lie-flat beds
TURKISH AIRLINES currently flies to 120 countries – the largest number served by any single carrier. A recent order will see 60 widebody 787-9 Dreamliners and A350-900 aircraft join the fleet starting from next year. By Tamsin Cocks
CHECK-IN I arrived at Hong Kong International airport at 2100 for the 2300 flight to Istanbul. I headed to the newly renovated Plaza Premium East lounge at Terminal 1 but found a queue of 40-odd people, so decided to skip the lounge. BOARDING I arrived at the gate at 2225 to find boarding in full flow. Passengers were greeted by cabin crew and an onboard chef. I was surprised to find the overhead locker already filled with passenger blankets. I rearranged the contents to make space, but would have appreciated some assistance.
THE SEAT The business cabin is set up in a 2-3-2 configuration, which isn’t ideal, but there is plenty of legroom for each seat. Storage options were good. A shared armrest and a small drinks tray were the most awkward parts of the seat design (aside from the window passenger having to step over their neighbour when reclined); however, a divider does allow for some separation. The lie-flat (177 degrees) bed is extremely comfortable and wide, and the bed recesses behind its own shell to give a decent amount of privacy.
NATIVE BANKSIDE
LOCATED IN A CONVERTED tea warehouse in the heart of London’s Southbank area, this newly opened aparthotel is brimming with original features and textures on every wall. There’s even a fitness suite and fully stocked pantry to complement the stunning apartments. By Molly Dyson
WHERE IS IT? In the historic Bear Gardens on London’s Southbank, a stone’s throw from Shakespeare’s Globe and trendy Borough Market. Despite being centrally located near London Bridge amidst the hustle and bustle of the area, Empire Warehouse is a cosy retreat on a quiet side street. WHAT’S IT LIKE? Native’s designers have taken care to ensure the character of the building has remained intact while still creating luxurious apartments. Furnishings are stylish and practical, and it’s clear the company chose not to cut corners. Guests are provided with 24/7
reception so there’s always someone to greet them, complimentary wifi, air conditioning, weekly housekeeping, linens and towels, a washer/dryer and luxury toiletries. The company has also gone the extra mile by providing dish and clothes-washing supplies, as well
108 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
BEST SEAT Avoid E seats, which are in the middle of the three-seat centre row. Aisle seats B, D, G and J are preferable for easy access without having to clamber over your neighbour, unless you prefer a window seat (A and K). Avoid rows 4 and 5, as these are located either side of the galley and toilets. Rows 1 and 2 offer the most privacy, being at the front of the forward cabin. THE FLIGHT We took off promptly at 2300. A hot towel at midnight was followed by a drinks order. Dinner tables were laid at 0015, with dinner served at 0045. The presentation was fantastic, with a “flickering candle” – a clever lightbulb in paper illusion. My main dish of grilled cod with Tuscan- style vegetables, herbed potatoes and
lemon parsley sauce was tasty and there was a wonderful selection of classic puddings on the dessert trolley. On the IFE system there was a good
choice of films, TV shows, live news, music and games, with adjustable noise-cancelling headphones. Wifi is free for business class passengers, as well as Miles & Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members. After dinner I managed to get a really good sleep – so good that I slept right into the breakfast service. ARRIVAL We touched down at 0450. Business class passengers are eligible for the fast lane at immigration. VERDICT Despite the 2-3-2 layout, this turned out to be a sound product with a very comfortable bed. FLIGHT TIME 11 hours 45 minutes
Premium one-bedroom apartment at Native Bankside
as a communal pantry stocked with free cooking ingredients such as pasta, sauces, milk and tea and coffee. ROOMS The property has 75 furnished apartments, from simple “crash pads” and studios to Premium one-bedroom and spacious two-bedroom duplexes. The studios have plenty of space and would be suitable for both short and long stays, while the Premium one- bedroom apartments also have a sofa bed and two bathrooms. My favourite is the duplex option with its two bedrooms upstairs and an open-plan kitchen/ living room downstairs. BUSINESS The building itself doesn’t offer any meeting spaces other than the communal pantry and lobby, but both the Premium and duplex
apartments have enough room for informal meetings. Native has a list of “neighbourhood heroes” – restaurants, bars, activities and venues – that could help guests arrange business events, from private dinners to evening theatre viewings and meetings. VERDICT Native Bankside opened a few months ago, but it feels as if it’s “part of the woodwork” thanks to the company’s efforts to form partnerships with local businesses. The minimum stay is just one night, and the property is convenient and economical for both short trips and long-term workers.
buyingbusinesstravel.com
HOTEL
FLIGHT
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123
