Celebrity chef James Martin launches airline meals for Thomas Cook

CELEBRITY chef James Martin has been cooking up a storm in the Thomas Cook kitchen.

The popular face of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen has created a unique menu of tempting dishes exclusively for Thomas Cook Airlines’ in-flight meals on flights from May 1.

Starting from just �6 per meal, the new in-flight menu – available on flights from Stansted Airport - features well-loved, traditional dishes such as a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, slow-braised British beef with baby onions and herb dumplings for dinner and sumptuous bourbon vanilla and ginger cheesecake for dessert.

James will also be taking care of special dietary requirements, with a choice of original vegetarian options such as cheese gnocchi with butternut and rosemary, while kids – who eat half price – can also enjoy one of James’ specially-prepared meals, such as meatballs with pasta.

“My James Martin dishes will reflect the passion I have for the food I create for my own restaurants. Good, satisfying, comfort food made with quality ingredients,” said James.

Alison Watson, customer services director for Thomas Cook Airlines, said: “Compared to a pre-packed sandwich or meal deal from the service station, it definitely stacks up on value for money. When we asked customers what they wanted from an in-flight meal, we found that most craved good, honest, home-cooked food after a week of dining out in restaurants every night.

“James’ menu is specially designed with this in mind; five star comfort food, using only the finest ingredients.”

Customers can pre-order their in-flight meal at the same time they book their holiday. It is possible to buy meals on the plane as well, but due to the limited number of meals that can be carried on board the plane numbers are limited so customers are advised to pre-book to avoid their taste buds missing out.