Virgin Premium Economy Food Drink Menu

Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy menu offers a dining experience that bridges the gap between standard economy fare and the luxury of Upper Class. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the Virgin Premium Economy menu, from current offerings to the unique touches that make this cabin class special.

What Makes Virgin Premium Economy Dining Special?

Premium Economy on Virgin Atlantic is designed for travellers who want more than just extra legroom. The dining experience reflects this philosophy, offering a meal service that rivals business class offerings on other airlines. According to Virgin Atlantic, Premium customers can enjoy multi-course meal service with a choice of three entrée dishes, all served on china crockery with metal cutlery and linen napkins .

The experience begins before takeoff with a complimentary welcome glass of prosecco, setting a celebratory tone for your journey . This thoughtful touch immediately distinguishes Premium Economy from standard economy, where drinks are typically served after reaching cruising altitude.

---

Current Virgin Premium Economy Menu Highlights

The Spring/Summer 2026 menu, launched on 6th May 2026, showcases modern British flavours with a creative twist . The airline describes its Premium offerings as “full of colour, flavour and imagination,” with dishes that are “playful yet plated to impress” .

Main Course Selections

Premium customers can currently choose from elevated British classics, including:

Truffle Macaroni Cheese – A vegetarian delight featuring truffle mac and cheese with wild mushrooms, garlic crumb, Italian hard cheese, and crispy capers .

Dill-Roasted Salmon – Served with smashed minted peas and crushed parsley potatoes, this dish exemplifies Virgin’s commitment to fresh, flavourful ingredients .

Herb Chicken Mini Pie – A comforting option served with mash, broccoli, and rosemary jus .

Chicken Pie with Herb Mash – Another variation featuring mini herb chicken pie with herb potato mash, broccoli, baton carrots, and rosemary jus .

Vegetarian and Special Dietary Options

Virgin Atlantic has expanded its vegetarian offerings, with the Bagara baingan dish available – a flavourful option featuring vegetable biryani, black bean and cabbage thoran, dal tadka, roasted coconut flakes, and paratha . The airline can also cater to specific dietary requirements, including gluten-free, kosher, and halal meals, provided they are requested at least 24 hours before the flight .

Seasonal Menu Variations

Virgin Atlantic updates its menus seasonally to reflect fresh ingredients and regional influences. The winter 2024 menu featured different options, including:

Honey and Mustard Chicken – Served with potato gratin, green beans, and peas .

Cumberland Sausage – Accompanied by parsley mashed potatoes, root vegetables, and madeira sauce .

Thai Vegetable Curry – A vibrant option with chilli broccolini and vegetable dumplings .

These seasonal rotations ensure that regular flyers always have something new to look forward to, while maintaining the high quality standards that define the Virgin Premium experience.

The Signature Mile High Tea Experience

One of the most distinctive features of Virgin Premium Economy is the signature Mile High Tea, available on most routes from the UK to the United States and the Caribbean .

This British-inspired afternoon tea includes flavourful finger sandwiches, delicately decorated sweet treats, and a hot drink of your choice . The Mile High Tea is part of what makes Virgin Atlantic’s Premium offering unique – it’s a touch of British tradition served at cruising altitude, adding a sense of occasion to your journey.

Drinks and Beverage Selection

The Virgin Premium Economy menu extends beyond food to include a carefully curated drinks selection. All flights include complimentary:

Alcoholic Beverages – A selection of premium wines, craft beers, and spirits. The signature Redhead cocktail and award-winning Bloody Mary mix are also available .

Non-Alcoholic Options – Soft drinks, juices, teas, and coffees are included. Lucky Saint non-alcoholic beer is also available in Premium and Economy cabins .

The welcome glass of prosecco sets the tone, and the attentive cabin crew regularly offer drinks throughout the flight, ensuring you stay refreshed.

In-Flight Dining Experience and Presentation

The Premium Economy dining experience is characterised by attention to detail. Meals are served on proper plates with metal cutlery, and the presentation reflects the care that has gone into menu development .

Passengers who have experienced Premium Economy consistently highlight the service quality. One reviewer noted that the flight attendants regularly asked if passengers needed water, juice, or drinks, contributing to a pleasant experience .

The meal service in Premium is more relaxed than in economy, with courses served sequentially rather than all at once, allowing you to enjoy your meal at a comfortable pace.

Meal Pre-Selection and Special Requests

Virgin Atlantic allows Premium customers to pre-select their main meal, putting you “in the pilot’s seat” when it comes to dining choices. You can choose what main meal you’d like in advance, with pre-order available between 7 days and 24 hours before your flight .

This pre-selection service ensures you’ll get your preferred option, as popular dishes can run out during service. It also allows the airline to manage catering more efficiently and reduce food waste.

What Passengers Say About Virgin Premium Economy Food

Reviews of Virgin Premium Economy dining are generally positive, with many passengers praising the quality and variety of food options. One passenger on a Tokyo return flight noted that food was “served on china with metal cutlery, choice of 3 main courses, all were available,” and mentioned ice cream as a treat between meals .

However, some reviews note that portion sizes and timing can vary. One reviewer advised passengers on long-haul flights to be aware of meal timings – on an 11-hour daytime flight, meal service occurred at 11am and 8pm, with only light snacks available in between . This is typical for long-haul flights across all airlines, but worth noting if you prefer to eat on your own schedule.

Conclusion: Is Virgin Premium Economy Worth It for the Food?

The Virgin Premium Economy menu offers a genuinely elevated dining experience that justifies the upgrade from standard economy. With multi-course meals, china crockery, metal cutlery, linen napkins, and a welcome glass of prosecco, the attention to detail is evident .

The seasonal menu rotations, signature Mile High Tea, and pre-selection options demonstrate Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to quality and customer choice. While no airline food can match a fine dining restaurant on the ground, Virgin Premium Economy consistently delivers a satisfying and enjoyable meal service that adds significant value to the travel experience.

For travellers who appreciate good food and thoughtful service, the Virgin Premium Economy menu is a compelling reason to choose this cabin class for your next long-haul flight.