Another Gem: Cathay Business Lounge Heathrow T3 Review
Entering a Cathay Lounge has an almost therapeutic effect, a comforting anticipation of the familiar and reliable. Yet, it’s a delightful paradox that more often than not, the experience somehow surpasses your already high expectations.
Such was the case with my visit last month to Cathay Pacific’s Business Lounge at Heathrow, a place I hadn’t been for several years.
I recently ranked my top 10 business class lounges world wide based on my experiences in the last 10 years. 2 of Cathay’s home lounges would make that list in their own right. Want to know where this one might have landed?
Location & Access
Heathrow Terminal 3 is one hell of a treat for oneworld premium fliers. There are several great lounge options, including the fantastic Qantas Lounge.
This Cathay Pacific lounge is designated as Lounge C. After security, follow the sign posts to Lounge C or gate 11. Once you reach it, you will need to take the elevator up. The lounge is open daily from 05.30am – 10.30pm.
OneWorld Status Access
While the door will say access is by “Invitation only” , which will be the case if you are flying Cathay First or Business Class, or currently also flying Finnair Business Class, Sri Lankan Airlines Business Class, and surprisingly China Airlines Business Class too!
You are also welcomed to use this lounge if you are Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire member or above and flying any Oneworld carrier in any class. In this instance you may have 1 guest with you.
Cathay Pacific has it’s own lounge pass scheme too for select members of it’s own programme.
Cathay Business Lounge Heathrow
Unlike the Qantas Lounge, Cathay has managed to secure a more prime spot of Terminal 3 with excellent views running across the entire length of the lounge.
There is a little reception to check you through and you walk in through a very Cathay esque wood panelled hallway..
The First Class lounge is in the same compounds with it’s own designated area.
Like it’s sister lounge, the Pier Business, the lounge is opens up in a linear fashion. The first thing you see you will go through is the famous Noodle Bar and dining area opposite that..
From there you have the other food hall, and all the seating zones
Along the windows are a line of solo seating spaces with small coffee tables to enjoy the views of the busy tarmac..
Further in, you will find the classic Cathay interiors with earthy tones that provide a very relaxed home like vibe with. Your only conundrum might be which type of plush seating you prefer !
What I love about Cathay lounges is that they are all so consistent with the interiors right down to the same furniture.
The lounge exudes an air of quiet elegance.
I was there just after 6 pm, and with 2 Cathay Pacific flights departing within 3 hours, the lounge was not busy at all until around 7.30pm.
Cathay Business Lounge Heathrow Bar
Towards the back, you also have the bar. Fully stocked with all kinds of beverages that include beers, wine, spirits and cocktails.
A friendly mixologist is all to eager to serve you up your favourite drink..
My first drink of choice before dinner? Could it be anything other than the signature Cathay Delight?!
I could have enjoyed that at the bar itself but that felt entirely wrong when you could sit by the floor to ceiling window views on the other side..
I did wonder why they used a different tumblr for the Cathay Delight ! But I may be just nit-picking here
It was a wonderful hour enjoying spotting at least 2 dozen flights coming and going…
Other Seating Areas
Right at the back there are further seating options, with more private green seating pods that you also would find in Cathay home lounges..
They were actually far more cosy when I moved there after. It’s a great spot if you need to do some work without many people going past you.
However, if you wanted a more formal space to work, they also have an official bureau too…
You will find a printer here too.
Cathay Business Lounge Heathrow Foodhall
If you fancy a casual bite to eat, you will find a decent selection of hot and cold items in the food hall in the middle of the lounge…
On offer for that day was a Beef Ragu with gnocchi
As well as some BBQ Sticky Chicken Wings
Then there are various other bits from breads, cheeses, quiches and pastries.
There are also some mixed salads and fruit mixes too.
A large chilled fridge area also has a variety of beverages as well as some desserts, fruits and mouses. There was a mango mouse that that I simply exquisite !
Here you will also find a wide range of Jing teas as well as a variety of infused water.
The Noodle Bar
For a more signature experience the Noodle bar provides fresh favourites. I did not take any pictures of the menu that day, but think it’s safe to say all the classics were available!
As usual, all the dishes are cooked fresh and you can then season them exactly do your preference..
Being able to dress your noodles precisely how you wish with the finest fresh ingredients is a real luxury..
I would have easily gone for seconds here but decided to spend the last 30 minutes back enjoying more of the views !
Showers & Restrooms
I don’t appear to have any pictures of the restroom but they are more or less identical to what you will find in Cathay’s home lounges. Here they also come stocked with Aesop amenities.
Unsurprisingly, they were impeccably clean throughout !
Overall Thoughts
If I was to sum up the experience in this lounge, it would be indulgent. This is yet another gem in Heathrow’s terminal 3. It’s a brilliant lounge all around that satisfies on all wants and need of a Business Class lounge. When I was doing my top 10 lounge ranking, it actually beat the likes of KLM Crown Lounge, it would comfortably make a top 20 list.
The Qantas Heathrow Lounge made it into top 10 ranking as a result of offering a formal a la carte menu and extensive gin bar. But on all other accounts this Cathay lounge holds its own or indeed perhaps even offers a higher level of comfort in the range of seating.
That Noodle bar never fails to tantalize the taste buds and leaves you craving for more.