Virgin Clubhouse In Heathrow

Virgin Clubhouse in Heathrow had been closed for over a year since the start of Covid. Virgin Atlantic was temporarily using Terminal 2 and the Plaza Premium lounge there. Since July this year, it has reopened and I booked a very last minute trip to Barbados after that news! I hate booking premium flights and not being able to use the standout facilities of that carrier, so was pleased I could start my journey here before my Upper Class flight on the new A350 suites. Having a morning flight would not give me much time to spend here on this occasion however, it was just enough.

So how is the Virgin Clubhouse in Heathrow looking now?

Access & Location

You are eligible to use the Clubhouse if you are flying Virgin Upper Class, Delta One or gold Virgin Gold status and flying either carriers on the day.

If you arrive via the Upper Class Wing, you will be entering through the private security there and that would lead you into the lounge.

Otherwise, if you are using the main terminal for check-in, you just have to get the lift up and follow the signs for the lounge. There is a stairway leading you further up into the lounge..

The Space

After the entry checkpoint, you are quickly graced by a large open plan space. As lounges go, this one is quite a big.

And boy is it so VIRGIN. It looks elegant and stylish yet not stuffy.

The lovely staff offered to give me a tour and asked me what I would like to do, and how things work etc. It all felt pro-active and laid back simultaneously.

Given the ongoing situation with the pandemic, there were a fewer number of people than perhaps usual, which probably a welcome benefit as a passenger.

Food & Drink Service

While the lounge does have a dedicated formal dining areas such as this

Or more private group booths

You can actually sit wherever you please and have service via the a barcode scanner with designated table number.

I sat in a couple of different places, and this system worked very efficiently. After scanning the barcode, it launches the webapp on your phone, from which you can order food & drink as well as other items like newspapers or book a shower!

For my morning visit, the food options were all centred around breakfast, and there was an extensive choice of options, including about 4/5 different types of eggs.

Unfortunately there was no quick way for me to capture the entire menu as that would have entailed alot of scrolling and screenshots.

Here is what I ordered:

The Egg Royale arrived in about 15 minutes after ordering. It was superb.

Other More Intimate Spaces

There are several areas that are tucked in corners or divided up behind the glass and with views out that offer much more intimate spaces. All with a very living room like feel.

Workout Area

Perhaps one of the most unique feature of the Virgin Clubhouse in Heathrow now is the recently added workout room complete with 3 Pelotons! A workout with a view, and boy what a view it provides indeed!

You can very clearly see the control tower right in front of you.

Unfortunately my visit on this occasion was not long enough to have a workout here. But next time,  I will be sure to come earlier!

Pool Table

If all the food, drinking, plane spotting was not enough for you. This lounge also features a pool table in quite a spacious mezzanine level floor

Garden Terrace

Last but not least, there is also a Garden terrace for an even better view of the airport activity

 

The chairs did not look very comfortable so I did not sit in it.

Overall Thoughts

This is definitely one of my top 5 favourite lounges (a list that includes First Class lounges!). It is just so Virgin. Stylish but fun. The service was impeccable and food and drinks on offer were outstanding. What more could you ask for here? I cannot wait to visit this lounge again!