The Final Verdict
4.6
The Space
Dining
Amenities
Beverages
Crowding

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder- but any beholder would struggle not to be awed by Cathay Pacific’s London Heathrow First Class Lounge. It’s as classic as it is sophisticated and modern, with food to die for and runway views that are even better. If you’re traveling first class, or are a OneWorld Emerald leaving from London Heathrow Terminal 3, you can get in- and you’ll be glad you did! Take a look for yourself- and if you’ve been to their Hong Kong “Pier” lounge, this may look familiar…

 

The first thing to note is that Cathay offers both a First and Business class lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3. The lounge is located in the By Invitation Only area for lounges A-H, at Lounge C. The lounge offers showers, a snack pantry, a la carte table service dining, a serviced bar, extensive work facilities and just about everything a passing traveler could ask for. They even use Aesop toiletries, ensuring the most exclusive experience extends to the restroom.If you’re into runway views- it doesn’t get any better than this. Cathay has picture perfect views of the tarmac and adjacent runway, offering guests in both their first or business class lounges individual spaces to daydream… or work. Each of the desks (pictured above) feature multiple power and USB ports, the perfect way to combine business and pleasure, in an effortlessly comfortable setting. But this lounge is so much more than a business travelers haven. There are comfortable, plush and absolutely gorgeous furniture installations all throughout the lounge, with enough variety to suit any group or individuals needs. If the decor reminds you of Cathay’s first class “The Pier” lounge in Hong Kong, you’re not mistaken. This newer outpost is patterned after that triumphant success. Most importantly though: the drinks are incredible. The First Class lounge offers both Moet Imperial and Baron De Rothschild Champagne, the latter of which is phenomenal. If you’re into cocktails, there’s bar service to order- and  they do a mean mojito. For any non alcoholic pleasures, Cathay has an extensive tea and juice setup. When it comes to your savory needs- the First Class lounge does NOT disappoint. Tucked in the far left corner at the end of the corridor, away from the lounge entrance, you’ll find an elegantly appointed dining room. The service is complete with attentive waiters, a diverse menu with both Eastern and Western delights- not to mention a lovely chocolate lava cake to finish things off. We sampled the Hong Kong Noodles, Smoked Mackerel, Jasmine Rice Chicken, Fish n Chips and found each hitting the right note. Since you’re in the UK, you might as well try the fish and chips. They’re divine, and for that matter- so is everything else in this lounge.

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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2 Comments

  1. It’s a nice lounge, by far the nicest Oneworld Lounge in Terminal 3. If they would only give me a table so I can work, it would be nice. I’ve been asked to leave the dining area after eating at times as it’s small.

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