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Airport lounges are one of the perfect ways to begin a holiday in style. It’s a chance to kick back and unwind before your flight, free from the hustle and bustle of the airport. For the airlines with the best pre-flight lounges, it’s all about the experience. Sir Richard Branson, who remains the face and founding father of the Virgin Atlantic brand as well as the popular Virgin Games platform, has always focused on delivering innovative services that capture the imagination of travellers worldwide. The UK is fortunate to be home to several Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges, one of which we’ll be reviewing shortly as part of our lowdown of the top-five airline lounges at airports across the UK.

Qatar Airways Premium Lounge – Terminal 4, London Heathrow

The fact that Qatar Airways describes its Premium Lounge as akin to a “boutique hotel” or a “private club” already suggests just how decadent the lounge experience is here. From the moment you reach the reception space – known as the Palm Court – you’ll see clever aesthetic nods to the airline’s Middle Eastern roots, with Arabic calligraphy adorning the walls and furnishings.

Once you are onboarded into the lounge, you then have complete freedom to utilise the lounge’s full suite of services. Whether it’s the unlimited Wi-Fi, desktop PCs or printing facilities, or even the private showers complete with luxury brand products and complimentary towels and linens, you’re well and truly spoilt here.

If you need a little pick-me-up before your long-haul flight, the Premium Lounge also has a great choice of dining options. There’s a open kitchen which creates a sense of theatre at mealtimes, while its delicatessen counter is on-hand for whenever you need a light bite. The Premium Lounge is currently closed but is aiming to reopen this summer. It’s exclusively available to Qatar Airways and oneworld First and Business Class passengers only.

Clubrooms Lounge – North & South Terminal, London Gatwick

London’s Gatwick Airport commits to the “ultimate jet set departure” from both of its Clubrooms Lounges by No1 Lounges, situated in the North and South Terminals. At the time of writing, both Clubrooms are closed to the general public, although it is slated to reopen its doors from 1st July 2022, upon which bookings are already being taken at a cost of £38 per head.

Nothing is too much trouble here. You’ll be given hosted table service with a dedicated waiter, day or night. Your tables will also have discreet charging points as standard, along with unlimited Wi-Fi and a partnership with PressReader also gives you access to digital newspapers and publications.

There is a stunning array of beverages available from the lounge bar, spanning craft beers and ales, first-class wines and a host of high-end spirits. A la carte menus are available for brunch and evening meals, which seems to cover both bases nicely. A smart casual dress code also helps to add to the sense of prestige to the Clubrooms Lounge.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Terminal 3, London Heathrow

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is up there with the best in the airport lounge business. It has already reopened its doors post-pandemic in Terminal 3 of London Heathrow. You’ll find the Clubhouse in the Upper Class Wing of the terminal and, as the Virgin Atlantic website describes, it’s “more like a five-star hotel” than your bog-standard airport lounge.

There are two ways to get service during your stay at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. If you know what you want before you’ve even got there, you can pre-order online or use the QR code at your chosen table to order in person on your smartphone or tablet. For those that prefer the human touch, they also offer a waiter service.

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse includes a unique ‘Retreat’ environment, affording guests the chance to meditate in one of the relaxation areas or simply indulge in some quiet time before your flight. The Clubhouse even has its own gym area, fully equipped with Peloton bikes, complete with a panoramic view of the runway – what a way to start the day!

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge – Terminal 2, London Heathrow

Singapore Airlines remains one of the world’s most loved airlines for its blend of customer service and luxurious surroundings. This extends to its airport lounges too. The airline’s SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 2 of London Heathrow is a magnificent place to start a trip to the Far East. With plush interiors inspired by interior designers ONG&ONG, it’s the perfect home-from-home airport lounge experience.

There are separate areas of the lounge ring-fenced exclusively for Singapore Airlines’ First and Business Class customers, but the remainder is open to other passengers with the airline. Bartender service is open for more than 12 hours of the day, starting from 8am through to 8.30pm. Shower facilities are currently unavailable until further notice, but once they’re available again it will be a great opportunity to freshen up before a long-haul flight.

Unlike some of the other airport lounges we recommend, the SilverKris Lounge is not a 24-hour concern. It opens from 6am and closes at 9pm, which explains the 12-and-a-half-hour bartender service. Dining options are plentiful throughout the day, with a great balance of western and Asian snacks and dishes up for grabs, cooked to order on-site.

No1 Lounge – South Terminal, London Gatwick

If you’re flying out from Gatwick’s South Terminal, you not only have the Clubrooms Lounge, but you also have the No1 Lounge available at your fingertips. There are complimentary beers, wines and spirits up for grabs, along with some magnificent runway scenery that’s just perfect for aviation enthusiasts. The free and unlimited Wi-Fi is most welcome, while sports fans can head over into the sports lounge and catch up on the latest news and live action.

If you’re travelling as a young family, you’ll be pleased to know that children are welcome in the No1 Lounge. However, those aged 12 and older will be classed as adults and will be charged as such. A smart casual dress code is in operation here, which helps to create a sense of exclusivity. It’s open from 5am until 8pm, covering most daytime and early evening departures out of the capital.

The above airport lounges give you a taste of the high life – before you’ve even taken off. Although some of them will require you to have First or Business Class airfares, some of them are open to all passengers for a fair pre-booked price.