Fabulous: Virgin Clubhouse Heathrow

Virgin Clubhouse Heathrow has has always been a big draw among the many joys of flying Virgin Upper Class. This is more than just a lounge, it is a destination in itself! You are pampered from the moment you enter and always leave wishing it wasn’t time to board yet!

I first reviewed this in 2019, but with subsequent visits through the years noted many changes so this is an up-to date reflection of what you can expect in 2024. I was worried about the affect of Virgin joining the SkyTeam, and opening up the floodgates to more frequent flyers to a space that already had time where it was crowded.

Luckily, my fears were alleviated once we learned Virgin was still keeping access to it’s flagship lounge as tightly guarded as it could ! 

Access & Location

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.

Eligibility

You are eligible to use the Clubhouse if you are:

• Flying Virgin Upper Class + invite one guest travelling on Virgin or Delta
• Delta One Business Class
• Clase Premier on Aeroméxico
• Flying Club Gold status holder + a guest traveling with Virgin Atlantic, Delta or Aeroméxico
• Flying Blue Platinum status holder + a guest traveling in Premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta Premium select

There is a stairway leading you further up into the lounge..

While the entry via the Wing is off-course exclusive and leads you straight up, the stairs up itself feels exciting and befitting of the experience you are about to indulge in!

Once there you will be greeted by familiar classic Red uniformed staff that would be happy to usher you inside. Do mention if this is your first time and they would happily provide a quick orientation of the lounge and any specific aspects of interest..

Virgin Clubhouse Heathrow is open from 6am – 10.30pm daily.

Virgin Clubhouse Heathrow The Space

After the “reception” of sorts, you are quickly graced by a large open plan space. As lounges go, this one is quite a big..

Though the lounge has glass windows running all across it, the space is so large it doesn’t feel as flooded with natural light as you might expect. But that is perhaps a good thing as you then have more customisable lighting to set the mood…

The problem with such a huge expanse of space is, you almost don’t know where to look or sit. Despite the size it felt warm..

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

In most my visits, I saw plenty of staff around and sometimes had them offer to give me pointers and how things work etc. It can feel pro-active and laid back simultaneously.

These pictures depict a morning visit with fewer number of people than perhaps usual, which is always a more opportune moment to take pictures..

There are several areas where you can choose to relax depending on your mood and preference

By the windows however, you have more intimate closed rooms too. A little tranquillity is never far off.

Since this was a morning visit, first order of business for me was to have breakfast!

A La Carte Dining

One area where Virgin Clubhouses have always excelled over BA’s Galley lounges and most other Business Lounges for that matter is a la carte dining on offer.

While the lounge does have dedicated formal dining areas such as this Brasserie with waiter service..

Or more private booths that are perfect for families or groups of friends..

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

I sat in different places in different visits, 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 even book a shower!

For morning visits, the food options were all centred around breakfast. 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 many screenshots of me scrolling. You can find a current lunch/dinner menu here

Before I had much of a chance to wonder, my breakfast arrived..

The Egg Royale arrived in about 15 minutes after ordering on on the online app. It was superb. This was served with a side of grapefruit and fresh smoothie.

In a different morning visit, I opted to sit in the sit down restaurant where I had attentive waiters taking my orders and checking up on things multiple times!

You can naturally, order a full English breakfast to start off your day. For those who do not eat, you have other rotating options..

In one of my breakfast visits, I chose to have a Vegetarian breakfast, which was perhaps the least impressive thing I’d eaten in this lounge!

Other More Intimate Spaces

There are several areas that are tucked in corners or divided up behind the glass with views out and if you’re anything like me, you will always look for a good spot with views!

All these spaces have a very living room type vibes. Though no ordinary living room gives you views out to these gorgeous planes adorned with the Virgin livery!

Virgin Clubhouse Retreat

While the other spaces are nice enough to relax in a quieter environment, Virgin now also provides a much more dedicated individual booth like spaces where you can have a nap.

Virgin Clubhouse Heathrow Pelotons!

Perhaps one of the most unique feature of the Virgin Clubhouse in Heathrow was the  workout room added post Covid complete with 3 Pelotons! A workout with a view that was very unique.

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 just for a novelty of a pre-flight workout!

In 2024, sadly, Virgin has decided to remove the Peloton’s as they did not prove too popular.

Virgin Clubhouse Heathrow 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..

The amount of space dedicated to this pool table was surprising! You can really enjoy a game with a few friends and not knock anyone out. Which is more than can be said for most London pubs with a pool table !

It just reiterates, when Virgin does something, it does it well!

Garden Terrace

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

You have to take the stairs up from the pool room

and you are greeted to this space with Astroturf and some garden furniture

The chairs did not look very comfortable so I did not sit in it. In terms of kitting things out, this might be the weakest link of the whole Clubhouse here. London is no stranger to bad weather, so even any moderate gusts will make this space unappealing to be out exposed to the elements.

Overall Thoughts

I always have a great time in Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and Heathrow being the home lounge is the best. I am happy to report that the lounge is still a huge standout in Heathrow and credit to Virgin for still maintaining it as such wonderful space. It is just so Virgin. Stylish but fun. The service was impeccable and food and drinks on offer mostly outstanding.

When assessing my favourite Business Class lounges around the world with some empirical analysis, Virgin currently just about managed to top my top 10 Business Class Lounges!

I have also been to the Clubhouse in New York and Johannesburg which I will review soon. You can see a list of all Virgin Clubhouses here.