- Mr Plane Guy
- May 29, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 5
No 1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2 Review: Is This the Swankiest Spot Before Take-Off?
By Travel Expert and airport lounge top critiĆ Mr Plane Guy
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Priority Pass. I may earn a commission if you sign up through my link, which helps support my travel blog. Thank you for your support!
If you’re flying out of Heathrow Terminal 2 and wondering whether to splash out on lounge access, let me introduce you to the No1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, literally, as it’s tucked away in a very exclusive corner of the airport, think swanky private members club. But once you find it, you’re greeted with boutique hotel vibes, sleek design, and some of the most stylish seating I’ve seen in a UK lounge.
But is it worth paying for access? Is it better than the Aspire Lounge? Where even is this lounge? Let’s get into it…
Where is the No1 Lounge at Heathrow?
Great question, and one that many Google users are frantically searching in terminal 2. The No1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2 is not exactly front and centre. Once you’re through security, head towards Gates A1 to A5. Now here’s where it gets weird: take the lift down one level. It’ll feel like you’re in a secret club, with the mood lighting of a hip members club.
Don’t be put off as you get well away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal building!
Opening Times of No1 Lounge Heathrow
The lounge is open daily from 5am to 9pm, which covers most long-haul and short-haul flights out of Terminal 2. Peak times are early morning and late afternoon, so if you're visiting during those periods, it’s worth booking in advance.
I actually pre booked my visit, this was really easy to do on the Priority Pass website, I put down an approximate time around 3 hours before my flight was due to depart and when I turned up they had my booking and were expecting me.
Airlines That Operate from Heathrow Terminal 2
Terminal 2 (aka The Queen’s Terminal) is home to many Star Alliance members. Here are some of the airlines flying from Terminal 2:
Lufthansa
United Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Air Canada
SWISS
Brussels Airlines
TAP Air Portugal
LOT Polish Airlines
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Austrian Airlines
...and more.
So, whether you’re hopping to Hamburg or jetting to JFK, if your flight departs from Terminal 2, this lounge might be your pre-flight haven.
First Impressions: Swanky, But No Windows
Upon descending into what feels like Heathrow’s best-kept secret, I was pleasantly surprised. The vibe? Think swanky night club meets boutique hotel lobby. Velvet seats, dim lighting, soft jazz playing overhead, it almost felt like I should be ordering a martini, shaken not stirred.
Reception staff were absolutely lovely, warmly welcoming me and explaining how the food and drink system worked, also because of the windowless lounge after 10 minutes inside, I had no clue whether it was 6am or 6pm. It’s moody, it’s atmospheric!
Atmosphere & Design
This lounge has mastered the art of aesthetic. There are various seating zones, from rattan-backed dining tables to plush banquettes to sofa nooks that scream private members club. You’ve got nightclub-style booths in one corner, desk-style seating for business travellers, and even a semi-private den with deep chairs for lounging.
There’s no dedicated family area or children’s play zone, but I saw a couple of families making themselves at home just fine.
It was also spotlessly clean, with staff visibly keeping on top of tidying, clearing plates, and wiping down surfaces. No sticky tables here.
Food: No Full English, But That’s Not a Bad Thing
Here’s where it gets interesting: no full English breakfast. I repeat, no sausages or hash browns in sight.
Instead, the food concept is more like a premium Pret or fancy breakfast bar. Expect:
Continental breakfast: croissants, granola, yoghurt, fresh fruit
Healthy options: green juice (surprisingly tasty!), hummus pots, couscous salad
Wraps & cold bites later in the day
Soup station: comforting and warm if you’re flying in winter
Honestly? I appreciated the lighter, healthier approach. Not everyone wants to be rolling onto their flight full of greasy bacon.
Drinks: Bar Service with a Smile
Drinks are served at the bar, and yes alcohol is free. You can grab:
Wines (red, white, rosé)
Spirits (vodka, gin, rum etc.)
Beer & cider
Soft drinks, teas, and coffees
That magical green juice I keep going on about
No champagne unless you pay extra, but I thought the drinks selection was more than decent. The bartender was friendly and happy to suggest a cocktail based on what I fancied.
I tried the No1 Lounge Signature Spritz cocktail, exclusively at this location and wow, It didn't disappoint, it's also included in the entry fee of course!
Amenities: The Good, The Missing, and The "Why Though?"
Let’s break it down:
Great bar
Clean toilets
Friendly staff
Swanky decor
If this lounge had runway views, I’d call it the best in the UK.
Pricing: How Much Does the No1 Lounge Cost?
Walk-in price: over £40 per person
Book in advance or with your Priority Pass and you pay from just £24!
Plane Tip: If you take your partner or friend, just one of you needs a Priority Pass, both of you can get in at the reduced fee!
Flying from Heathrow even a couple of times a year? Paying £40+ every time you want a lounge adds up fast.
Standard Plus is the best option for most travellers 10 lounge visits included, even though the discount is smaller.
Available discounts:
Standard → 30% off (best for one-off trips)
Standard Plus → 20% off + 10 lounge visits included
Why Priority Pass Is Worth It
Lounge access is a game changer when travelling frequently. And a Priority Pass gives you flexibility, you’re not tied to one airline or one terminal. Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport VIP lounge access program, with over 1800+ lounges worldwide!
Access to over 1700 lounges and travel experiences worldwide
Great for long layovers and delays
Can be bundled with premium credit cards
Often includes free guest passes
And right now, you can save up to 30% on Priority Pass membership, depending on the plan you choose.
Flying from Heathrow even a couple of times a year? Airport food and drinks can easily cost £30–£40 per visit. Priority Pass lets you skip that and if you actually use lounges, Standard Plus usually makes more sense than the basic plan.
Is the No1 Lounge at Heathrow Worth It?
YES – if you value atmosphere, cleanliness, and a quieter spot to chill with a drink before flying.
NO – if runway views are important to you.
Which is Better: No 1 Lounge or Aspire Lounge?
Let’s compare:
Feature | No1 Lounge | Aspire Lounge |
Decor & Vibe | Swanky boutique club | More functional, less glam |
Food Style | Healthy light bites | Buffet with hot options |
Bar | Staffed, stylish bar | Self-serve in parts |
Natural Light | None | Some views |
Wi-Fi | No (at my visit) | Yes |
Seating Variety | Excellent | Good but less stylish |
If you’re after looks and ambience – No1 Lounge wins.
No1 Lounge Heathrow FAQs
Where is the number one lounge at Heathrow?
It’s in Terminal 2, near Gates A1–A5. After security, follow signs to A Gates, take a lift down, and head behind the Louis Vuitton Café.
Is No. 1 Lounge Heathrow worth it?
Yes, for stylish vibes, healthy food, and a peaceful space to unwind. Not ideal if you need natural light or tech features.
Which is better No 1 Lounge or Aspire Lounge?
No1 Lounge is more stylish and atmospheric, but Aspire has better amenities like Wi-Fi and window views.
Are drinks free in No1 Lounge?
Yes! Wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks are included. Champagne costs extra.
Best No1 Lounge Heathrow?
Terminal 2’s No1 Lounge might be the chicest, but it lacks natural light. Terminal 3’s lounge is larger and has more amenities.
No 1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2 review?
Stylish, clean, and quiet – but missing a few key features like windows and Wi-Fi. Great food if you like lighter bites.
The Verdict: Would I Return?
Absolutely – especially if I have a Priority Pass in hand. The No1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2 gives you that feeling of luxury before your flight, even if it’s located in what feels like Heathrow’s underground lair.
This could be the UK’s best lounge. But as it stands, it’s a solid choice if you’re flying from Heathrow T2.
Ready to upgrade your next airport experience?
Happy travels, and see you in the lounge! I’ll definitely be back, with that 30% Priority Pass deal in my carry-on. Get yourself one, breeze through the airport, and take off in style!
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Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport a
nd mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Review: No 1 Lounge Heathrow Terminal 2 Is This the Swankiest Spot Before Take-Off? Do let me know in the comments........
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