New Stansted Airport Lounge: Essence Lands (But There’s a Catch)

By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight & Travel Expert

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps cover my airport lounge habits, thank you for the support.

If you’ve flown from London Stansted Airport recently, you’ll know exactly why this matters.

Stansted can be chaotic, limited seating, heaving gate areas with 06:00 departures with nowhere to breathe.

This is one UK airport where booking a Stansted airport lounge genuinely lowers your stress levels.

Plane Tip: Always pre-book Fast Track Security at Stansted. It’s one of the few airports where it consistently pays off.

Escape Lounge Closes 1 March

Before the new concept arrives, the existing Escape Lounge will close on 1 March as part of the transition. From 3 March, a new era begins.

Essence by Escape Lounges Opens 3 March

Essence by Escape Lounges is a brand-new concept from Escape Lounges.

• From £25.99 pre-booked

• £35 walk-in

• Open daily 4am–8pm

• Access 2 hours before departure

• Located on Satellite 1 (Pier 1 only)

This isn’t a hot buffet lounge.

Instead, expect:

• Fresh sandwiches

• Salads & light bites

• Wine, bottled beer & soft drinks

• Gluten-free & vegan options

Think calm seating + included drinks. Not full English breakfast territory.

The Catch: Satellite 1 Only

Essence is exclusive to Satellite 1 departures.

At Stansted, you usually don’t know which pier you’re flying from until 30–40 minutes before boarding. That makes lounge planning slightly unpredictable.

You can generally walk back from Pier 1 to the main terminal building at London Stansted Airport. Pier 1 is connected to the main passenger terminal, which is designed with a central terminal area and passenger satellites. Just make sure you look out for that boarding call as the walk back is around 10 to 15 minutes. Remember Ryanair are ruthless with closing gates on time!

If you’re flying with Ryanair read:👉Ryanair Baggage Allowance Rules for Passengers in 2026.

For my full breakdown of the previous STN lounge experience, see:👉Review: Escape Lounge London Stansted Airport, or are flying from Gatwick, Luton or Heathrow?

👉Check out my many other lounge reviews here.

Priority Pass Stansted: The Smart Play

Essence accepts Priority Pass.

Instead of paying £35 at the door, holding a membership can dramatically reduce your cost per visit, especially if you travel more than once or twice a year.

I currently have an exclusive offer with up to 30% off Priority Pass membership, which makes accessing a Stansted lounge far better value than walk-in rates.

👉 Get up to 30% Off Priority Pass Here

Alternative: £18 Restaurant Credit at Stansted

If you’re not departing from Satellite 1, there’s another option.

Priority Pass members can use their visit at The Camden Bar & Kitchen instead.

• £18 credit per person

• Valid on food & drinks

• Guests receive additional £18 credit

For many travellers, this can offer better value than a short lounge stop, especially if you prefer hot food and barista coffee.

Staying Overnight at Stansted?

Early flight? I’ve reviewed:👉 My Stay at Premier Inn London Stansted Airport: Hotel Review

Plane Honest Verdict

Stansted is one of the UK’s most intense departure airports.

Essence is a welcome addition to the Stansted airport lounge line-up modern, simpler and well-priced if pre-booked or if you pop by with your Priority Pass. he only gamble? Pier allocation roulette. You can visit Pier 1 first and walk back to your gate, but you’ll need to keep one eye on the boarding screens. Stansted isn’t forgiving.

Plane Related Reads

• Priority Pass Review 2026: One Year of Lounge Access, Was It Worth It?

• 🅿️ Plane AirportParking, Compare UK AirportParkingPrices (2026 Guide)

• easyJet Baggage Allowance (Cabin Bag Size, Hand Luggage & Hold Bags, 2026)

• While booking parking and transfers is essential, don’t forget travel connectivity, here’s how to avoid roaming fees abroad.

From lounge reviews to funny airport moments, I share it all on Instagram.

👉 Follow @MrPlaneGuy for real-time travel tips and plane chaos.

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 New Stansted Airport Lounge: Essence Lands (But There’s a Catch)

Catch the latest Plane News updates here.

👉 Subscribe Here

👉 Follow on Instagram

Plane Extras

The PLANE Smart Way to Take Off

Here are my go-to travel extras that help keep this blog (and me) airborne.

🅿️ Airport Parking Compare prices and save up to 75% at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and more with Compare Parking Prices UK →

🍸 Lounge Access Why wait at the gate when you could sip a pre-flight prosecco?

Get 30% off a Priority Pass membership → and access 1,800+ lounges worldwide.

🌍 Travel Insurance Don’t fly without cover. Coverwise (by AXA) offers annual European cover from £10.20, including medical consultations and pre-existing conditions.

🎒 Plane Essentials My must-pack travel gear, from cabin-size backpacks to neck pillows that actually work. Shop my curated Amazon Storefront → 

📱Stay Connected Avoid roaming shock. Arlo eSIMs → give you instant data in 180+ destinations, no SIM swap required.

💳 Boost Your Avios Earn faster and fly farther with my Amex Gold referral →

 or track reward seats via Reward Flight Finder →.