- Mr Plane Guy
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
The Best Lounge at Gatwick? I Visited Them All So You Don’t Have To
By Travel Expert and Airport Lounge Champagne Tester Mr Plane Guy
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If you’ve ever flown through London Gatwick, you’ll know it’s… busy. Gatwick is the UK’s second-busiest airport, and while it’s efficient, it’s not exactly known for its zen vibes. That’s where airport lounges come in, Why fight for a seat at the gate, with screaming hen and stag parties when you could be relaxing in a quiet lounge instead?
How about getting into Gatwick Airport Lounges at a reduced rate?
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Over the years, I’ve tried every single lounge at Gatwick Airport, North and South Terminals. So you don’t have to waste time (or money) figuring out which is worth it, here’s my honest verdict: the best lounge at Gatwick Airport is Clubrooms, hands down.
That said, there are a few honourable mentions (I’m looking at you, Plaza Premium North), a few wild cards, and a couple I wouldn’t bother with again. Below you’ll find my full Gatwick lounge reviews, my personal tips, and why I think Priority Pass is the smartest way to access most of them if you travel a few times a year.
Travel Tip: If you have Priority Pass, you can access Gatwick Airport Lounges at a reduced rate of £24 as part of your membership. This makes it a great deal for frequent travellers!
Why use a lounge at Gatwick at all?
Before we get into which lounge is the best, let’s talk about why you’d bother.
Lounges at Gatwick and indeed most airports offer:
Complimentary food and drink (yes, even booze)
Comfortable seating and quiet spaces away from the crowds
Departure boards so you don’t have to keep checking your phone
Free Wi-Fi and charging points
Clean toilets (often underrated but hugely appreciated!)
For families, they’re a godsend when travelling with kids. For business travellers, they’re a functional workspace with coffee and power sockets. And for everyone else, they’re just… calm.
And if you think they’re only for business class flyers, think again. Thanks to Priority Pass, you can get into most of the lounges I mention below, regardless of airline or ticket class.
Check out my Gatwick Airport Lounge Reviews
Clubrooms, South Terminal (My Winner)
If you want the best lounge at Gatwick Airport, look no further than Clubrooms in the South Terminal.
This one actually feels like a proper first-class experience. Think plush armchairs, intimate dining tables, and an à la carte menu instead of a buffet. The staff seat you at your own private table, take your drinks order, and serve your meal.
It feels high-end without being stuffy. I usually go for the full English breakfast if it’s morning, or the burger later in the day. It’s included in the entry fee, as are the drinks, so don’t be shy.
Downsides? Well, it books up fast, which is why I recommend using the Priority Pass app to pre-book. And kids under 12 aren’t allowed, which makes it more peaceful but less ideal for families.
If you want to feel like you’ve upgraded your whole trip before you even board, this is the one to pick.
Plaza Premium, North Terminal (Runner-Up)
Over in the North Terminal, Plaza Premium Lounge comes in a very close second. This space used to be Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse, and you can tell, the design still screams premium. Think mood lighting, sweeping runway views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and that classic Virgin chic.
The food here is genuinely good. There’s usually a hot buffet selection (often Asian-inspired), a fresh salad bar, and some tasty desserts. The staff are always friendly, and there’s plenty of seating.
Unlike Clubrooms, it’s family-friendly and feels a little more spacious. It doesn’t quite match the private dining experience of Clubrooms, but it’s a strong contender if you’re flying from the North Terminal.
Don't forget to hit the follow!
Emirates Lounge, North Terminal
If you’re lucky enough to be flying Emirates from Gatwick, their dedicated lounge is worth a look. It’s beautifully designed, with direct boarding from the lounge itself. Food and drinks are on par with Emirates’ premium standards. Unfortunately, you can’t access it with Priority Pass, it’s reserved for Emirates’ business and first class passengers (and eligible Skywards members).
British Airways Galleries Lounge, South Terminal
Similar story here: BA has its Galleries Lounge for Club Europe and Executive Club members. It’s perfectly fine, but personally, I don’t find it anywhere near as polished as Clubrooms. If you’re flying BA Euroflyer from Gatwick and have access, it’s a decent option. (You can read my full British Airways Euroflyer review here).
Plaza Premium Express, North Terminal
Not to be confused with the full Plaza Premium, this smaller Express version in the North Terminal is… underwhelming. It’s essentially a no-frills, quick-stop version of the main lounge, and it feels like it. Not a bad fallback if everything else is full, but nothing memorable.
No1 Lounges, South & North Terminals
You’ll find No1 Lounges in both terminals. They’re fine. Not bad, but not exceptional either.
They’re definitely busier than Clubrooms or Plaza Premium, especially at peak times, and sometimes it feels more like a busy café than a lounge. That said, the food is still complimentary, and the drinks flow.
If you can’t get into Clubrooms or Plaza Premium, No1 is still better than sitting out in the terminal.
My Lounge, South Terminal
My Lounge South has one unique feature no other Gatwick lounge can claim: an outdoor terrace. Yes, it doubles as a smoking area (and yes, it smells like one too), but it’s the only airside place at Gatwick where you can have a cigarette after security. If you’re a smoker or just want some fresh-ish air and a view of the apron, this is your spot.
Otherwise, My Lounge is fine but a bit basic compared to the likes of Clubrooms or Plaza Premium. The buffet tends to be more casual (think nachos, soups, and snacky bits). Worth it if you just want something different.
My Lounge, North Terminal
Over in the North Terminal, My Lounge feels much the same as the South version — casual, slightly quirky, and quieter than the main No1 Lounge. But it doesn’t have the terrace. Food and drinks are similar.
Aspire Lounge, North Terminal
I have to say, this one didn’t impress me much.
It’s perfectly serviceable if you just want somewhere quieter to sit, but it’s small, the food selection is limited, and it doesn’t feel anywhere near as polished as the others. It works in a pinch, but if you’re flying from the North Terminal, you’ll have a much better experience at Plaza Premium.
Why I Use Priority Pass
I use lounges on nearly every trip, and the reason it doesn’t break the bank is simple: I have a Priority Pass.
If you’re not familiar with it yet, here’s the gist: Priority Pass is the world’s largest independent airport lounge program, giving you access to over 1,700 lounges and airport experiences worldwide. You don’t have to be flying business class, and you can use it with any airline.
Some of the benefits:
Complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating
Family-friendly options in most lounges
Quiet spaces to work
Discounts on spa treatments, gaming stations, and even takeaway food through the app
The ability to pre-book lounges through the app (essential at busy airports like Gatwick)
Complimentary fitness app membership and access to preferential car rental rates
Access to lounges on both your outbound and return journeys, where as a one-off day pass only covers a single leg
With my 30% discount, Priority Pass plans start from just £48 + £24 per visit, which is usually cheaper than buying a single-use lounge pass at the airport. The more you fly, the more value you get out of it.
If you’re even semi-frequent (3–4 trips a year), it pays for itself quickly. And yes, you can use it immediately after joining via the digital card on the app.
You can also bring guests for a small fee, which I’ve done many times when travelling with friends.
You can join online here: Priority Pass Membership
Priority Pass Membership Plans Explained
Priority Pass offers three plans:
Standard — low annual fee, and you pay-as-you-go per visit.
Standard Plus — includes 10 free visits per year.
Prestige — unlimited free member visits all year.
All three let you bring guests for the stated visit fee.
You’ll also find some lounges with a small additional charge (clearly shown in the app), but these are rare.
Pro Tips for Lounging at Gatwick
Here are my hard-earned tips for getting the most out of your Gatwick lounge experience:
1. Pick the right terminal. If you can, choose your flights based on terminal. Clubrooms (South) and Plaza Premium (North) are the standouts.
2. Pre-book. The best lounges get booked up, especially at peak times (mornings and Friday evenings). Use the Priority Pass app to pre-book where possible.
3. Arrive early. Lounges usually allow entry up to 3 hours before your flight. Make the most of it a relaxed meal and a drink or two beats rushing through security and sitting at the gate.
4. Check the dress code. Most lounges (especially Clubrooms) expect “smart casual.” You don’t need a suit, but ripped jeans and flip-flops might not fly.
5. Bring a guest. If you’re travelling with someone, Priority Pass makes it easy to bring them in for a small fee.
So… Which is the Best Lounge at Gatwick Airport?
For me, it’s simple:
Best overall, Clubrooms, South Terminal
Best in North Terminal, Plaza Premium
Best for families, No1 Lounge, either terminal
Best outdoor space (and smokers) My Lounge South
Best on a budget, Aspire Lounge (if you must)
Clubrooms edges out the rest thanks to its genuinely premium experience, it feels more like a first-class ticket than just a quiet waiting area. Plaza Premium is a close second, especially if you’re in the North Terminal.
Final Boarding Call
If you’re flying through Gatwick, a lounge is absolutely worth it. And if you travel more than twice a year, Priority Pass is a no-brainer.
For the price of a few pints and a soggy airport sandwich, you can instead sit in comfort with proper food, drinks, and calm. It’s one of the few affordable luxuries in travel that genuinely makes every journey better.
If you’re ready to stop fighting for a seat at Pret and start enjoying your time at the airport, join Priority Pass today and save 30%:
Happy travels and see you in the lounge.
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Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline.
I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you enjoyed this The Best Lounge at Gatwick? I Visited Them All So You Don’t Have To, Do let me know in the comments........