Review: the new No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2

This is our review of the new No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2.

The No1 Lounge at Terminal 2 is the first new lounge to open at the airport since, I think, the American Express Centurion Lounge at Terminal 3 (review here).

It adds some much needed capacity at Terminal 2 which has several Star Alliance lounges (Lufthansa, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines) but lacks independent lounge space. The 11-year old Plaza Premium lounge has struggled to keep up with demand, especially when an existing lounge closes for refurbishment.

Fortunately, Heathrow found a site by freeing up some back-office space in the bowels of the terminal building. As you will see, it is a relatively small and (like Plaza Premium) windowless area that has been well appointed to create a comfortable and relaxing space.

How to access the No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2

As an independent lounge it is easier to access than the airline equivalent. You can get in with any of the lounge access card schemes such as Priority Pass or DragonPass, which you can join directly or (more likely) will get as part of a credit card or bank account benefits package.

You can book a slot directly for cash via the No1 website here.

Walk-ins are always at risk of being turned away if the lounge is full. Priority Pass or DragonPass cardholders can prebook a slot for £6 by going here.

I didn’t prebook but I did arrive at 5am, just after it opened, and had no problem getting in.

Standard opening hours are 5am to 9pm, seven days per week.

Where is the new No1 Lounge at Heathrow T2?

Heathrow has yet to install proper signage for the lounge, so there are temporary signs in place:

The No1 Lounge is located apart from the other airport lounges at Terminal 2; don’t forget, this space wasn’t originally meant for a lounge.

That said, it isn’t hard to find. You need to head towards Gates A1-A5. Just after the Louis Vuitton cafe you’ll find a set of elevators with a sign for the lounge:

Take the lift from the fourth floor of the terminal to the second and you’ll be greeted by the lounge staff.

Inside the No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2

Whilst it is a small, windowless space you have to give credit to the interior designers: this is a stylish, well thought out lounge and with clever use of lighting you’d almost forget you’re deep within the terminal.

Curved arch doorways help to liven up what would otherwise be a fairly dull rectangular room:

The middle of the room features support columns for the buildings but these have been cleverly wrapped in red ochre tiles that turn them into a feature rather than a bug:

There’s a small bar immediately on the left with just two bar stools. This is staffed, although at 5am nobody was desperate for a drink!

Opposite is a range of seating, from a long, curved sofa:

…. to a dining area with tables and chairs:

At the back of the lounge are more armchairs, arranged for solo travellers or those in pairs or groups:

There are two ‘nooks’ along the left hand side:

…. and, at the very back, another darker area that’s screened off from the rest of the lounge by open shelving. I noticed several reservation cards on tables so this is clearly for pre-arranged groups.

and

Power is not available at every seat although there are a lot of sockets around – you just have to look. In the dining area they are located in the skirting board underneath the padded bench, whilst in the rear lounge area they were mounted onto a side console:

Despite the small footprint it’s impressive how many seats No1 has fitted in – 90 – although some are quite close together and I can imagine it feeling quite crowded when busy.

Food and drink in the No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2

The buffet area is located after the bar.

It seems that No1 has decided to keep things simple, no doubt due to the small size of the lounge kitchen. The breakfast service was basic with bacon & cheddar or tomato & cheddar croissants:

There was also fruit salad, granola, apple & cinnamon overnight oats, cornflakes, muesli, yoghurt and fruit smoothies:

The only hot food was porridge. If you are ravenous the No1 Lounge may not be for you: the clear focus here is on lounging rather than eating.

Conclusion

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 2’s new No1 Lounge adds some much-needed capacity to the terminal and you can’t argue with what has been done. This is a modern, stylish lounge – brighter than the now 11-year-old Plaza Premium space and with a much more interesting design.

The only compromise is on food with No1 offering relatively limited options. That said, it has given more thought to it than many lounges with prepared croissant sandwiches, fruit smoothies and more.

You can find out more, and book entry for cash, on this page of the No1 website.