Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Heathrow Review – A Stylish Pre-Flight Escape

Back in February of 1993, two momentous occasions occurred. Firstly, I was born, on the 27th of the month, which is obviously the most important moment from February 1993. But what also happened five days earlier, and really you will see how it pales in comparison, is that Virgin Atlantic opened its Clubhouse at Heathrow Airport. And while that might sound impressive, I think we can all agree it pales in comparison to my arrival!

The Upper Class Wing includes a fantastic model of the on of their aircraft

Since the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow Terminal 3 and I are basically twins, and I was flying Upper Class to New York, it only felt right to pay my (almost) birthday twin a visit. Welcome to my Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Heathrow Review.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Heathrow Review - Finding the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow

I’m still getting to grips with Heathrow Terminal 3. While Terminal 5 feels like an old friend, Terminal 3 and I are still in the awkward early days of our relationship. Thankfully, the signage in T3 is excellent, and finding the Virgin Atlantic lounge was refreshingly straightforward.

After clearing security, I meandered through Duty Free and strolled past the big-name boutiques, Fendi, Dior, and then Chanel. The signage clearly indicates that you go just beyond Chanel but naturally I was tempted by actually going into Chanel before realising I am on a clothes buying ban (self imposed) and because their prices are so wildly inaccessible that was never going to happen! A girl can dream! The entrance to the Clubhouse is just beyond the shop, with a choice of stairs or a lift complete with leather seats, a rather lovely touch.

For the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse you are looking for Lounge H. Don't worry you cannot miss the signs

At the top, you're greeted by the iconic red-uniformed mannequins, a nod to Virgin Atlantic’s signature style, with examples from each of the iterations. The current, of course, designed by the legend that was Vivienne Westwood, and a truly fabulous regeneration of an iconic uniform.

The beautiful first Virgin Atlantic Uniform

Elizabeth Emmanuel's second iteration

The third version of the uniform

The current iconic Vivienne Westwood uniform

Gaining Access to the Clubhouse

There was a bit of a queue at the reception desk, understandable, as people often get muddled about who qualifies for entry.

The lounge is a mixture of woods and natural tones

To be fair to them, these lounges don't always make it terribly clear online, however, in defence of Virgin Atlantic I must say their online legibility is very clear. Let's go through it:

Who Can Access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow?

Eligible Cabins:

• Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (+ one guest flying Virgin Atlantic or Delta)

• Delta One (Delta Air Lines)

• Clase Premier (Aeroméxico)

Eligible Frequent Flyers:

• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold (+ one guest flying Virgin Atlantic, Delta or Aeroméxico)

• Delta SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallions (+ guest flying in Virgin Atlantic or Delta premium cabins)

• Flying Blue Platinum Members (+ guest flying Virgin Atlantic or Delta premium cabins)

As I was flying Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic, I had full access. My Silver Flying Club status alone wouldn’t have got me in, so make sure you’re covered.

Also worth noting: you can only access the Clubhouse up to 3 hours before your scheduled departure, unless you’re connecting through Heathrow, in which case that rule is waived.

First Impressions & Lounge Layout

The initial challenge? Finding a seat. I arrived at 2:20pm, and it took me about 10 minutes and 500 steps to finally settle at a marble-topped desk by the window at the back.

The lounge space is large and impressive

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Heathrow offers a wide array of seating-booths, leather armchairs, stylish tub chairs, dining tables, bar stools, and sofas. There’s even an upstairs area and a proper restaurant section.

This was the first seating area you get to you once you have walked into the lounge

As you can see there is a range of seating options within the lounge

Here you can there are some low chairs and tables as well as an outer area great for plane spotting

My desk setup was practical:

• Two standard UK sockets

• One universal socket

• Two USB ports

• A wireless charging stand (worked perfectly)

• Pull-down compartments of mystery

• Salt, pepper, and sugar station for hot drinks

  
  

The wireless charging point was really useful

I couldn't quite work out what these were for

Various plugs and charging points for any thing you might need

Dining at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Every table is equipped with a QR code for table service food and drink ordering. There's also a buffet, but I was keen to test out the digital ordering system.

First, connect to the free, fast WiFi. The password is handed to you at check-in and also printed on the table sign, simple and seamless.

The Wi-Fi was quick and didn't drop out once

The Clubhouse menu is extensive, offering:

• Soft drinks

• Coffees and teas

• Alcoholic beverages

• Main meals

• Light bites

• Desserts

Here are a few of their menu examples:

Drinks Menu

Children's Menu

Breakfast

Lunch / Dinner

Afternoon Tea

I kicked things off with soda water and a glass of my beloved Hambledon Classic Cuvée, a delightful English Sparkling Wine from a Hampshire vineyard just 15 minutes from home. Hats off to Virgin Atlantic for championing local wine and serving something genuinely special. Hambledon is a win for British wine lovers, well played, Sir Richard!

Double bubbles!

If you are lucky enough to travel through the Clubhouse between 23rd and 27th June you will be treated to a Hambledon Pop-Up to celebrate British Wine Week. Please do go and discover this fantastic product and support a truly great British product. Just to confirm this is not sponsored in any way. I just think it's really important to champion local and British produce where possible and I just love this vineyard a lot.

Whilst in the lounge I also ordered a duck bao bun, flavourful, generously filled, though not piping hot. Service was impressively swift:

• Ordered at 14:25

• Drinks at 14:29

• Food at 14:34

The bao was a real treat

I noticed the staff were excellent at topping up Champagne, although they did assume everyone was drinking it without checking. I was very well-behaved and stuck to just one glass, no hangovers here, thank you!

Lounge Amenities & Extras

There’s more to this space than great wine and comfy chairs. Here’s what else you’ll find at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Heathrow:

• Immaculate toilets with REN skincare products

• Private shower suites near “The Retreat” (didn’t use them, but if the loos are anything to go by, they’ll be spotless)

• Yoga and a gym area if you're feeling virtuous... I wasn't!

• An outdoor terrace offering great views of the runway

• Range of complimentary newspapers for you to read on-site or take on board

• Flight announcements: This isn’t a silent lounge, which some people prefer. I quite like it, as it saves you from anxiously checking the departure screens every five minutes.

The Yoga area within the Clubhouse

There was also this swinging chair set up as a cute photo opportunity

A closer look at the individual booths in the yoga area

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Opening Hours

The lounge is open from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM or last departure.

Whether you're visiting in the morning or evening, the Clubhouse at Heathrow promises a premium experience every time.

The Clubhouse also allowed for good plane spotting views

Final Thoughts: Is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re sipping Hambledon with your duck bao bun or finding a quiet corner to relax before your flight, the Virgin Atlantic Heathrow Clubhouse remains a truly class product. Thoughtfully designed, well-staffed, and full of British charm, it’s the perfect start to your journey.

Helena

Points Well Made is a passion project of Sam and Helena with a loyal following. If you like what we do, and wish to help us continue to create the content you love, please consider buying us a Kofi, or subscribing monthly. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.