What Is It Like to Visit the Cathay Pacific Lounge in London Heathrow?

If you are traveling through Terminal 3 of London Heathrow Airport (LHR), you’ll come across various airport lounges. However, not all lounges are created equal – some are certainly more impressive than others.

Cathay Pacific operates one lounge that stands out from the rest, offering an exceptional experience that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler passing through this international gateway.

Location

Located in Lounge C zone, visitors must follow signs to take the stairs or the elevators up one floor. Large travertine floor tiles and dark bronze metalized wall panels adorn the reception hall, where the staff checks boarding passes and frequent flyer credentials.

Photo: Cathay Pacific lounge, LHR. Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

The iconic wing logo of Cathay Pacific in gold hangs on the wall, symbolizing the 5-star carrier based in Hong Kong.

Access Options

Passengers traveling in Cathay Pacific’s First and Business Class, oneworld Emerald, and top-tier members of the Cathay Pacific loyalty program, along with their companions, are welcome to enter the lounge.

Photo: Cathay Pacific lounge, LHR. Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

Additionally, other airlines in different alliances also contract this lounge for their passengers. I was able to gain admission to this lounge by flying SkyTeam China Airlines business class from London to Taipei in late 2023.

The Lounge

As you pass through the reception desk, the main hall of the club lounge comes into view, with a signature bar and open kitchen lined with teal and dark green tiles. The right side of the hall features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of the busy gates and jets.

Photo: Cathay Pacific lounge, LHR. Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

Tan wooden dividers and mahogany wall panels divide the space into various sections where guests can find buffets of food, beverage stations, and different seating options. These include caramel-colored leather sofas, beige and teal round sunken chairs, black recliners with ottomans, and individual sofa chairs with high sides in emerald that offer privacy.

Large indoor plants in pots, such as fiddle leaf fig trees, are scattered throughout the lounge, bringing life to an otherwise old-fashioned airport club. Although the interior design seems dated now, the branding swatches of Cathay Pacific and golden lighting fixtures add luxury accents to this comfortable environment.

Food and Beverage

Several buffet tables are set up with warm dishes such as ravioli, chicken wings, soups, and room-temperature items like wraps, sandwiches, deli cuts, and cheese.

In a separate fridge with a glass door, you can find fruit cups, juice, mousse, and quinoa salad. Another table has desserts like cakes, donuts, bread, and fresh bananas and apples. The quality of the food is average.

Photo: Cathay Pacific lounge, LHR. Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

However, the main attractions are the diner bar and open kitchen. Here, customers can order off the menu digitally and receive buzzers to wait for freshly made noodles, wontons, fried rice, and more. A tray of condiments and toppings is available for self-serving.

Although I wanted to save my appetite for the business class dinner later, I couldn’t resist trying the famous dim sum basket. It included a steamed shumai (pork dumpling), a har gow (crystal shrimp dumpling), and a chicken dumpling.

Photo: Cathay Pacific lounge, LHR. Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

I also ordered Indonesian chili fried rice, which had enough heat to keep anyone awake. I washed it down with Old Jamaica ginger ale from the fridge, which had a spicy kick. These small dishes are perfect appetizers before boarding a long-haul flight.

Amenities

Right by the check-in counter, I booked a shower room with the staff since I spent an entire day on a layover from Los Angeles, walking around central London with my cousin who lives in the U.K.

Photo: Cathay Pacific lounge, LHR. Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

The dark granite tiles, with recessive lighting and a large vanity mirror, transform individual shower rooms into private spas. The rain shower head, with a strong flow, washes away fatigue. There’s also a toilet in each shower stall.

Shower gel, hand soap, lotion, face mist, and cleansers by Bamford are refreshingly fragrant. Various bathroom kits, such as a dental set, shaver, comb, cotton bud, and makeup pad, are stored in recycled carton packaging, further demonstrating the sustainability goal of the airline.

Photo: Cathay Pacific lounge, LHR. Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

Other convenient amenities include free Wi-Fi, workstations, luggage storage, newspapers and magazines, washrooms, and wheelchair access.

Verdict

This Cathay Pacific outstation at one of its most important gateways is essential to its operation, providing a green oasis in Heathrow’s hustle and bustle. Eligible passengers can indulge in the niceties and meals without crowding nearby lounges owned by fellow oneworld carriers.