I tried a UK airport’s new £57 lounge — there’s one selling point | Travel News | Travel

There’s nothing quite like an airport lounge to ensure your holiday begins on a calm and comfortable note. Manchester Airport now boasts a fresh, enhanced lounge facility designed to encourage travellers to spend a little extra beyond their airfare to commence their journey in considerable comfort.

The Executive Lounge represents the latest hospitality addition unveiled during the comprehensive renovation programme at Terminal 2, welcoming passengers from any carrier to enjoy access to a buffet spread and bar facilities for £56.99. That’s a steeper cost compared to its nearby counterpart, the established Escape Lounge, where the food and beverage package costs £39.99. For those wondering precisely what the additional expenditure delivers at the new facility, Reach’s reporter Dianne Bourne visited to assess the offering firsthand, reports Manchester Evening News.

The initial impression upon entering is that the Executive Lounge has genuinely raised standards with its interior design.

The space immediately conveys an upmarket atmosphere, featuring an entrance reminiscent of a high-end boutique complete with elegant floral displays, attentive staff and sophisticated décor throughout.

Additionally, numerous intimate alcoves and booth-style seating arrangements make it an ideal destination for couples embarking on a romantic getaway (though that wasn’t Dianne’s situation, regrettably) or comfortable spots where friends can chat before boarding. What’s more, there’s an overwhelming sense of space and light that truly impresses in the finest way.

This expansive venue boasts floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views across the airfield, making it the perfect retreat for those — like Dianne — who find airports rather claustrophobic and stressful ahead of a flight.

Subtle yet charming nods to Manchester are woven throughout the décor, stopping well short of obvious Hacienda stripes or bee motifs, with distinct areas themed and named after the city’s rich heritage — think The Loom, The Seam and The Fold. And, to top it all off, there are some rather splendid facilities for the ladies too.

The extensive food and drink selection across the buffets also left a strong impression. Numerous food stations are on offer, including a dedicated all-day breakfast buffet alongside a fully stocked bakery counter, laden with tempting treats such as muffins, brownies, scones and slices of loaf cake.

For those seeking a touch of balance, a genuinely impressive deli and salad bar provides some wholesome options — a welcome counterpoint to the inevitable temptation of piling every available carbohydrate onto one’s plate.

For many visitors, however, the star attraction will undoubtedly be the carvery station. A selection of meats, expertly carved by the chef, takes centre stage, with an array of hot dishes brimming with roasted vegetables and accompaniments to complete the plate.

Come October, airport management will be unveiling an even more exclusive experience within the space, introducing a private dining offering at the very heart of the Lounge for the very first time. Official pricing hasn’t been released yet, though it’s expected to be approximately £100, which includes a three-course meal plus full service throughout your time in the Lounge.

Personally, Dianne is not entirely sure that she would fancy a three-course sit-down meal before boarding, so she would be more inclined towards the £56.99 buffet and self-service option.

The breakfast Dianne sampled during her visit, French toast topped with fresh fruit and mascarpone, was outstanding, and represents precisely the type of dish she would choose to settle her stomach before flying.

Another significant advantage here is the premium drinks selection that’s covered by the entrance fee. Because indeed, bubbly enthusiasts, Champagne features among the beverages available during your two-hour slot, which was a major highlight for Dianne.

The premium drinks menu encompasses branded wines and spirits, alongside various soft drinks and hot beverages. Considering that premium tipples like champagne can set you back as much as £18 per glass, the entry price here becomes quite justifiable in her view – though Dianne is not implying that she would indulge excessively in the bubbly, of course.

However, the premium food and drink selection, combined with the opulent surroundings and simply the feeling of tranquillity within, distinguishes the Executive Lounge for Dianne and from the Escape Lounge which she has sampled previously. And where the fizz covered by the fee is… Prosecco.

Admittedly, the champagne may not be every traveller’s primary consideration when reserving an airport lounge, but it’s certainly enough to tempt her back for another visit.

Commenting on the launch of the new Executive Lounge, Martinus Louwerse, the Head of Operations EMEA for Hospitality at CAVU, said: “We are very proud of this space, when you first walk in it’s like wow, it’s an amazing lounge.

“I think the feedback from airlines is that ‘wow this is better than our own lounges’.”

He explained that during the design process, the team questioned: “How can we be different? What do people want? It’s about food and beverage and space. You can come in and have different experiences.”

It’s undeniably an upmarket offering with a premium price tag, so it’s unlikely to suit every traveller or every departure. However, for a special getaway or occasion where you want to begin your journey in style, it’s a fantastic new option worth considering.

How much does it cost?

It’s worth noting that airport lounge pricing operates on a “dynamic pricing” model, starting from £56.99 for the Executive Lounge and from £39.99 for the Escape Lounge when booked in advance. These rates may vary depending on your travel date and departure time.

For those who prefer to book on the day, prices start from £75 for the Executive Lounge and £55 for the Escape Lounge, subject to availability. Both adults and children are welcome, with under-3s admitted free of charge.

Guests are allocated a two-hour window within the Lounge prior to departure, with the lounges operating between 3am and 8.45pm each day.