TL;DR

The Cathay Pacific Lounge at London is one of the better lounge options in Terminal 3. They offer their signature noodle bar on the business class side lounge, as well as a sit down menu on their First class side. Decorations are very similar to their HKG lounges as well. Would recommend them in a heartbeat.

The Good: Great food in both lounges, quiet and ample space, and nice shower facilities.

The Bad: There’s nothing actually that bad with the lounge itself, my only concern is how crowded it will be when other oneWorld elites find out about it!

The Noteworthy: Great tarmac views, especially for arriving aircraft.

 

Arrival at LHR:

I arrived from my Johannesburg flight around 5:30am. Flights to Miami from LHR depart from Terminal 3, so after deplaning, I took the shuttle down to T3. People usually complain about the shuttle, but honestly I like it. I get to see a ton of cool airplanes up close.

Once I cleared security at T3, which was empty (thank God) because it was so early, I proceeded down the lounge row. I planned on visiting three lounges while here, and my first stop was going to be the Cathay Pacific Lounge.

Cathay Pacific Lounge LHR

Cathay Pacific Lounge LHR

Cathay Pacific Lounge

The lounge opened up last year, and it offers some of the nicest amenities at the terminal. It is divided into the First Class and Business Class sides. Any oneWorld emerald can access the First Class lounge, as well as First Class passengers. The business class side is accessible to business class passengers and oneWorld Sapphire members.

Lounge Dividing Hallway

Lounge Dividing Hallway

First Class Side:

The First class side is, as expected, smaller than the business class side. It is fully stocked with all the basic amenities, such as coffee machines, drinks, and food. One of the first things you will notice when you enter is the coffee machine and tea stand. It is an automated esspresso machine, and I really wish lounges would provide barista made coffee drinks, since I am a HUGE coffee person.

Cathay Lounge Coffee and Pastry Spread

Cathay Lounge Coffee and Pastry Spread

There is also a small hallway-esque area with lounge chairs and views of the tarmac. The area extends into the main seating area, where you can find more chairs than what I think they’ll ever need. By the main seating area, you can see amazing views of the tarmac. I spent about an hour here, and truly enjoyed plane spotting, once the sun rose**.

Windows with Tarmac Views

Windows with Tarmac Views

At another corner, there is a small relaxing area with a TV. It has a divided couch, and is one of the quietest areas of the lounge.

TV Lounge

TV Lounge

Along the main seating area, you can find the drink selection. They offer some premium, mid shelf spirits, as well as wine and beer on tap. They also have a fridge with more beer options and non-alcoholic drinks.

Cathay Lounge Main Seating Area

Cathay Lounge Main Seating Area

More Seating Areas Cathay Lounge LHR

More Seating Areas Cathay Lounge LHR

Drinks Spread Cathay First Lounge

Drinks Spread Cathay First Lounge

Fridge with Drinks

Fridge with Drinks

The main fixture of the the lounge is the dining area. They offer a proper sit down restaurant, serving meals all day long. It is similar to the one in Hong Kong’s lounge. The menu for breakfast was as follows:

Menu Cathay First Lounge LHR

Menu Cathay First Lounge LHR

Dining Area Cathay First Lounge

Dining Area Cathay First Lounge

 

The Business Class Lounge:

The first thing you see when you enter the business class lounge is Cathay’s famous noodle bar. You can have custom made noodles at any point during the day. Next to it, is the dining area, which looks like a very refined restaurant set up, with nice finishes and smart design.

Noodle Bar Cathay Lounge LHR

Noodle Bar Cathay Lounge LHR

Dining Area Business Class Side

Dining Area Business Class Side

Passing the dining area, there is a large table, which looks more like a statement than practical, given the style of chairs they have. It does look cool, but I can’t see it being used much. Along the side of this table, they have hot food buffet set up, with a selection of western and Asian dishes.

Weird Table

Weird Table

Buffet Spread

Buffet Spread

By the far end, there is also a pastry table, set up with croissants, cookies and muffins. Next to it, there is a fridge with a variety of goodies, from drinks to cheese to desserts.

Coffee and Pastries

Coffee and Pastries

Fridge with Goodies

Fridge with Goodies

The main seating area is ample, but I can see this side getting crowded during peak times. Along the back of the seating area is a fully stocked bar, with a bartender. They have the same selection they have in the First Class lounge, but here, you can have it served for you. Note that the bartender was very kind and was eager to serve me a morning cocktail. They also have a beverage list.

Main Seating Area Cathay Lounge LHR

Main Seating Area Cathay Lounge LHR

Bar Cathay Lounge

Bar Cathay Lounge

Drinks List

Drinks List

By the far end of the lounge, there are some funky chairs that are actually very comfortable. I took a 15 minute nap and can attest how soft they are.

Seating Area

Seating Area

Tarmac Views

Tarmac Views

Shared Areas:

Finally, between the business and first class side, there is a business center with a few Macs.

Computer Lab and Business Center

Computer Lab and Business Center

There is also a few shower rooms, that are identical to the ones in Hong Kong. They are stocked with Aesop toiletries. In case you need extra amenities, you can ask the attendants and they will bring them to you.

Shower Suite

Shower Suite

Shower

Shower

Toiletries

Toiletries

Toiletries Menu

Toiletries Menu

The food at the noodle bar was amazing, the dim sum was on point. The champagnes they offer are also top notch. They have Moet & Chandon Imperial, as well as Barons de Rothschild’s.

Noodle bar

Noodle bar

Delicious food

Delicious food

Drinks Options

Drinks Options

Wine Options

Wine Options

Champagne Options

Champagne Options

By the time I was done exploring, it was basically sunrise, and I got to snap a quick pick of a Cathay 777 and a Qantas A380 arriving.

Cathay 777-300ER At LHR

Cathay 777-300ER At LHR

Qantas A380 at LHR

Qantas A380 at LHR

Landing Thoughts:

After having visited three lounges in Terminal 3, this lounge is by far the best lounge. It caters to both business and first class passengers, and offers top notch amenities to both. The drinks list is extensive, and food is fresh. I can see myself being able to spend about 4 hours there and not feel too bored. The plane spotting opportunities are also great. I would recommend this lounge to anyone who has access to it!

 

What do you think? Have you visited the Cathay Pacific Lounge London yet? Let us know!

Here is a list of all my flight reviews: The Millennial Traveler Flight Reviews

Here is a list of all my lounge reviews: The Millennial Traveler Lounge Reviews

 

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