PRE-FLIGHT RELAXATION AT THE NO.1 LOUNGE BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT
During my recent trip to Thailand, Dr C and I were lucky enough to experience some pre-flight relaxation at The No 1 Lounge at Birmingham airport.
THE NO. 1 AIRPORT LOUNGE
Now, I’m no apprentice when it comes to airport lounges as in recent years I have seen the benefit of these little hideaways tucked behind the corridor-ways of the duty free plethora of shoppers. In fact for long-haul flights in particular, I find it’s a perfect way to mark the beginnings of a getaway by kicking back and relaxing in a comfy seat with access to food and beverages.
The No 1 Lounge at Birmingham airport is located just opposite the World Duty Free, as you leave the store it will be sign posted. Down the small corridor to the left is the small entrance, where a concierge stands ready to take your name and booking information and swiftly hands you a menu.
As you enter the small corridor, lined on one-side with a herb garden wall, featuring plants in silver pots you’ll see the décor is quite chic.
A modern-twist chesterfield sofa greets you opposite a stack of luxury glossy magazines awaiting your perusal. The manned bar greets you at the top with a large selection of wines, beers and spirits.
The lounge itself is split into small discrete areas such as the comfy leather sofa and tables section in the middle of the room. A smart upholstered armchair runway seated area adjacent to the bar, a more of a smart dining set-up near the self-service drinks and food area.
There is also a quiet room for over 12s to escape to if desired. If you’re with a group, your party can head up to the elevated mezzanine level area catered for small groups.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Depending on your arrival time (the lounge can only be entered three hours prior to your flight time), there will be a selection of complimentary foods and soft drinks, teas and coffees available for you to grab whenever you fancy. Your menu card will allow you to order from three sections, depending on the time of day; before 11am, all day favourites or the after 11am. The after 11am food options are more substantial to serve as lunch/dinner such as Thai vegetable curry and smoked chipotle chilli to name a couple. Allergies are also catered for as items from the menu are cooked to order.
As we were there at breakfast time, we had a celebratory Buck Fizz to start and went on to have some toast with preserves, a fish finger wrap and a bacon roll for Dr C! We also helped ourselves to hot drinks, juices, fruit, cereal, yoghurts and pastries.
The bar is tended and serves a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as red, white, rose and sparkling wines as well as draught and bottled beers and cider.
LOUNGE BENEFITS
If the calming atmosphere, food and drink haven’t got you in the mood for booking a pre-flight treat then these little things may; plugs and sockets are in abundance in the lounge, along with newspapers and good quality magazine titles, which you are free to take along with you. Children also get their own packs and of course WIFI is unlimited! You will also be indulged with runway views (unfortunately we were there too early to make use of these as the British winter can be brutally dark!) and express lane security so if you’re travelling in peak periods, queuing really is minimised!
THE FINER DETAILS
No 1 Lounges are located at Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham airport and can be booked online (from £28 per person) or can be booked at the door for £35 per person. Personally I think this is great value for money for the attentive service that is provided and inclusions in the price. The No 1 Lounge at Birmingham airport is open 04:00 am – 8:30 pm and as mentioned previously is open from three hours prior to your flight time.
THE VERDICT
My No 1 lounge experience was a relaxed affair pre-a very busy flight and it was lovely to have some relaxation time after a long drive to the airport. The serenity and services offered are great value for money and I would most definitely book the services of the lounge again in a flash for upcoming trips. I would say the lounge is perfect for frequent flyers, business use and families as the services covered are pretty wide and varied.
Bookings can be made directly via the following link: https://no1lounges.com/service/airport-lounges/no1-lounges/birmingham
Disclaimer: Our No 1 Lounge experience at Birmingham airport was complimentary with thanks to Virgin Holidays. As always, all views, opinions and photography are my own and therefore remain a copyright of be-lavie.
Do you use airport lounges before jetting off on holiday or business trips? What are your experiences? Calming or not calming? Let me know below in the comments!
À Bientôt…
PIN FOR LATER
Binita Shah-Patel
Love to do this before a special trip!!Did it for India and it was such a great experience but at Heathrow xx
Bejal
Binita Shah-PatelIt does add that little bit of luxury and specialness pre-flight. I have never been to the lounge at Heathrow so may give it a go next time xx
Seetal (SavlaFaire)
Always try to make time for a trip to the lounge if I can! It really does start the trip off in the most relaxing, luxurious way, especially if there are a few glasses of Champagne involved 😉
Bejal
Seetal (SavlaFaire)Totally agree, the holiday starts off on a nice foot with a little bit of fizz and relaxation time!
Laura
This is always our go to lounge at Birmingham after a terrible experience at the Escape lounge! I think it would be nice if the food selection was bigger but I think the staff here are always friendly and there is a really good drinks selection, we will definitely keep going back!
Bejal
LauraOh really, this is mt first time at a lounge at Birmingham Airport, as I’m usually flying from London. I cna understand why you love it and I agree the drinks package is great, although the food for me wasn’t too much of an issue as our flight was very early morning!!
Mostlyfoodandtravel
A lovely start to your holiday. We used to go all the time when we had the Barclays account and it was great especially the fact that it was not hectic and noisy in there. The Dubai one is really good if you get a chance to go there. Glad you enjoyed it.
Bejal
MostlyfoodandtravelI just love the peace and quiet to be honest and time to have a drink in a calming environment! Yes I have been to a lounge in Dubai, I remember it being very plush!