The Cathay Pacific business class lounge in London Heathrow Terminal 3 is a spacious and comfortable with great food and beverage options.
For a review of the adjoining first class lounge, click here. Let me note at the outset that my visit to this lounge was in February 2020. Hours and amenities have changed due to the pandemic, though it is not clear (yet) how temporary in nature these cutbacks are. Please expect modified hours and more limited food and beverage options during this unprecedented time. The lounge is currently closed.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge London Access + Hours
You’ll find the lounge in Heathrow Terminal 3. Clear security then head through duty free and then left, where the lounge sits net to the Qantas Lounge, another great oneworld lounge in T3. The lounge is open Monday – Saturday from 5:30AM to 10:30PM and on Sunday from 7:30AM to 10:30PM. Access is reserved for oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members as well as passengers departing in business or first class on a oneworld flight. One guest is permitted. Passengers connecting in business from Cathay Pacific without status are allowed in, but without a guest. Take the elevator upstairs to the lounge.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge London Seating
To enter the lounge, walk past the check-in desk (where your credentials will be checked), then down the hall past the first class lounge. Before you get to the restrooms, turn right and you’ll enter the noodle bar / dining area. The seating area is beyond. A mix of multi-colored chairs and couches juxtaposes nicely with the wooden partitions and wall panelings.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge London Food + Drink
This lounge has two things really going for it. First is a noodle bar in which freshly made dumplings, noodles, or dim sum is available on demand. Simply order from the counter and a few minutes later a hot meal will be ready. Add toppings yourself.
There’s also a full bar that not only has a nice selection of alcoholic beverages, but also a nice coffee machine that produces far better espresso-based drinks than the automatic coffee machines in the buffet area.
If you are pressed for time or looking for a wider cuisine choice, a buffet offers hot and cold dishes. There are also beverage stations throughout the lounge.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge London Restrooms + Showers
The business and first class lounges share a common restroom and shower area. If you need a shower, look for a shower attendant or ask the front desk. Aesop amenities are available in both the shower suites and restrooms. I took a shower in the afternoon around 4:00PM and had no wait for it.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge Magazines + Newspapers
Magazines and newspapers, which increasingly fewer lounges offer, are available throughout the lounge.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge London Business Center
In the rear of the lounge is a work area with several computers and space to spread out if you are working.
Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge London Service
Staff tend to keep to themselves in the lounge, but the bartender was very personable when making my coffee. If you need something, just ask. The buffet, if it returns after the pandemic, is constantly monitored, cleaned, and restocked.
CONCLUSION
Although I spent most of my time in the first class lounge, I really enjoyed the lounge. While a tranquil place to sit is a selling point, what really distinguishes this lounge is its noodle bar.
I love this lounge. 🙁
The layout and design of the lounge is nice. The food is mediocre at best. The noodle bar stuff tasted like the frozen stuff you can get at Trader Joe’s. The Qantas Lounge has better food.
Agreed the Qantas Lounge has better food (and coffee). But I do like Trader Joe’s frozen meals! 😉