Review: Gulf Air’s Falcon Gold lounge, Heathrow Terminal 4

This is our review of Gulf Air’s Falcon Gold lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4.

This is, I believe, the last lounge at Heathrow we haven’t reviewed, bar the brand new Saudia lounge which has just opened (also in T4.) I wasn’t sure what to expect going in and came out pleasantly surprised: it’s a lovely, quiet space with great views.

It is one of just three Gulf Air lounges worldwide; the other two are in Bahrain (their home) and Dubai.

Where is the Gulf Air Falcon Gold lounge?

The Gulf Air lounge is located near Gate 6 in Terminal 4, so you’ll want to turn left when exiting security. It’s only a short walk before you see the entry sign:

The Falcon Gold lounge is located on the same floor as the rest of the terminal so there’s no need to take any elevators or stairs up.

Boarding passes are scanned at the entrance under the penetrating gaze of three official portraits of the Bahraini royal family, a common sight in the Middle East but not one I’ve seen so prominently in a lounge before.

Gulf Air lounge access requirements

Getting into the Gulf Air lounge is quite challenging, which is why it has taken us so long to review it. The airline is not part of an alliance so you need to be flying with Gulf Air or one of the other airlines that use the lounge for their business class passengers.

First and foremost, the Falcon Gold lounge is for Gulf Air’s business class passengers and frequent flyers:

• Business class passengers
• Black Falconflyer card holders (plus two guests)
• Gold Falconflyer card holders (plus one guest)
• Silver Falconflyer cardholders

However, with just a few flights a day, Gulf Air also contracts with other airlines including KM Malta Airlines. This was how I was able to get in.

The lounge is open from 6am until 10pm daily.

Inside the Falcon Gold lounge at Heathrow

Gulf Air’s lounge is a 605 square metre (6,500 sq ft) space with seating for 120 guests. It feels purpose-built rather than converted from another part of the building with an almost perfectly square footprint, tall ceilings and huge floor-to-ceilling windows on two aspects.

In the centre you’ll find a staffed bar offering barista coffee and a selection of alcoholic drinks. I had (incorrectly) assumed Gulf Air was a dry airline so this was a surprise, although on further research it is clear I was wrong! The champagne on offer is Layton’s.

The design of the lounge is a clean, bright aesthetic in cream and blue which has aged relatively well thanks to its lack of ornamentation.

There are some fun items of decor around, including this model ship, I presume as a nod to Bahrain’s coastal heritage:

Around the bar and along the windows you’ll find several ‘rooms’ separated by metal bead curtains, an effective way of creating more intimate spaces. A feature coat hangar is both practical and interesting:

Mains power sockets are installed in the base of each of these.

The view is a treat for anyone who likes to watch aircraft come and go.

In the interior of the lounge you’ll find more rows of seating:

…. and, closer to the dining area, restaurant-style tables:

Two more semi-private spaces are also available here and appear to be available for reservation (or are held back for top customers), although the lack of windows or natural light didn’t make them particularly appealing:

The buffet area is off to the right of the lounge:

Although it doesn’t look particularly big, there was a surpisingly wide selection of food.

The breakfast service was in full swing during my visit. Hot items included little bowls of shakshuka, egg and cheese omelettes, chicken sausages (well seasoned and quite spicy!), baked beans, mushrooms, chana masala, paratha, foul medames and boiled eggs.

The cold section featured a basic cheese board and charcuterie, yoghurt, mango coconut chia pudding, hummus, salads and the like:

There was also a small selection of individually boxed Kelloggs cereals and some pastries.

Conclusion

Reviewing the Gulf Air Falcon Gold lounge at Heathrow wasn’t on my bingo card for my trip to Malta on KM Malta Airlines, but I’m glad I finally got the chance to take a look inside.

Gulf Air has been really lucky with the space that Heathrow provided. Well proportioned, bright and with high ceilings and great views it ticks all the boxes. Gulf Air has done a good job of dividing a relatively large space into smaller, more intimate areas.

Best of all, the lounge was quiet and relaxing, never busy during my morning visit and provided a calm environment away from the gates as I waited for my flight to board.

My review of business class on KM Malta Airlines will follow soon.