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Gatwick South Clubroom review
Used this lounge for the first time in mid-August. As the official review on the site is about to celebrate its 9th birthday, I figured it might be of use – clearly things have moved on a bit since then.
The entire No.1 lounge estate appears to occupy a rectangular space on the first floor of the departures area. As you enter this area, there’s a circular reception desk for all guests. The No. 1 lounge is off to the right, whilst the Clubrooms areas are immediately around this “check in” zone in an “L” shape. It appeared to be three distinct rooms that could accommodate 15-30 people in each, so a max capacity of about 60 I’d say.
The problem is that the largest area is essentially directly open to the reception desk, so you have the hustle and bustle of the goings on there, which I think the lounge had tried to compensate for by playing background music that was a little too loud. The two smaller side rooms are somewhat more isolated but the one at the back has no natural light. I would say the small room on the front is where it’s at – so long as they keep the door to the reception area shut.
Tea, coffee, some sodas and poor quality fruit juices were self serve. There was also a plate of croissants and pain au chocolat on offer (it was 10am). All other drinks – even soda water – had to be ordered from the “bar” but the staff were polite and pleasant. The remainder of the food offering was all a la carte. I had a full English which was well executed but options were a bit limited. As an example, aside from a bowl of whole apples or oranges, there was no fruit on offer. In the event there are any true trenchermen reading, you could order up to three hot meals per person.
I was driving at the other end so had no interest in the alcohol but others were getting stuck in. Spirits seemed to be good quality but from the comments I overheard, the Prosecco wasn’t great.
All in, a bit underwhelmed. I used the Amex issued PP and had booked before the new reservation system came in, so for the five of us we paid £15 pp plus I assume an additional £23 for the 5th guest (yet to hit my credit card). So that was almost £100, but it included a decent breakfast, a few coffees and fast track security. I would certainly struggle to see the value in paying the regular rate of £40 pp however as whilst the food was a meaningful upgrade from your typical contract lounge or BA Galleries Club, the ambiance was somewhat lacking.
We were also lucky in walking straight up to the reception desk but as it’s shared with the No. 1 lounge (and its complex entry requirements), there was quite a queue to get in when we left.
Good and fair review, thanks!
I used the Amex issued PP and had booked before the new reservation system came in, so for the five of us we paid £15 pp plus I assume an additional £23 for the 5th guest (yet to hit my credit card).
Probably not what you want to hear, but you could have cancelled and rebooked for free with the new credits, I did that recently and it worked fine.
So that was almost £100, but it included a decent breakfast, a few coffees and fast track security.
The new PP confirmation emails no longer include Fast Track for both Gatwick Clubrooms.
@PeteM thanks for the feedback. I figured we wouldn’t get fast track if I tried to rebook on the Amex deal so just sucked up the £15. Was also cautious that for a Saturday in August we might find that cancelling wouldn’t put the availability back into a pot we could then access.
I looked on the Aspire site and saw that the price is now £34 plus £6 for fast track. Used to just be £40 all in I think.
Ah – all very sensible! 🙂
Worth mentioning the North Terminal Clubrooms is very similar in terms of F&B. It has its own reception, though, so is quieter. But it has zero natural light. And last time I was there it was freezing, so dragged out an electric heater from a corner and huddled around it – in the middle of August!
Not worth £15? I know you weren’t drinking but that’s the price of a single cocktail in the terminal and tbh they do some pretty decent drinks.
Having been to clubrooms in BHX twice this year the food is much better than No1 last year, but I do think the pastries and other bits are very poor. They could do much better. Even making them to order so fewer are consumed might mean they done spend too much more.
Thanks. We do need to deal with this update, I admit – the real issue is getting the lounge when it is quiet enough to photograph!
Not worth £15? I know you weren’t drinking but that’s the price of a single cocktail in the terminal and tbh they do some pretty decent drinks.
I think you need to get your eyes tested (or lay off the cocktails 😉 ). What I said was
“…that was almost £100, but it included a decent breakfast, a few coffees and fast track security. I would certainly struggle to see the value in paying the regular rate of £40 pp however…”
To interpret for you “yes, it was £100 but that covered 5 of us including fast track security so it was an OK deal. Would I pay £200 for the same? No.”
And indeed it’s those people who think, “right this is costing me £40 to get in, it’s £15 for a G&T in the terminal so once I’ve had my third I’m actually making money on this deal” who seem to be the real problem in the lounge equation.
@Rob I think the important point here is that the original review is now redundant as it no longer reflects what the lounge offers or how it works re 4 person minimum & a private room, etc.
@Rob I think the important point here is that the original review is now redundant as it no longer reflects what the lounge offers or how it works re 4 person minimum & a private room, etc.How does it work now? Do you still get a private room? Is there a minimum number of people?
No private rooms. They direct you to a specific table although there seemed to be some choice for smaller parties. Also no minimum group size (but there seems to be a strictly enforced maximum).
I visited a couple months ago albeit with a hefty discount due to owning an Audi!. Whilst I agree the food was good, I was pointed to a large shared sofa with small tables. This might be fine for a leisure traveller, but certainly not good if you want to work. It was also a bit awkward to eat as the table was quite low. As mentioned, the staff were pretty attentive and the a-la-carte food was pretty good and fresh. Most other guests were couples or groups and knocking back cocktails and G&Ts.
I probably wouldn’t visit again if I was flying solo, and stick to the main No1 lounge if I am unable to access any airline lounges.That has to be the first time I’ve heard “food was good” in combination with Clubrooms.
“ And indeed it’s those people who think, “right this is costing me £40 to get in, it’s £15 for a G&T in the terminal so once I’ve had my third I’m actually making money on this deal” who seem to be the real problem in the lounge equation.”
If anyone is getting drunk and causing a nuisance after 3 single G&T then being in a lounge isn’t their problem. You can enjoy a nice place to sit, a good enough meal and 2/3 drinks and still have get value out of £40.
Re food as I said been twice this year and both the breakfast and burger was on par with anything else you get for say £10-15 pp in the terminal.
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