British Airways updates its exclusive Concorde Room lounge
By David Flynn, November 9 2017
British Airways has given its flagship Concorde Room an overdue gussy-up, with the exclusive London Heathrow T5 first class lounge now boasting a fresh 'terrace' concept.
A 'Best of British Design' treatment has breathed new life into the dowdy well-worn lounge, transforming it into a stylish showpiece for BA's first class flyers.
The refresh included new feature furniture and a re-upholstering of many existing iconic pieces, then softening the space with hand-blown glass lighting, bone linen shades and ochre silk linings.
The terrace, with its views over the runway, sees luxurious sofas and chairs framed by sheer drapes to create a series of semi-private retreat spaces with a modern British drawing room vibe.
On a more practical level, the airline says that "mobile phone chargers" – by which we presume they mean USB ports, not actual chargers – "are also on hand for travellers to ensure their devices are fully charged before they fly."
BA has of course retained the dining room with its a la carte menu, full waiter service and private booths, along with private cabana rooms with a day bed and en suite bathroom.
“We believe our customers will love the new look and feel of the Concorde Room, in particular the terrace that we have re-designed to create a private oasis in the middle of a bustling airport" says Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience.
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Inside British Airways' new-look Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
08 Jul 2014
Total posts 59
Some of that furniture is certainly ... distinctive. Good to see the obsession with zoological light fixtures continues ... out with the equine, in with the ornithological ...
13 Nov 2015
Total posts 49
Yes, I wonder what BA did with those eclectic horse head lamps. Probably will raffle them off as Xmas gifts for BA staff. Imagine bringing that thing into your living room. Honey, look what I won. Egads! The new decor/design looks much more inviting/comfortable than the old.
12 Apr 2011
Total posts 71
According to Flyertalk reports they are ACTUAL chargers as so many of their power outlets are out of service.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2014
Total posts 112
The seats still appear to be too low...
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 580
I've seen something very similar for sale here in Aus. Think it was one of the shops at the factory outlet centre in Canberra.
13 Nov 2017
Total posts 2
Do you have to be flying BA First to access the Concorde Room lounge? I am flying Qantas First (QF2) from Heathrow in January - can I access this lounge?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2563
'Yes' to the first part, and thus 'no' to the second – but either way, Qantas flies out from Terminal 3 whereas the Concorde Room is in Terminal 5. At Heathrow T3 you'll have a choice between the new Qantas lounge (which opens later this month), Cathay Pacific's excellent little first class lounge and BA's fairly average T3 lounge.
13 Nov 2017
Total posts 2
Thanks for your quick response, David.
30 Dec 2017
Total posts 1
Hi
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