Terminal 5 is, by most metrics, the best airport terminal in Britain. It is also one of the most confusing places to find a lounge if you don't know what you're looking for. There are five British Airways lounges spread across the main building and two satellite terminals, and the difference between them is enormous. Here's the definitive guide.
The Concorde Room (First Class only)
The Concorde Room is accessed via a separate check-in lane and security entrance exclusive to BA First Class passengers and Concorde Room card members. It is, genuinely, one of the finest airport lounges in the world. The interior feels like a high-end members' club — dark wood, leather sofas, natural light, and none of the frenetic energy of the main terminal below.
The food is à la carte, cooked fresh, and excellent. On my last visit the menu included beetroot tartare, slow-roast pork belly, and a cheese trolley that could embarrass most London restaurants. There is no buffet — you are seated, handed a menu, and your order is taken. Wine is poured by the glass from a proper list. The whole experience feels nothing like an airport.
Galleries First (Business Class)
Galleries First is the main Business Class lounge and it's very good — just not Concorde Room good. Located on the upper level of the main T5 building, it spans a large floor area with plenty of seating, a hot buffet that changes throughout the day, and a bar serving wine, spirits, and proper cocktails if you ask nicely.
The food quality is solid — think M&S Food Hall rather than restaurant. There's always a hot dish (usually a curry or pasta), salads, sandwiches, fruit, and a decent cheese selection. The main weakness is the internet connection: at peak times (7–9am especially) the WiFi is genuinely slow and you may find yourself tethering to your phone.
Galleries Club South (Economy with status)
Galleries Club South is the lounge for economy passengers with BA Silver or Gold status, and for those with the right credit card access. It's fine — which is to say, it's a perfectly decent lounge that does everything adequately without excelling at anything. The food is a continental buffet: pastries, fruit, yoghurt, some hot items at mealtimes.
The real advantage here is simply having somewhere quiet to sit before a flight. At peak hours, T5's public areas are extremely crowded, and the Club South lounge, even when busy, has comfortable seating, power sockets at every seat, and a bar. If you have access, use it — even if the food doesn't particularly excite you.
The Aspire Lounge (Pay-per-visit)
The Aspire lounge at T5 is the premium pay-per-visit option, run by Plaza Premium Group. Access costs around £39 per person, or is included with a Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass membership. It's a reasonable proposition if you're flying with an airline that doesn't have its own lounge at T5 and you have a long wait.
The food is a self-serve buffet — better than you'd expect for the price, with hot dishes, salads, and a full bar. The seating is comfortable and there are shower facilities available (book in advance as they fill up quickly). It won't make you feel special, but it will make a 3-hour wait considerably more pleasant than sitting in the terminal.
The Verdict: Which Lounge?
If you have access to the Concorde Room, use it without hesitation — it's the best lounge experience in British aviation. For Business Class passengers, seek out the B gates Galleries First rather than the main building one. For status travellers in economy, Galleries Club South is worth using for the quiet and the power sockets alone. And if you're paying for access, the Aspire lounge is fair value but nothing more.
