The Club Lounge South is one of British Airways’ three flagship business class and oneworld Sapphire lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 5. Located at the A Gates in the main terminal building, it is usually my go-to British Airways lounge pre-flight as it’s easy to get to, and quieter than the Club Lounge North at Heathrow Terminal 5.
I have passed through the Club Lounge South many, many times over the last year, but my review today is after recent renovations of the buffet area in late-2025.
This is Forward of the Wing’s review of the British Airways Club Lounge South at London Heathrow Terminal 5.
Location
The British Airways Club Lounge North is located on Level 4 of London Heathrow Terminal 5. Once through fast-track security (North or South), take the nearest escalator down and then follow the signs towards Gates A18-A23.
You will see Fortnum and Mason. The escalators up to the British Airways Club South Lounge are located just behind. Follow the escalator up and around, and then up one more set of escalators.
Note, the showers are located next to the First Lounge on the level between the two sets of escalators to the left.
Handy Tip
As you are passing through Heathrow Fast Track security, British Airways have these handy signs that show you the occupancy of each of the lounges, so you can work out which Club Lounge out of the three is most quiet. I usually find the Club Lounge South or Club Lounge T5B is quieter and the Club Lounge North is always rammed, but it depends on the time of day you are travelling.
There is also one of these signs located on the level between the two banks of escalators between the departures floor and the Club Lounge South.
Departing from Terminal 5 B or C Gates
If you are travelling from the Heathrow Terminal 5 B or C Gates, I highly recommend heading the British Airways Club Lounge T5B instead. It’s usually quieter, slightly better food, and a Whispering Angel Bar.
You can still use the Club Lounge T5B if you are departing from A Gates, but it’s a roughly 10 minute walk back to the A Gates via an underground walkway, so allow enough time to walk back before boarding.
If I have time, I will usually catch the T5 train to the B Gates to visit the Club Lounge T5B first. Then, walk back to the Club Lounge South roughly an hour before flight departure. This means I can just head straight to my departure gate when boarding starts.
Opening Hours
The Heathrow T5 British Airways Club Lounge South Lounge is open from 5am to 10pm seven days a week. This is the same as the two other flagship lounges.
This covers all British Airways London Heathrow Terminal 5 departures. From the first departures at 6:05am until boarding of the final outbound flights departing at 10:30pm.
Inside the British Airways Club Lounge South, Heathrow Terminal 5
The Heathrow British Airways Club Lounge South is open-plan, but divided into a series of smaller spaces and areas, with clever seating and open partitions helping to divide areas up. It it’s a long lounge with short parts at either end, like a reverse C shape.
Buffet and Wine Bar
As soon as you enter the Heathrow Terminal 5 British Airways Club Lounge South, you are greeted by the buffet area, a wine bar to the right with some bar table high top seating, and to the left of the buffet, dining tables. Opposite, there is more seating and a coffee station.
Work Area
Tucked opposite the buffet and wine bar, there is a work area with high top bench seating and bar stools, which are also great for using as a standing desk. There are also departure boards located here which is handy. Annoyingly, British Airways has started stuffing all work areas in their lounges with these super bright digital advertising banners.
Northern End of the Lounge
The northern end of the lounge features a variety of armchairs in grouped formations of four, some bar seating along the northern most wall, some dining tables with bench seating next to the cinema, and some armchairs with low coffee tables too. There is also another coffee station down this end too. This area tends to be the most quiet as it is located internal to Terminal 5. There are no views at the northern end so people tend to congregate at the southern end instead.
Cinema
At the northern end of the lounge is a cinema, with a variety of programming shown throughout the day. The room has big, comfy armchairs and plenty of space to keep your luggage near you. I never use this space so can’t remember if they show movies or not, but they have in the past they have had BBC News showing or big sports games including Premier League football and Golf.
Guest Services
There is a staffed guest services counter located within the lounge, just to the right of the entrance. Guest Services is super handy for last minute queries or for advance travel, such as last-minute paid upgrade availability, seat changes, changing frequent flyer numbers, rebooking cancelled flights or missed connections, or changing flights. They usually are much better and quicker in my experience than the phone line customer service which I find inconsistent, which is my main gripe about British Airways.
Southern End of the Lounge
The southern end of the lounge features panoramic windows overlooking the Terminal 5 apron, out towards the threshold zone of the Southern Runway. There is plenty of armchair seating in this area, with side tables, power points and some areas even have wireless chargers.
Right in the far corner are these lovely high sided individual booth chairs. Perfect for solo travellers and business travellers, looking for some privacy to get some work done, or layover travellers looking for somewhere to have a quick snooze.
Right in the centre of the southern end of the lounge is the main wine bar, with two bar counter areas on either end. There is also the kids area and another coffee station located on the right-hand side down this end.
The needs of every type of traveller have been considered here. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, family or in a large group, for work or for leisure, there is suitable seating for everyone.
Plane Spotting
The British Airways Club Lounge South is located internally on the top floor of London Heathrow Terminal 5. Away from the exterior windows, except for on the south side of the lounge.
Unfortunately, the south side of this elongated lounge is short. Seats next to the windows here are your best bet for plane spotting. The windows looks out over a series of bus gates, so the view of the threshold zone of the Southern Runway (takeoff or landing depending on wind direction) may be partially obstructed depending on if there are large widebody aircraft parked at the bus gates.
In summary, planespotting is possible, but the British Airways Club Lounge North is far better at Heathrow Terminal 5 because there are no bus gates obstructing the view.
British Airways Club South Lounge Food
I generally find the food at British Airways Lounges is of a really high standard. There are plenty of staff around too, always cleaning up and refilling. Food also usually changes seasonally, and chefs can get creative and change and test new options out. Even if you visit this lounge regularly, you probably won’t have the same options as were available below on my most recent visit.
If you are visiting in the morning, check out the Club Lounge North review for what to expect at Breakfast at all three flagship British Airways Lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 5.
Here is what was on offer during lunch/dinner at the British Airways Club Lounge South during my recent visit:
Lunch/Dinner
- Mexican vegetable pozole
- Penne pasta with meat free ragu
- Pea, goat’s cheese and mint tart
- Roasted peppers and peas
- Hasselback potatoes
- Cheese fish pie bites
- Chicken in a creamy semi-dried tomato sauce
- Cumin rice
- Selection of fresh salads and salad ingredients
- Nachos with guacamole, tomato salsa, sour cream and jalapenos
- Vegan scotch egg with curried butternut centre
- Pea and mint soup, with bread rolls
My Thoughts
I think the food was great and fresh. A wide range to suit all tastes and dietary restrictions including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. Whilst British Airways tends to focus more on soups, curries or stews for their hot food which some frequent flyers may criticise, I think the food options were absolutely fine as a pre-flight, hearty, filling and comforting meal. Everything was flavourful and fresh, and most importantly, not bland.
Also to note, if you are visiting in the afternoon, Afternoon Tea is served in the lounge alongside the lunch/dinner menu with scones, crème anglais, jams, and finger sandwiches with a variety of fillings. Lovely with a glass of Champagne and some tea.
Over the last two summers, the Heathrow British Airways Club Lounge South has also featured an ice cream freezer with a selection of single-serve Jude’s Ice Cream tubs, including both vegan and dairy options.
It’s certaintly not to the same level of Qatar Airways’ flagship Al Mourjan Lounge at Doha, but I think the food is perfectly adequate given the number of passengers who pass through the Heathrow Terminal 5 British Airways Club Lounge South everyday.
Beer, Wine and Spirits Selection
There are a few bar areas located around the British Airways Club Lounge South. Right as you enter the lounge, to the right of the buffet is a self-service wine bar with a selection of wines on ice. Towards the north end of the lounge are two small self-service bar counters facing each other, with beers, wines and spirits available. Then towards the southern end of the lounge, there is a long wine bar with a feature pendant, with spirits, beers and mixers available at two stations on either end of the wine bar. All bars have the same selection available which is handy.
Champagne is available on request, so you just need to ask a staff member for a glass or two. Prosecco is available from self-service wine counters.
The range of spirits, beers, and wine is consistent across all three lounges (with Whispering Angel also available at the Club Lounge T5B) – there is no advantage going to one Heathrow lounge over another.
Here is the full bar selection at the British Airways Club Lounge South at Heathrow Terminal 5 on my most recent visit in late 2025:
Beer
- Speedbird-OG British Airways x Brewdog IPA
- Heineken
- Heineken 0% Beer
Wine
- Champagne (upon request)
- Bottega Prosecco
- Bottega Prosecco Rosé
- Moulin de Gassac Faune 2024
- Inama Vin Soave 2023
- De Morgenzon Chardonnay 2021
- Château d’Esclans The Pale Rosé
- Kalfu Kufa Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Chile
- Ferraton Pére & Fils Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages ‘Plan de Dieu” 2022, France
- Yealands Land Made Pinot Noir
- Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico 2023
- Teanum Ótre Primitivo, Puglia, Italy
Spirits
- Ketel One Vodka
- Smirnoff Vodka
- Ciroc Vodka
- Ciroc Pineapple Vodka
- Ciroc Red Berry Vodka
- Tanqueray Gin
- Tanqueray Sevilla Gin
- Tanqueray 0.0%
- Tanqueray 0.0% Sevilla
- Gordons Gin
- Gordons Pink Gin
- Gordons Sicilian Lemon Gin
- Don Julio Reposado Tequila
- Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- Six Grapes Port
- Martini Rosso
- Baileys
- Pimms
- Martini Bianco
- Ron Santiago De Cuba Ron Carta Blanca Rum
- Ron Santiago De Cuba Ron Anejo Rum
- Ron Santiago De Cuba Ron Extra Anejo Rum
- Bacardi Carta Blanca White Rum
- Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky
- Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky
- Roe & Co Irish Whiskey
- Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey
- Talisker Surge Single Malt Whisky
In addition, British Airways have three self-serve pre-made cocktails: Negroni, Old Fashioned and a non-alcoholic Tom Collins. I actually really like the Tom Collins which uses Tanqueray 0.0%, but they are all delicious.
There are plenty of beverage options to suit travellers with all tastes. The quality is also really high, with a fantastic selection of wines, British Airways-own IPA beer, self-serve pre-mixed cocktails and plenty of mid-to-top-shelf spirits options, including some interesting whiskies, gins and Ciroc Vodka.
Non-Alcoholic Options
There are also a range of non-alcoholic options and mixers available, including non-alcoholic gins, which is a great addition and uncommon for most airport lounges. Soft Drinks and mixers include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke No Sugar, Fanta, Fevertree Tonic Water and Slimline, Fevertree Ginger Ale, Fevertree Club Soda, juices and Sprite. Fevertree is British, so it’s great to see their products showcased at each British Airways Club Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5 (and Terminal 3), for millions of international visitors to enjoy.
Coffee Stations
British Airways has a long-standing partnership with East London-based Union Coffee for all their London Heathrow Club lounges, and coffee onboard in premium cabins. Self-service coffee machines are located around the lounge with a selection of Birchall teas also available. Semi-skim milk and oat milk is available at each counter, with each coffee machine only stocked with whole milk.
Kids Area
All three British Airways Lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 5 have kids areas, enclosed to keep the sound in and kids safe, with plenty of video games and toys to keep kids of all ages happy.
At the Heathrow British Airways Club Lounge South, the kids area is tucked away at the Southern end of the lounge. From the entrance, turn left, and then the kids area is tucked away on the right.
Bathrooms and Showers
The Heathrow British Airways Club Lounge South features a large number of individual bathroom suites within the lounge, so no need to leave to go to the toilet. In the same style as all other British Airways lounge bathrooms at Heathrow, each bathroom suite is modern and clean, and feature Elemis Revitalise-Me Hand Wash and Body Lotion. Cleaning attendants also regularly clean all the bathroom suites between uses.
On the level between the two escalators up to the British Airways Club Lounge South, and located next to the Heathrow Terminal 5 First Class Lounge, are numerous shower suites. All shower suites feature a rain shower, hand shower, and Elemis Revitalise-Me body wash and shampoo. Fluffy white towels and a bathmat are also provided, and shaving kits, shower caps and dental kits are available on request from the shower reception. All shower suites are also cleaned and refreshed between uses. There are plenty of shower suites and I have never had to wait, however that might be different depending on the time of day and time of year you visit.
There is nothing better in my opinion than having a quick shower during a layover or ahead of a long-haul flight, so it’s nice to know that British Airways has showers available at all three of their flagship Club lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 5.
How to Access the British Airways Club Lounge South at London Heathrow Terminal 5
Access to the British Airways Club Lounge South at London Heathrow Terminal 5 is in line with the other British Airways lounges at Heathrow and standard oneworld lounge access requirements:
- British Airways Club Europe Passengers
- British Airways Club World (Business Class) Passengers
- Iberia Business Class Passengers (departing from Terminal 5)
- British Airways Silver elite status holders + 1 guest
- oneworld Sapphire holders + 1 guest
If you hold British Airways Gold, Gold Guest List, oneworld Emerald or are flying First with British Airways or another oneworld carrier, you should head to the British Airways First Lounge or Concorde Room instead if you have access.
oneworld Business Class passengers can also access British Airways Club Lounges but Terminal 5 is only used by British Airways and some Iberia flights, with remaining oneworld airlines using Terminal 3 instead.
This access list is standard, and no day passes are available for purchase. There are two paid lounge options at London Heathrow Terminal 5: Club Aspire and Plaza Premium. My pick of the two would be the Club Aspire Lounge.
Conclusion
At the main terminal building (A Gates) of London Heathrow Terminal 5, I prefer the British Airways Club Lounge South over Club Lounge North as its generally quieter, and there are lots of nooks and crannies where you can sit and it feels private and quiet.
If you want to plane spot, head to the Heathrow British Airways Club Lounge North.
Whilst the food and beverage offering is similar (with Club Lounge T5B slightly better), if I just want to relax or am running behind on time, I always head here instead. If I am departing from the A Gates and I have time to head to the Club Lounge T5B first, I usually head back to the Club Lounge South roughly an hour before my flight to wait so that I can just walk straight to my gate when boarding starts.
To sum up, the Heathrow British Airways Club Lounge South is a really nice and spacious flagship airport lounge, with plenty to offer every type of traveller, whether just passing through or just beginning your journey.
If you are planning to stopover in London, check out my 2-Night First Timer Stopover Itinerary.