One of the four oneworld Sapphire lounges at Terminal 3, the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow is one of my favourite overall airport lounges at London Heathrow. Terminal 3 is a oneworld frequent flyer’s airport-lounge-hop dream. If you hold oneworld Sapphire or Emerald,or are flying Business with a oneworld carrier from Terminal 3, you can indeed access this fantastic airport lounge.
The Cathay Pacific Lounge also features a First Class/oneworld Emerald section to this lounge, however today I am only reviewing the main Business Class/oneworld Sapphire lounge only.
The last Cathay Pacific Lounges I visited was their flagship business class lounges – The Pier, The Wing and The Deck Lounges at their home hub, Hong Kong International Airport. And if they were anything to go by, I am in for a treat.
This is Forward of the Wing’s review of the brilliant Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow Terminal 3.
Location
The Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow is actually really easy to find as all the Terminal 3 airport lounges are located in the same area, off a single passageway.
Once you pass through Heathrow Terminal 3 security, pass through duty free and head straight ahead, through the main waiting area and departure hall. Go past the Gucci store, and turn left when you see the Qantas Lounge. The Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow is located just on the right. If you get stuck, follow the signs for “Lounge C”. If you reach the Emirates Lounge, you’ve gone too far.
Take the elevator up one floor to the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow entrance (also the First Class Lounge Entrance too).
Opening Hours
The Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow is open from 5:30am until 9pm, seven days a week. The closing time is flexible, determined by the boarding time for the last Cathay Pacific departure of the day, which is usually the 10:05pm departure to Hong Kong.
Do note, if you are flying early morning first thing and planning to lounge hop, the British Airways T3 Lounge and the American Airlines Lounge open slightly earlier at 5am, so you might be better off heading there if you have an early flight (departures before 6:30am). The Qantas Lounge opens later at 6am.
I have on a recent re-visit to this lounge in the early afternoon been denied entry (and the Qantas Lounge too) due to “capacity issues”, however both lounges were unavailable to all oneworld frequent fliers all day. Just something to be aware of, these lounges can get overly busy.
Inside the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow
Clad in signature Cathay Pacific “residential luxury” style, found across all other Cathay Pacific lounges around the world, the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow is decadently luxurious, with dark-wood wall panelling, modern and spacious relaxation areas, and the use of signature forest green touches.
As soon as you check in at reception, you are directed down a dark-wood panelled corridor towards the main lounge, which is split up into two zones: the Noodle Bar and the Main Lounge Area.
Noodle Bar
The Noodle Bar is a Cathay Pacific signature, found at many of their other airport lounges located around the world, and their Heathrow lounge is no exception.
Rows of booth seating clad in tan leather padding, with dark wooden tables, are reminiscent of Cha Chaan Teng (casual diner) culture in Hong Kong.
There is an open kitchen clad in dark green tiles, where you order from. You are given a buzzer, and then come to collect your meal when it is ready.
For many oneworld frequent fliers, the Noodle Bar is a highlight wherever travelling through an airport with a Cathay Pacific Lounge.
Main Lounge Area
The main lounge area follows the signature residential luxury Cathay style to a tee. Wide low armchairs, leather armchairs with ottomans and side tables, sleek couches, coffee tables, lamps and plants all make this space feel like you are in someone’s living room.
There are also these dark green booths down the end and next to the window, with side tables, reading lamps and high sides, giving extra privacy for solo travellers. Perfect for a quick nap or getting some work done.
Right in the centre, on the inside wall of this open-plan space is the bar, and right in the centre of the room is a table with an assortment of newspapers.
Runway Views
The floor-to-ceiling windows of the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow look over Gate 9 and Gate 11, and out towards the Southern Runway.
To capture these views, there are large leather armchairs with ottomans next to the windows, which is the prime spot for plane spotting. This is my favourite spot to sit and relax at the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow.
The first row of booth seats down the far end of the lounge is also a great plane spotting option, with more privacy from the winged sides.
Food Options at the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow
I love Cathay Pacific lounge food. There is always a mix of Asian and Western options, and I especially love the signature Noodle Bar which has a selection of á la carte options prepared on demand.
You will find a Noodle Bar in most Cathay Pacific Lounges around the world, and it is something beloved by oneworld frequent fliers. My favourite meal is a portion of the incredible vegetable dumplings, with some chilli oil, soy sauce and spring onion, with a glass of Champagne on the side.
Today’s visit was mid-afternoon, so here is what was available from the buffet and Noodle Bar at the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow during lunch:
Main Buffet
- Vegetable spring rolls
- Fajita chicken wings
- Roasted carrots
- Roasted chimichurri cauliflower with Mexican beans
- Chicken and leek hotpot
- Tender beef satay
- Roasted broccoli and butterbean hummus wrap (vegan)
- Honey mustard chicken sandwich
- Mortadella and Chorizo
- Cheddar and Red Leicester
- Portuguese rice cakes
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Cherry Bakewell
- Pea and Mint Soup, with bread rolls
- Kimchi, edamame, cucumber, carrot and sesame seed salad (vegan)
- Harissa spiced sweet potato, spinach and pomegranate salad with lime yoghurt dressing
- Chocolate orange cheesecake
- Lemon Posset
- Fresh fruit salad
Noodle Bar
- Wonton Noodle Soup
- Dan Dan Mein (a Cathay signature)
- Thai Coconut and Vegetable Soup (vegan)
- Seafood Tom Yum Soup
- Mixed Dim Sum Basket (Har gao, Siu mai, Vegetable dumplings)
- Fresh Char Siu Pork Bao
- Korean Chicken Fried Rice
Everything was delicious as usual, with staff on hand to help with dietary requirements. The buffet selection was small, but fresh and didn’t taste like it had been sitting around for hours like most other airport lounges. I also really liked the fresh salads and chilled individually-portioned desserts.
The bar also had a selection of bar snacks available, and cookies and cream and strawberries and cream ice cream was also available during my most recent visit.
Á la carte dining at a business class lounge-level is rare, so the Noodle Bar is always a treat. The Cathay Pacific Lounge has the best airport lounge food (in my opinion) of any airport lounge at Heathrow.
Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow Bar Selection
The Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow bar is absolute top-shelf by airport lounge standards, and once again, amongst the best at London Heathrow.
Firstly, it’s nice to see an airport lounge still serving champagne, top-quality wines, cocktails and barista coffee from behind a staffed bar. There are a few others at Heathrow, such as the Singapore Airlines Lounge and United Club in Terminal 2, and the adjacent Qantas Lounge, but it is rare these days. I rate the Cathay Pacific Lounge bar selection the best of this group at Heathrow.
Here was the bar menu on my visit:
Beer and Cider
- Brewdog Punk IPA
- Asahi
- Carlsberg
- Heineken
- Budwiser
- Becks Blue (non-alcoholic)
- Magners Cider
- Guinness
Wine
- Laytons Brut Reserve NV Champagne, France
- Laytons Brut Reserve Rosé Champagne, France
- Marques de Reinosa, Tempranillo Blanco 2023, Rioja, Spain
- De Chansac Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Cotes de Gascogne IGP, France
- Picpoul de Pinet La Viste 2023, Coteaux du Languedoc, France
- Marques de Reinosa Crianza, 2020, Rioja, Spain
- Montfrin La Tour Rouge, Cateau de Montfin 2023, Coteaux du Pont de Gard, France
- Gianna Tessari Pinot Noir 2022, Veneto IGP, Italy
- Graham Fine Tawny 2009, Douro Valley, Portugal
- De Romer du Hayot 2015, Sauternes, France
Spirits
- Campari
- Aperol
- Martini Dry
- Martini Rosso
- Dambuie
- Grand Marnier
- Cointreau
- Amaretto
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Kahlua
- Glenfiddich 12YO
- Jack Daniel’s
- Jameson’s
- Courvoisier Cognac
- Gordon’s Gin
- Bombay Sapphire Gin
- Bacardi Gold Rum
- Smirnoff Red Vodka
- Absolute Blue Vodka
- Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila
Cocktails
- Kiwifruit Daiquiri (special)
- Aperol Spritz
- Amaretto Sour
- Bloody Mary
- Martini
- Cosmopolitan
- Daiquiri
- Mojito
- Espresso Martini
- Margarita
- Manhattan
- Negroni
- Old Fashioned
- Whisky Sour
Mocktails
- Cathay Delight (kiwi fruit, milk, coconut milk and mint)
- Ginger Forest (ginger ale, fresh ginger, mint and fresh lime)
- Orange Dream
- Pineapple Ginger Mocktail (special)
- Sweet Sunrise
- Virgin Mary
- Virgin Mojito
- Lemon, Lime and Bitters
- Shirley Temple
A comprehensive selection for any airport lounge. I especially like the wine list, cocktails available and signature drinks. It’s also nice to see the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow still serves Champagne, as many of the Heathrow lounges have switched to Prosecco, Cava or Crémant. There’s nothing better than plane watching with a glass of Champagne and some dumplings, pre-flight. A wide selection of non-alcoholic options are also available, including a selection of mocktails, soft drinks from Coca Cola and Schweppes, infused waters and juices. The bartenders can also whip up barista-made Illy coffees, and a wide selection of Jing teas are available from the bar, and also at a tea station next to the buffet. I can highly recommend the Jing Blackcurrant and Hibiscus tea, for something a bit different.
Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow Bathrooms and Showers
Bathrooms at the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow, internal to the lounge, are modern and luxurious, consistent with the rest of the lounge. Featuring dark-wood panelling, concrete, marble and brass tapware, they are a step above your typical airport bathroom.
The Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow also features decadent and luxurious wood-panelled individual shower suites. Each shower suite has a heavy-flow, brass rain shower and hand shower, toiletries from Bamford, a vanity area with bench seat and great lighting, a hairdryer, toilet, a facecloth, fluffy bath towels and a bathmat. Various packaged amenities are also provided, including a shaving kit, cotton buds, comb, a shower cap, a dental kit and a make up pad. There is also Bamford Face Cleanser and a Hydrating Mist provided too.
In my opinion, the Cathay Pacific Lounge has the best showers of any airport lounge at Heathrow. It feels like you are showering within a tropical rainstorm. I’m also a huge fan of Bamford toiletries, which are also found in other Cathay Pacific Lounges located around the world, and onboard in Business and First Class amenity kits. Trust me, get to the airport early, and have a pre-flight shower. The Cathay Pacific Lounge showers are truly luxurious. You won’t regret it.
How to Access the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow
Access to the Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow (Business Class) is in line with standard oneworld Sapphire lounge policy:
- oneworld Business Class passengers (+ no guests)
- Cathay Pacific Business Class passengers (+ no guests)
- oneworld Sapphire elite status holders (+ 1 guest)
- Cathay Silver status holder when flying Cathay Pacific (no guests)
- Cathay Gold status holder (+1 guest)
- Cathay Lounge Pass redemptions (earned at various Cathay status point milestones, can be used for guests)
oneworld First Class and oneworld Emerald passengers can use the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge instead.
No paid day passes are available for passengers or guests at the Cathay Pacific Heathrow Lounge, and lounge access schemes cannot access the lounge either. At London Heathrow Terminal 3, paid lounge access and lounge access schemes such as Priority Pass can access the No.1 Lounge, Clubrooms and My Lounge.
Conclusion
I am a really big fan of the Cathay Pacific Lounge, and it is definitely my favourite airport lounge at Heathrow.
I think the food and beverage options are superior, the interior is calming and tranquil, and I really like that Cathay Pacific Lounges around the world are consistent. When you visit a new one, it feels like you never left the last.
I highly recommend checking out The Pier, The Deck and The Wing on your next trip passing through Hong Kong International Airport, and The Bridge, Cathay’s fourth Business Class lounge has finally reopened too. Also check out the brilliant Qantas Lounge there while you are at it.
If you are planning to stopover in London, check out my 2-Night First Timer Stopover Itinerary.