Airline operator Virgin Atlantic has unveiled its new Clubhouse passenger lounge and check-in area at London Gatwick Airport, following its relocation to the North Terminal.
Passengers will benefit from nearly double the number of check-in desks and can unwind in the new lounge, which boasts floor to ceiling windows and an eye-catching marble bar, which acts as a centerpiece.
To ensure Virgin Atlantic customers make the most of a premium lounge experience, the Clubhouse has partnered with East London cocktail bar White Lyan to offer a bespoke selection of cocktails from its award-winning menu.
The airline has also doubled the number of spa treatment rooms, enabling more customers to enjoy a relaxing pre-flight pamper. The menu will feature the brand’s trademark Clubhouse burger alongside a variety of breakfast and lunch options on the à la carte menu. A woodland themed play area filled with toys and games is also on hand to help entertain younger travelers.
Mark Anderson, executive vice president, customer, Virgin Atlantic, said, “We want our customers to have the best possible experience at the airport and those visiting the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse will be in for a real treat.
“Cocktails designed by award winning mixologists, hearty food options and relaxing spa treatments, all set within a luxurious environment, really make for a truly and memorable customer experience.
“Our Gatwick customers travel to a variety of global destinations, and whether they’re planning to relax in the Caribbean or soak up the theme parks in Orlando, our new Clubhouse will make the start of any break truly special.”
v-room opening
Alongside its Clubhouse, Virgin Atlantic completed its transition to the North Terminal with the opening of its ‘v-room’ passenger lounge catering for Virgin Holidays travelers.
Virgin has created a brand-immersive experience across an entire floor in the North Terminal, which is divided into two halves comprising Virgin Airways’ Clubhouse and the v-room.
The two lounges are operated as separate spaces, but share a central kitchen, which serves both an à la carte menu in the Clubhouse and a buffet in the v-room. The project benefited from airport funding and a dedicated design team tasked with creating an overall feel of quality, relaxation and efficient use of space.
“Virgin’s v-room references an array of destinations such as the Caribbean, Orlando, Cuba and Las Vegas,” said Matthew Davies, senior designer – customer experience, Virgin Atlantic. “It’s full-height perimeter glazing has been enhanced by a series of arched architectural forms, which maximizes natural light in the area. The flooring is engineered walnut timber throughout, and customers can relax on luxurious leather-upholstered banquette seating.”
The lounge’s Glade bar features a graphic tiled front, edged in brass, with views of the airport runway and apron. A herringbone timber floor is offset by stylish coral, yellow and teal furniture pieces, situated within Nanimarquina carpets. Breaking up the space is an oval-shaped children’s soft play area, featuring a 60in multimedia touchscreen offering a series of interactive games.
“The family-centric dining area is intended to be communal and inclusive, with the ‘South Beach diner’ acting as the central hub,” added Davies. “The diner offers a buffet-style service in an American retro setting featuring padded pink seating, black and white tiled walls with flashes of pastel pink. A wall mural by artist Ali Cottrell, and inspired by Virgin destinations, is also featured.”
The Tech Zone encourages a sense of community, engaging all the family with the latest technology, including a Bonzini football table, Forza Racing car from NJ Live, two Xboxes and 80in TVs, an Xbox Kinect, multiple iPads, and an interactive photo booth.
The Palm Terrace features Caribbean and colonial details, energetic green textures and tropical prints, expressed through furniture and fixtures. Artwork from artist Matt Crump’s Candy Minimal range is displayed on the wall, featuring some of the airline’s American destinations. Guests can also make use of a cabana structure, which houses relaxing day beds and is adorned with artwork by artist Shannon Ria Butler.
Written by Dan Symonds