THE INSIDE TRACK • May 2022

What’s new in the lounges: Jubilee edition

With the Platinum Jubilee just around the corner, we’re raising a toast to the nation’s longest-reigning monarch in our T5 Galleries First lounge from 27 May to 26June. If you’re flying a Gold Member, or are flying in First, here’s what to expect…

Jubilee Garden Party

The laminate floors and leather chairs of our T5 lounge will be decked out in fresh flowers courtesy of Floward, turning our relaxed pre-flight chill space into an olfactory wonderland. Roses are red, violets are blue… now we just need a white carnation to complete the colour scheme.

Recreating Regent Street

Regent Street and St James’s are two of London’s finest shopping destinations, filled with timeless tailors, classic cobblers, and fine furniture stores. Regent Street & St James’s is bringing a dash of that retail magic to the corridor that approaches our lounge, with a row of mocked-up window displays designed to replicate the enticing entrances into London’s most exclusive outlets.

Royal Warrant wonders

Many of these retailers have held Royal Warrants – the monarchy’s own mark of approval – for generations. Start with Fortnum & Mason, the historic greengrocer that’s held its Warrant for more than a century; thanks (in no small part) to its epic picnic hampers filled with jams, chutneys, biscuits and teas. Discover what goodies are available to sample in our lounge at its window display, then stop into the T5 Fortnum & Mason store to pick up a jar of marmalade, Paddington Bear’s favourite citrussy treat.

Shop Fortnum & Mason and collect Avios

Displays for days

Speaking of Paddington, towering seven-storey toy shop Hamley’s – home to the cuddliest (and coolest) bears in town – will also be making an appearance on our very own version of Regent Street. For any gents who might fancy a Napoleonic-inspired new outfit, there’s a dashing display of Oxford Street’s bespoke military tailor, Samuel Brothers, which has been kitting out the country’s most swashbuckling officers since 1830, and a display from iconic British brand, Burberry.

Sweet treats

The British weather can’t hamper this particular street party, so you can head out onto our light-filled indoor terrace to sip and snack without fear of getting your hair wet. This is where you’ll find the all-important refreshments, which you’ll need after all that shopping. Delicately place a square of divine Bendicks dark chocolate on your tongue, and wait for that sweet, sweet serotonin hit to kick in.

Terrific tipples

You’ll be in the mood for a drink in no time. Why not try a glass of limited Jubilee-edition rosé from our Provençal friends across the channel, Whispering Angel? Plus, there are measures of British favourites Baileys, Tanqueray and Johnnie Walker to be savoured, cocktails-in-a-can from MOTH (handily launching on all British Airways flights in July), and non-alcoholic options to invigorate every palate. It’s a royal feast for the senses in the lounge this month, and we can’t wait to welcome you.