British Airways Galleries Club South

The British Airways Galleries Club South at London Heathrow Terminal 5, conveniently located close to the main security checkpoint, is one of the three business class lounges that British Airways operates at Terminal 5, and by far the largest. The dimensions are so humongous, in fact, that if you’re visiting for the first time, you may want to take a tour to spot all the amenities – the facility can be akin to a maze at first.

British Airways Galleries Club South LHR design

The British Airways Galleries Club South at London Heathrow Terminal is divided into multiple areas. Next to the reception desks is a dining area with multiple buffet stations, although alcoholic beverages and coffee are a bit of a hike away. On the right after entering are multiple seating zones with various seating arrangements ranging from a dense and not so attractive open room, to a variety of more private and secluded pods. The business center is mostly located along the inside wall, with counter-style tables, numerous self-service computers, printers, and round tables for meetings. Finally, to the left of the reception desks, the lounge opens onto a large open room featuring British Airways’ Silver Bar, where large windows let plenty of natural in and reveal terrific views of the tarmac.

The décor, rather typical of British Airways, is bit of an acquired taste. We like the elegant hardwood floors, the wine walls, and the glass partitions that foster privacy while letting light flow. However, we’re not quite sure what to make of the dated furniture, old-fashioned British upholstery, or blue lights around the magazine racks. Worse, power outlets are lacking – while they’re plentiful in the business area and the more intimate seating area, they’re virtually nowhere to be seen in the open areas.

British Airways Galleries Club South LHR amenities

While the British Airways Galleries Club South won’t awards for a trendy design, the list of amenities is remarkable and includes a staffed bag storage facility, a well-appointed family room, a business center, newspapers and magazines, and large individual bathroom stalls. Showers are located immediately outside the lounge, in a shared space. For more details, read our review of the former Elemis Spa.

Unfortunately, Wi-Fi service is spotty– often painfully slow and sometimes downright unusable.

Food and drinks are plentiful. At breakfast time a selection of fresh, warm and delicious pastries is available to accompany espresso drinks. Throughout the day, snacks and hot entrees are served; the fare is basic but filling. The drink selection is a highlight, with mineral water, a wide array of soft drinks, and British Airways’ traditional Silver Bar featuring a large choice of wines and spirits. We like the several “coffee house” zones, featuring espresso machines and a selection of teas.

British Airways Galleries Club South LHR bottom line

Overall, the sprawling British Airways Galleries Club South at London Heathrow Terminal 5 is an excellent business class lounge with a solid range of amenities. It does get busy, though, although perhaps not as painfully as the Galleries Club North lounge, and the lack of reliable Wi-Fi can be a problem. If you have ample time and are willing to walk, and would like a quieter location as well as a greater chance at a massage, then you may want to take the train over to the Galleries Club in Satellite 5B.