Terminal 3, Heathrow Airport

Introduction

This is my review of the Cathay Pacific Lounge in Heathrow’s Terminal 3.

The lounge has two parts to it, one for First Class passengers and the other for Business Class passengers. I’ve reviewed both parts of the lounge, but in my view in many ways they’re as good as each other.

Visited

Last visited March 2025

Opening Hours

The lounge is open daily from 05:10 to 21:00.

Entry Conditions

The First Class Lounge is open to OneWorld Emerald members, and those traveling from Terminal 3 in First Class on Cathay Pacific.

The Business Class Lounge is open to OneWorld Sapphire members, and those traveling from Terminal 3 in Business Class on Cathay Pacific.  

How to Get There

After Security, walk through T3’s shopping plaza and follow the signs for Lounge C (it’s very well signposted); here you’ll go up an elevator and find the desks in front of you.   

Depending which lounge you’re ‘allowed’ to visit, you’ll be directed to – but first on the right is the First Class lounge and the second right is the Business Class lounge.

First Class Lounge

Layout

The First Class Lounge is smaller than the Business Class lounge, and offers a large range of really high-quality seating and sofas. The décor is great; it’s definitely one of the most premium lounges at Heathrow, in my opinion.  

There are ‘throne’ chairs overlooking the apron and runway.

There is also a range of casual seating around, but it’s generally smaller than the Business Class lounge.

Of course, the main thing that sets the lounge aside from the Business Class lounge is the a la carte dining room.

Food and Drink

Drinks

Drinks in the First Class lounge are all self-service.

There is an ample-sized bar, with spirits, beers, wines, champagnes and soft drinks.

There’s also a self-service coffee bar area, with pastries and snacks.

Food

Firstly, there is the a la carte dining room. This is my favourite area – and

Breakfast

The a la carte offers a wide variety of menu items such as noodles, English breakfast, crepes and a whole host of breakfast cocktails and drinks.

I decided to have halloumi and avocado on toast, which is what I usually have. It was very good, if a little small!

An alternative to the a la carte dining is very large fridge with a variety of fruits, meats and other items – but I think most people visit the dining area!

Lunch/Dinner

In the a la carte restaurant, a menu of some great things is available.

This included traditional noodles, steak, fish and burger.

I decided to go for the burger and also a desert – it was pretty good!

For those looking for something lighter, there were a number of items available from the self-serve part of the lounge – such as sandwhiches, cheeses, bread, etc.

Wifi

Wifi in the Cathay Lounge is always excellent, and this visit was no different!

Showers

Showers are shared with the Business Class lounge, and of excellent quality.

There are a whole bunch of amenities already waiting for you, which I think is great!

Business Class Lounge

Layout

In many respects, the Business Class lounge really doesn’t feel like a ‘step down’ from the First Class – it’s just different in a good way!

Upon immediately arriving you’ll find yourself in another dining hall. This is my favourite area of this lounge – its just cool, and different to any other lounge!

Stepping through this dining area takes you to another dining area, which is aligned with the self-service food.

Then you’re into the bar area, which has loads of casual seating.

I really like the ‘pods’ that are in this lounge – ideal for working and relaxing.

Another favourite feature is the ‘throne’ chairs overlooking the apron the southerly runway.

To be honest, it’s all my favourite – it’s a really great lounge!  

Food and Drink

Drinks

You have two options for drinks:

One option is to go to the aptly stocked bar, which has anything you could ever want. Different beers, wines, champagne, spirits – they have it all! The bar tenders are always very friendly and super helpful!

Alternatively, there are self-service drinks such as beers, coffee and soda fountains.

Food

Similarly, there are two options with food:

The ‘dining area’ offers a series of Asian and Noodle dishes – or there is my favourite, the Dimsum baskets!

I’m saddened not to have ever tried the dining are post-breakfast, to explore lunch and dinner options.

If you don’t want traditional Asian food, there is an extensive offering of traditional English breakfast items, as well as pastries – and a fridge of lots of meats and cheeses, etc.

Whichever you choose, the food is bloody good!

Wifi

Wifi in the Cathay Lounge is always excellent, and this visit was no different!  

Showers

As above, showers are shared with the First Class lounge – see pictures above!

Conclusion

This is my favourite lounge at Heathrow’s Terminal 3!

The differences between the First and Business lounges don’t make one any ‘worse’ than the other – they’re simple both great in their own way!  

Everything about this lounge is either great or outstanding; the food is excellent, the drinks well varied, the décor of the lounge fantastic – it’s really a great lounge!