1903 lounge, terminal 1, Manchester Airport

*entry to the 1903 airport lounge was complimentary in return for an honest review*

It’s not secret that I love an airport lounge so I wont bore you by going over the fact that they’re *such* good value for money and *so* much more relaxing than sitting eating Burger King in the departure lounge.

As such I’m no stranger to an airport lounge. Lounge 1903 at Manchester Airport, however was new to me. So I was thrilled to be asked to review it ahead of our 10 hour flight to Vancouver a few weeks ago.

Nestled right in the back of terminal 1, even walking there, past all the other lounges, you know you’re in for some peace and tranquillity. Check in was smooth and we were shown around the small but perfectly formed lounge. Within 10 minutes there was a glass of champagne (actual champagne, not cheap cava) in my hand.

We were flying at midday so were lucky enough to hit breakfast AND lunch. Breakfast was hot, serve yourself food like bacon, sausage and hash browns (an inspired option) and eggs and toast made to order by the attentive staff. Plus a self serve coffee machine which we hit hard thanks to our 5am wake up call.

When the lunchtime change happened (at about 11am) there were sandwiches, pastries and two hot options; a curry and a pasta. Not to mention endless supplies of cheese and olives. Besides a marmite sandwich I’m not sure there’s much you could need that wasn’t on offer.

What really put this lounge above others (and worthy of the hefty £40 a head entry fee) however was the drink selection. Being early morning we certainly didn’t go crazy, but we did have a glass or 2 of champers to start our holiday off right which was self serve, which we prefer. There’s nothing worse than feeling judged by a member of staff when asking for a 3rd class of wine, which I’ve experienced in other airport lounges before.

The staff were great and cleared plates away quickly whilst making sure the self serve areas were clean and well stocked up. It’s a small lounge, so doesn’t take many people in to make it feel busy, but they seem on top of it by only allowing a small number in at a time. Plus as soon as a big flight gets called there’s a mass exodus so it’s a revolving door really.

I mean, let’s be honest, you’re preaching to the converted with me as to whether you should book an airport lounge before you go on holiday. Should you, however, book *this* lounge? When you take into account how much 3, ok, ok, 4 glasses of champagne (actual champagne) would cost you in the departure lounge then I think £40 more than covers it, plus you get food and softies too. This lounge, for me would be a special occasion lounge like a honeymoon or big birthday, but still a lovely experience all the same, for the hash brown bites if nothing else!

Find out more: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/airport-lounges/1903-lounge/