No1 Lounge Gatwick (LGW) Review: North & South

Lounge Experience

No1 Lounge at London Gatwick is positioned as a “proper” lounge experience in both the North and South Terminals, with a design that feels more like a small airport club than a glorified waiting room. Expect a mix of lounge seating clusters, higher bar-style stools, and pockets of workspace. The overall vibe is contemporary and travel-friendly rather than ultra-luxury, and it generally compares well against typical pay-per-use lounges in the UK thanks to its tended bar and more deliberate zoning.

At peak morning departures the lounge can feel busy, especially around breakfast and early long-haul waves, so the comfort you get depends on timing and how full the room is. Seating is typically comfortable enough for a 1–3 hour stay, with a reasonable spread for solo travelers and small groups. One of the nicest touches is the availability of runway/tarmac views in the lounge, which adds a sense of space. Noise levels are moderate: you’ll usually hear conversation and bar activity, and the sports/TV area can be livelier. It’s relaxing enough for reading or laptop work, but not a true “silent lounge” experience.

Access Options

• Day passes: Available to book in advance, typically from £38 per adult (pricing may vary by date/time and terminal).
• Credit cards/memberships: The Gatwick South lounge is widely reported as accessible via American Express Platinum (availability and rules can change; check before you travel).
• Other lounge schemes: Access acceptance can vary by terminal and time; if you’re using a third-party lounge program (e.g., lounge memberships), confirm eligibility for the specific No1 Lounge location you plan to use.
• Guest policy: Depends on your entry method (paid booking vs. card benefit). If you’re arriving with guests, confirm the guest fee and child pricing during booking.

Practical tip: if you’re paying cash, pre-booking usually offers the best chance of entry during busy periods. Walk-ups can be turned away when capacity is tight.

Food & Beverages

Food is served buffet-style, with a rotation of hot and cold options that typically works well for grazing rather than full dining. Breakfast periods tend to offer the most predictable spread (think pastries, cereals/fruit, and a couple of hot items), while later services lean toward snacks and light meal components. Quality is generally in line with what you’d expect for a paid lounge: better than grabbing a meal deal, but not at the level of premium airline business lounges.

The standout is the fully tended bar, which gives the lounge a more premium feel than self-pour setups. You can expect a standard range of beers, wines, and spirits, with some locations noting sparkling wine included. Premium labels may be limited or chargeable depending on policy, but the basic selection is typically sufficient for a pre-flight drink. Dietary needs are usually manageable (you can often find vegetarian-friendly options), though those needing guaranteed vegan/gluten-free choices should treat the buffet as “best effort” and have a backup plan.

Amenities

• Wi-Fi: Available and generally suitable for email, browsing, and light work, though speeds can dip when the lounge is full.
• Workspaces: Dedicated seating and laptop-friendly areas are usually available, but power access can become competitive at busy times.
• Entertainment/relaxation: A sports/TV lounge area can be a plus for some travelers, but it can also increase noise.
• Showers: Not consistently confirmed in available lounge information for Gatwick’s No1 Lounge—plan as though showers may not be available unless you verify directly for your terminal/date.
• Quiet/nap areas: No dedicated nap rooms are clearly advertised; relaxation depends on crowding and where you sit.
• Spa services: None indicated.

Verdict

Best for: travelers who value a comfortable seat, reliable Wi-Fi, and a proper bar—especially on longer waits or delays where food and drinks quickly offset the entry cost. It’s also a good fit for business travelers needing a calmer environment than the public concourse, though it isn’t always quiet during peak hours.

Compared with alternatives at Gatwick, No1 Lounge generally feels a step up from more casual, self-service concepts (like “living-room” style lounges) thanks to the tended bar and polished layout. If you want the most premium, restaurant-style experience, Gatwick’s higher-end options in the same terminals (where available) can beat No1 Lounge on service, but usually at a higher cost or with more restrictive access. Overall, it’s worth paying for if you’ll stay at least 90 minutes and you book ahead—less compelling for quick visits or if you strongly prefer quiet, dedicated work pods.