Aspire Manchester T1 Lounge
The newly revamped Aspire Manchester T1 Lounge is a bit of a surprise to find at Manchester airport; a well appointed lounge, with a serviced bar, OK food, and comfy seats high up in the terminal with a good view of the runway.
Alas, at peak times it can also get totally packed, to the stage of being standing room only, and generally a bit uncomfortable.
It can also be a little bit pricey: to get full value from the lounge you need to be here for a good three hours, on a comfortable afternoon flight.
Manchester T1 Aspire lounge review
Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport has had a bit of a revamp over the past few years, and so it is with the Aspire Lounge at Manchester Terminal 1.
You'll find the lounge on the upper 'lounge' floor. It is after security, and then before you get to the main part of the terminal, turn left down the corridor marked 'lounges', the up the stairs or the lift, and turn right. It is before the Escape and the Emirates lounges.
At the desk you may be somewhat surprised at the high price if you don't have a Priority Pass or other access card.
Once inside you'll immediately see the breath taking views of the busy airfield at Manchester Ringway Airport from the Aspire Lounge at Manchester T1. There are spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the apron and the runway.
The lounge has recently had some new furniture, which really helps to improve the atmosphere inside this most busy of lounges.
By far the best area is left from reception: fewer passengers seem to make their way here. There are seats with a great view of the aircraft. Inland from this are half a done seating areas separated by high dividers.
Right from reception is the staffed bar, and opposite this is a 'shelf' where you can sit and have your cocktails.
Further around is another seating area with views of the aircraft, and on the opposite side from this are booths, really designed for eating.
The refectory area is beside the bar.
Food
There is a food area, with hot food on one side, and a fridge with salad on the other.The hot food is pretty basic, and Indian food dominates, with rice and curry dishes.
The salad again is pretty simple.
There is also normally soup with rolls.
A standout is the cream tea with scones, strawberry jam, and clotted cream.
Bar
The bar is right in the middle of the lounge, and does great cocktails.Beer is in bottles, with Tiger available.
There are also three whites and three red wines.
All drinks are free, excluding Prosecco and Champagne which are charged at an additional cost
Business Facilities
Free wifi.TVs on the wall, mostly on silent.
Some newspapers and magazines.
Bathrooms
Alas, bathrooms outside the lounge, and you need to warn the desk you are leaving.Then head straight ahead, and the bathrooms are opposite the top of the stairs.
Access
The Manchester Terminal 1 Aspire Lounge is open Monday to Friday 04:00-17:00, and Saturday & Sunday 04:00-13:00.
On front desk they wanted £32, but then another person on desk said it was only £22 if I was only there for 2 hours.
Video: Aspire Lounge T1
