Escape Lounge London Stansted
The best thing about the London Stansted Escape lounge is that it is 'there'. Namely, that there is a lounge at London's premier low cost airport at all. Alas, because it is there, and because it is the only lounge, it means that the lounge is frequently overcrowded and rammed to the gills, with pre-booked passengers only accepted. At least the pre-booking system means you can gain an allocated table, so at least you aren't sitting on the floor.
This is a shame, as the Escape Lounge London Stansted is actually pretty decent - if you get to it at a good time of day. There is an OK buffet, nice salads, hot food, and a complimentary bar. If you can get to the lounge when it isn't being used by Emirates there are also windows, but in the middle of the day there is no outside view.
London Stansted Escape lounge review
The Escape Lounge London Stansted is part of the brand that operates middle of the road pay-in lounges around the UK, and the Escape lounge is, or should be, a typical example.
Alas, half of the lounge is occupied by Emirates - who have even put up their own branding - for three hours before the Emirates flights to Dubai. This means that the space is dramatically reduced, and typically from mid-morning to lunchtime, and then from mid afternoon to 7pm, the Escape Lounge London Stansted operates under a pre-booked only system. At these times you can only gaze over the rope into the Emirates side, and see the acres of space, the decidedly uprated catering, and indeed the better free bar on offer on the Emirates side. Plus, EK hog all the windows.
The main part - indeed the only part, at Emirates times - is one underground space without windows. As you enter there is a second reception desk, where your credentials are checked again, having been already checked at the top of the toilet stairs.
To the right is the island buffet with salads and sandwiches, with the hot cabinet behind it. On the far side of this is the bar - and often a long queue of customers trailing past the the food.
Then there are dining tables on the right hand side of the lounge, while there are sofas and more comfy seating behind the room divider on the left.
If Emirates hasn't taken over the second half of the lounge, then here there are little booths on the right, beyond which is the viewing gallery - alas on the ground flood so you look at the nosewheel of your aircraft. Here there are big high backed chairs overlooking the view, and a separate buffet station.
Food
Food in the Escape Lounge London Stansted is better than you might expect for a pay in lounge.In the mornings, as you might expect, there is a full cooked English breakfast, with bacon, sausages, egg, beans and mushrooms. Croissants and pastries are on the buffet counter, along with cereals.
From 11am onwards, the food selection moves onto lunch. In the hot cabinet are two or three hot options, typically a curry, veggies and rice. On teh buffet on one side are a selection of sandwiches - which are actually pretty good. On the other are five bowls of salads, and a very good selection of cheese and biscuits, plus occasional cold desserts.
Bar
The Escape Lounge London Stansted is all about the bar; indeed for many passengers that is the main reason for coming in here.
Most drinks are complimentary, with free house beer, wine, or spirits. There is a menu on most of the tables. The wine is OK, with a a couple of decent reds and whites. House beer is on draft, and tends to vary, and often it Heineken. There are basic house spirits of gin, vodka, and whisky.
Of course you can get soft drinks and juices: there is a soft drinks fountain at the end of the bar, and a chilled water tap.
Of course if you enter with an Emirates ticket, you get much better self serve booze in the Emirates roped off section.
Business Facilities
Free wifi.Bathrooms
Out of the lounge, up the stairs.Access
There is access with Dragon Pass, Lounge key, and Priority Pass, however during Emirates times you may find it impossible to get in if you just rock up with your card at the door, when the lounge operates under a pre-booked only system. In theory you can circumvent this by pre-booking a spot. But often these slots are impossible to come by.
You can also try paying on the door, but often the lounge is so busy you will be turned away.
However, the best way of guaranteeing entry is to pre-book a ticket at full price via the Escape website. This trumps all other bookings.
Naturally, Emirates customers come first before the two flights a day. An Emirates First of Business Class ticket will guarantee entry, as will Emirates Skywards Gold, Platinum and iO cardholders flying with Emirates, as do Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairmans Lounge members travelling with Emirates. However, if using a Qantas card, it's best to get a voucher at check in, as the Escape lounge seem a little lost with Frequent Flyer cards.
Video: Escape Lounge
Good hot food
Often pre-booked only