Background
Manchester Airport has three terminals, and each has lounge facilities including Escape Lounges. I was flying in premium economy with Singapore Airlines from Terminal 2 and so didn’t have access to any lounge. I do have a Priority Pass card, so tried to gain access to the Aspire Lounge (which is the one used by eligible Singapore Airlines passengers). I was told, however, that they were not admitting Priority Pass card holders. I asked if this was because it was a busy time, but was told, no, they were just not taking them. I went to the Escape Lounge instead.
Where is it?
Proceed through security checks and the duty free area, then turn left when you are opposite Gate 209. There is a lift which didn’t seem to be working when I arrived, but which I used on the way back down.
What’s it like?
Very impressive. I was warmly welcomed, which was a relief after being turned away at the Aspire Lounge. The lounge is one large room, but there are several distinct areas with sofas and comfortable seating contrasting with a dining area.
The lounge can accommodate up to 200 guests, and completed a £1.6 million refurbishment project in mid-2016.
Just inside the entrance there are magazines and newspapers, but also second hand paper back books available to be bought with the money going to charity, which is a good idea. If I went through again I would bring in a few old paperbacks to help keep up the stock.
I was expecting the lounge to be busy, but although this was around 0830 on a weekday, there was no shortage of seating and no queue at the buffet.
I wanted to do some work so sat at a table and had cereal, some cooked food and a coffee and some juice.
Plates were cleared as soon as I’d finished and there seemed to be lots of staff around.
I believe the catering here has been taken in-house and was very good.
MAG brings Escape Lounge catering in house as part of brand refresh
I was only in the lounge for about 45 minutes but had I been there longer I would have moved over to the sitting area where there are windows, though without particularly interesting views.
There was one wall with chairs for anti-social types or children who hate their parents, though usefully these each had their own power points / plugs.
Verdict
I really liked the lounge. Friendly, not too busy (at least on this visit) and with good food and a bar service for later in the day (or in the morning if you are going on holiday or just like drinking no matter what time of the day it is.)
Further along a different corridor there was also an Escape Plus lounge which I will try out on a future occasion (if Priority Pass gets me in there.
