Virgin Trains First Class Lounge

A perfect haven away from maddening crowds, this small, but well received lounge, has views of the platforms and station. A great place to wait for your train.

Its been at least a year since I used the 1^st class lounge. The coffee selection was ruined by the fact only UHT milk cartons were available or the powdered stuff if pressing the latte button!
The lady inside the lounge was very friendly and helpful.
An acceptable level (just) of cake, biscuits and crisps, oh yes and fruit (as I recall!!)
Its nice environment to sit with wifi whilst you are waiting for your train but it could do with a revamp!

Thought I had an off peak return ticket from London to Manchester only to realize that it’s actually an advance ticket at 5 pm when my train was at 5 20… Ran to Euston station (my bag was still in the hotel) and explained my situation to the worlds most amazing ticket assistant and she changed my ticket to 8pm. *PHEW*
Virgin Trains — Thank you, I have always criticized you but from today I am your biggest fan!

Taking the time to tactically arrive 45 minutes early for my train was definitely well worth it whilst simultaneously managing to take all the stress out of my journey. However please read the following with caution… this is my first experience of first class so please excuse me if this review appears to be rose tinted!
The room is tucked away from the main concourse of the train station on the first floor, it was smaller than I expected but by no means cramped. There is a collection of black leather sofas and chairs which could comfortably seat about 15 people, but easily more than this if you don’t mind sharing your sofa. However for the time that I was present there were never more than about 7 or 8 of, so I didn’t need to worry about sharing my sofa anyway…
The view overlooks the main concourse of the train station, which really isn’t that bad at all. I took particular pleasure in watching all the stressed busybodies rushing around with suitcases in tow, whilst I was stretched out sipping coffee.
Speaking of food and drink, the variety is rather and generous. There is coffee and a selection of teas, or if cold drinks are you fancy: choose between still and sparkling water, lemonade and Pepsi (both diet and normal of course). However if you’re peckish as opposed to thirsty, you might want to benefit from a little plate of olives, which I must say was a rather nice touch, and they were very tasty as well. Failing that, some crisps maybe? The posh kind, Anglesey sea salt flavour if you please. There is a nice little collection of biscuits as well — banana and butterscotch flavour being my particular favourite.
The best thing about all that… is that it appears to be unlimited. Nobody seems to bat an eyelid if you feel the need to go and get yourself another packet of biscuits with lemonade every 5 minutes and then subtly slip them into your handbag (I’m a student — don’t judge). Ruddy fantastic.
The only things I can think that could be improved are these: there is only one option for coffee and I prefer to be able to choose between my cappuccinos, lattes and americanos. Secondly, there was nothing first class about the toilet, but even that didn’t bother me really.
All in all a very pleasant experience indeed! There is even a little television screen with all the train times on it, very useful for people like me who need constant reminders. I can only hope this isn’t a one-​time experience and that one day I may be able to afford first class again!