Blog >> British Airways Galleries Lounge Review: T5 North
By Hunter Threadgill / May 22, 2025
One of my favorite perks of flying in Business Class or holding elite status is getting lounge access before international flights.
Airport lounges offer a peaceful escape from the noise and crowds, with complimentary food, drinks, and a quiet place to relax or get work done.
Before my Premium Economy flight on a British Airways 787-8, I take the chance to explore all three British Airways Galleries Lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 5. Since Heathrow is the global hub for one of the largest airlines in the world, I am eager to see how British Airways designs its lounges for long-haul travelers.
In this review, I focus on the British Airways Galleries Lounge – T5 North, the busiest of the three in Terminal 5; the other two lounges being at T5 South and T5 Satellite.
Do I come here expecting to truly lounge?
Not really.
But if I need a solid meal, a strong coffee, and a quiet place to finish work or grab a quick shower before takeoff, this lounge does the job.
It feels less like a retreat and more like the final stop to get ready for my flight.
British Airways Galleries Lounge: T5 North Location And Access (9/10)
The British Airways Galleries Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5 North is one of the most conveniently located lounges I have ever visited.
As soon as I enter Terminal 5, I head to the Business Class and oneworld elite check-in area, which sits immediately to the left.
Right next to these desks, I find a dedicated fast-track lane for passport control and security – reserved for Business Class passengers and Sapphire or Emerald oneworld elites.
Once I clear security, I glance left and spot the lounge entrance just steps away – less than 30 paces from the checkpoint. You really cannot ask for better placement, although it does mean the lounge gets crowded due to the easy access.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Entrance.
Lounge Hours
The North Galleries Lounge is open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, which covers most long-haul departures.
Access And Entry Requirements
Access is available to:
- Passengers flying British Airways First Class, Club World (international Business Class), or Club Europe (intra-Europe Business Class)
- British Airways Executive Club Silver or Gold members traveling on a British Airways or oneworld-operated flight
- oneworld Sapphire or Emerald members flying on any British Airways or oneworld partner flight
TPA Pro Tip: oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members can also bring one guest into the lounge.
For this visit, I am flying in British Airways Premium Economy. However, my American Airlines Platinum status gives me oneworld Emerald privileges, so I gain entry with no issue.
Check-In Experience (7/10)
British Airways may get some criticism for its website and mobile app, but entering the British Airways Galleries Lounge at Terminal 5 North is surprisingly smooth. I walk up, scan my boarding pass at the kiosk, and the gates open without delay.
Simple and seamless.
Reception And First Impressions
At the reception desk, I receive a proper British welcome. After a quick scan of my ticket, I am waved through into the lounge.
The first two things I notice: it is busy, and the ceilings are massive.
Since nearly every premium passenger flying British Airways – across Club World, Club Europe, or with elite status – has access to this lounge, it fills up fast.
At times, it feels like several hundred people are inside. That would cause chaos at many lounges in the U.S., but here in London, the crowd stays surprisingly orderly.
There is constant movement and noise, but it never feels completely overwhelming.
Even though London Heathrow has its critics, I find Terminal 5 to be beautiful.
The lounge mirrors the open design concept of the terminal, with no dropped ceiling and tall glass walls that stretch nearly 50 feet overhead. The natural light and open architecture make the space feel larger than it is, even during a typical gray London day.
That design choice gives the lounge a sense of airiness that helps offset the crowd.
Layout And Seating (7/10)
The British Airways Galleries Lounge North at London Heathrow Terminal 5 is enormous, with seating for several hundred passengers. It is designed to handle high traffic while still offering distinct zones that separate activities and create a more organized flow.
The lounge is divided into three main areas:
- Food and Beverage Stations
- Seating Areas
- Amenities
Food And Beverage
As soon as I enter, I see the main food and drink area directly behind the reception desk. On my left is a small coffee bar with espresso machines and a few bottles of wine.
While this station is convenient, I later find more extensive options throughout the lounge.
To the right is the buffet.
Given how many passengers have access, British Airways opts for a multi-station setup, with each counter offering a different selection.
This layout keeps traffic moving and minimizes crowding.
Seating Areas
The bulk of the lounge is dedicated to seating.
After the buffet area, I find hundreds of chairs spreading out in both directions. To the right, there is a mix of armchairs and tables, plus a small “balcony” that overlooks the main terminal.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) “Balcony” Seating.
Technically, it is just an enclosed extension of the lounge, but it provides a nice sense of openness.
To the left, I walk through several seating sections broken up by self-serve drink stations. Each one includes either a coffee setup or a bar with beer, wine, and spirits.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Zone Seating.
I find this design smart – it helps break the space into smaller zones, gives guests easier access to beverages, and makes the lounge feel a bit more personal despite the crowds.
While I would not call it intimate, the layout does a good job creating a calmer, more navigable space.
Amenities
Just past the buffet area, I turn left down a hallway that leads to the shower suites, a playroom for children, and a small business zone with desks and printers.
These features are tucked away at the end of the corridor, allowing the rest of the lounge to focus on seating and dining.
Food And Beverage (7/10)
The food and beverage setup at the British Airways Galleries Lounge North is all about volume and efficiency.
With hundreds of travelers passing through, British Airways focuses on providing a fast, reliable meal that lets people skip the onboard service – especially helpful for late-night departures when sleep is a priority.
The buffet layout is built around two key goals:
- Allowing passengers to eat a full meal before boarding
- Maintaining efficient flow through high-volume service zones
What impresses me most is how quickly the staff replenishes dishes. I rarely see an empty tray. As soon as one dish starts to run low, a fresh one appears almost instantly.
It feels like a well-oiled kitchen assembly line is running behind the scenes.
The Hot And Cold Buffet
The main buffet is located immediately to the right of the entrance.
The highlight is the hot food selection, although there is a small salad bar available as well. On either side of the buffet, I find several hearty dishes like:
- Pasta with meat-free ragu
- Penang fishcake
- Chicken and leek sweetcorn pie
- Vegan gravy
- Paprika-roasted potatoes
- Chicken in curry sundried tomato sauce
- Braised cherry tomato, chickpea, and olive
- Carrot and cumin basmati rice
- Petit pois and peppers
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Hot Buffet.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Salad Bar.
Alongside the hot options, there are cold snacks including pastries, sandwiches, crisps (chips), and tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Chips and Dip.
The food quality is decent – not gourmet, but far better than most airport terminal fare.
Self-Serve Cocktail And Drink Stations
Unlike many premium lounges, this location does not offer a staffed cocktail bar.
Instead, all beverages are self-serve, which I actually prefer in such a large, high-traffic lounge.
Across the drink stations, I find bottles of red, white, and sparkling wine, plus several premixed cocktails like:
- Negroni
- Old Fashioned
- Non-alcoholic Tom Collins
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Wine Bar.
There are also spirits, beer, soft drinks, and mixers – including hot sauce for Bloody Marys and citrus garnishes for other cocktails.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Self-Serve Bar.
While the lack of a bartender means there is no custom cocktail menu, the setup is practical and speeds things up for guests on tight schedules.
Coffee & Tea Station
Each coffee area includes multiple automatic espresso machines using Union hand-roasted coffee beans. It is not barista-quality, but it gets the job done.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Coffee Bar.
TPE Pro Tip: For those who prefer drip-style coffee, I recommend ordering an Americano.
There is also a wide tea selection from Twinings and fresh fruit available to take onboard.
Dietary Accommodations
I do not speak to staff about dietary needs during this visit, but I notice that vegetarian options are clearly labeled on each dish.
For other dietary restrictions or allergies, I recommend asking a staff member directly – they seem well-prepared to help.
Amenities (7/10)
Given the size of the British Airways Galleries Lounge in Terminal 5 North, it might be easy to expect an endless list of amenities.
However, this lounge is more about efficiency than indulgence. It functions less as a luxurious retreat and more as a well-equipped space to get ready for your flight.
Here are the main amenities available to all guests:
Fast And Reliable Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi is free and quick enough for basic tasks.
I have no trouble checking my email and loading a few websites. While I do not stress-test the connection, it seems stable and responsive during my visit.
Clean, Gender-Neutral Restrooms and Showers
Turn left after entering the lounge, and you will find the restrooms just down the hall, followed by the shower suites.
These are all designed as individual pods, making them fully private and gender-neutral – much like the setup in the British Airways Arrivals Lounge.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Bathroom.
There appear to be about two dozen restrooms.
They are simple but clean.
The showers follow the same pod-style layout. I do not use them on this visit, but I find the idea of showering just before departure very appealing – there is no better way to feel fresh for a long-haul flight.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Shower Reception.
Family Room For Children
Just beyond the shower area, I come across a dedicated kids room.
Inside, I see a TV playing a popular show for children and several toys, making it a helpful space for families with young travelers.
Dedicated Business Zone (Sort Of)
To the right of the kids’ area in the back corner of the lounge is the so-called “business zone.”
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Office Zone.
In reality, it is simply a row of high-top tables – no phone booths, no printers, and no desks. It offers extra space to work if needed, but it does not feel much different from the other seating areas scattered around the lounge.
What Is Missing?
While the British Airways Galleries Lounge at Terminal 5 North offers key essentials like showers, family space, and self-serve dining, it lacks several features found in top-tier international lounges:
- No Barista-Made Coffee. Only automatic machines are available. There is no option for freshly brewed, barista-crafted espresso drinks.
- No À La Carte Dining. All meals are served buffet-style. Passengers looking for made-to-order meals or lighter, customized dishes are out of luck.
- No Staffed Bar. All alcoholic drinks are self-serve. There is no bartender to craft cocktails or provide drink recommendations.
- Limited Power Outlets. Charging stations are sparse, especially during busy times. Finding a seat with a nearby outlet can be a challenge.
- No Dedicated Nursing Room. Although there is a play area for children, the lounge does not offer a private space for nursing mothers.
Enhancing the lounge with these features would better align it with premium international standards and significantly improve the overall guest experience.
Cleanliness And Ambiance (5/10)
With hundreds of passengers passing through at all times, the British Airways Galleries Lounge at Terminal 5 North faces a major challenge in maintaining cleanliness.
The staff clearly works hard, but the sheer size of the space – and the volume and velocity of guests – makes it difficult to keep every corner spotless.
I notice that plates, cups, and crumbs occasionally sit on tables longer than expected. Since seats turn over quickly, faster cleaning would help the lounge feel more polished.
The buffet area also tends to get messy, especially during peak times. Spills and scattered food items are not uncommon, but again, that seems more like a staffing issue than a lack of effort.
It is clear to me that the team on the ground is doing its best.
The problem appears to be at the planning level. Adding more staff during peak hours would greatly improve the overall experience – not just for guests, but also for the existing hard working staff.
Crowd Levels And Comfort (4/10)
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Seating.
The British Airways Galleries Lounge at Terminal 5 North is consistently crowded.
Every time I visit – no matter the time of day – it feels packed.
Despite the high foot traffic, I always manage to find a seat. However, if I were traveling with a companion, I imagine it would be much harder to find two seats together, especially during peak hours.
Smart Crowd Management With Real-Time Monitoring
One thing I genuinely appreciate is how British Airways handles crowd control in this lounge.
Instead of simply closing the doors when capacity is reached, staff uses digital monitors to display real-time crowd levels across all three British Airways lounges in Terminal 5. This system helps redirect guests to less crowded spaces and makes the experience more manageable for everyone.
If the lounge does reach full capacity, staff politely directs guests to the other available lounges at T5 South or T5 Satellite.
A Lounge For Utility, Not Escape
This is not a lounge designed for long, leisurely stays.
It serves more as a functional space to fuel up and prepare for a long-haul journey.
I use it to grab a bite, sip a drink, and get a few things done before heading to the gate. I do not come here to unwind – I come here to get ready for the next leg of travel.
Staff And Service (8/10)
The staff at the British Airways Galleries Lounge in Terminal 5 North works hard to keep things running smoothly.
Given that the lounge often holds over 500 guests at a time, personal interactions with staff are minimal. This reinforces the idea that the space is more about functionality than personalized service.
That said, British Airways takes a thoughtful approach to handling customer issues.
Instead of directing travelers with ticketing problems to the main reception desk, the lounge includes a dedicated customer service booth. This separate station is staffed specifically to assist with ticket-related concerns – freeing up the rest of the team to focus on general lounge operations.
Credit. Hunter Threadgill. British Airways Galleries Lounge T5 North at London Heathrow (LHR) Guest Services Booth.
While I do not need any help on this visit, I have consistently found British Airways ground staff to be polite and efficient. The service may not be memorable, but it is reliable. My needs are simple, and my itineraries are straightforward, so I cannot speak to how well the team handles more complex cases.
Still, for the average traveler, the service feels solid and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
The British Airways Galleries Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5 North is not a luxurious sanctuary – but it offers everything I need before a long-haul flight.
It provides quick access from security, decent food and drink options, fast Wi-Fi, and clean showers.
Its strengths lie in efficiency and scale.
The buffet keeps moving, the drink stations are well-stocked, and the lounge manages the crowds with smart monitoring.
But with the constant flow of passengers, limited seating for groups, and minimal personalized service, this lounge feels more like a well-equipped pit stop than a place to truly unwind.
I do not stay long.
After grabbing a quick bite and scanning the space, I head out to explore the other British Airways lounges at Terminal 5 South and the T5B satellite.
I am curious to see how those compare – and how British Airways uses each lounge to serve different passenger flows.
More than anything, I am looking forward to checking out British Airways Premium Economy on the 787-8.
After a full morning of lounge hopping, I am ready to see how the in-flight experience stacks up.
