Enjoying High Tea and the Virgin Lounge
Posted: Sun, 16 Sep 2007, 15:23:00 GMT | 1577 views Share
In the last couple of weeks, we've predominantly been busy with work. But we did find time last Sunday to go experience proper British "afternoon tea" at Brown's. It was great, although I imagine that most anything involving unlimited cakes would receive a similar review from me. I'm pleased to report on our self control - only one additional plate ordered when our initial round of scones ran out.
Other than that, on Saturday morning, I left for Shanghai and Troy left for Seattle. I flew Virgin Atlantic for the first time in ages and it was a pretty good experience. Here's my quick review of the experience:
The car service (they will arrange a "free" car to pick you up and drop you off to/from the airports - 4 cars total) has been reliable so far. They do have a cool drive-through service at Heathrow, so that when the car drops you off (in a special place), a Virgin rep meets you, the security screen you, and THEN you exit the car and someone takes away your luggage. Definitely beats fighting the crowds!
The Virgin Lounge is pretty impressive - a full hair salon, massage options, etc. I chose a haircut. They also have pretty good food - I ordered a Manhattan, broad bean soup, and a rigatoni pasta dish with fresh shaved Parmesan. The lounge also has a pool table, plenty of TVs around, and comfortable seating. The staff seemed to be around and attentive than the BA lounges.
On the aircraft itself, every seat has direct access to the aisle, which is nice. It's a little strange, though, because the seats are all angled at 45 degrees away from the windows, so you are neither facing forward nor backwards.. just kind of sideways. Strange feeling during takeoff, but no issue otherwise. On board, there's the option for short in-flight massage options. I chose the upper back / neck / scalp massage for 10 minutes. Great idea, but there isn't a special area for this, so the masseuse comes to your chair and takes you up front near the cockpit door - and asks you to sit on a short chair that has no back. So you basically sit straight up and try to relax all at the same time. Better than nothing, but it's more a cool idea than truly a cool experience. In addition, you're facing into the cabin, so anytime the curtain is open, you basically are facing all the passengers, so that's a little strange, too.
The other thing Virgin has is an on-board bar. Literally it's a bar in between the Upper Class and Premium Economy cabins (but open to Upper Class only). There are places to sit and hang out, and a bartender who will make whatever you want. This I'm sure is fun during a day flight, but on an evening flight, it's pretty loud when you're trying to fall asleep. Let's face it - it's a PLANE and there's not a lot of options when there's also a BAR on board!
I'm looking forward to the week in Shanghai.. already I've found a place to make a custom suit - I was measured this afternoon for a custom suit, shirt and tie. I know there are markets that will do it cheaper, but I chose a place near the hotel for ease and convenience. It's still so inexpensive, I don't mind too much.. wish me luck - my first fitting is 9pm tonight!