Clubhouse cutbacks?

I'm sitting in the Clubhouse at LHR waiting to fly to L.A. I don't know if it's me, but I definitely feel things aren't quite as luxurious as they were. It's very subtle - the range of treats to eat etc, but does anyone else feel the same? The staff have been excellent on the whole, more attentive than on previous visits. Maybe it's just me.

I was in the Clubhouse a few weeks ago and could not see any difference than before, other than the roof garden being closed.

[Nottingham Nick]

I have looked hard for service cut backs on recent trips, and visits to the Clubhouse.

I have to say that I haven't noticed anything major in the Clubhouse, the deli seems as good as ever, the staff have been spot on. I did think on one occasion that they had cut back on newspapers, as there was no USA Today to be had; however a few minutes after I mentioned this a pile of them appeared.

I am not a wine or champagne buff, so don't know if the quality of these has gone down. I drink beer and see that Budweiser has been replaced by Tiger beer - not sure if this is a step up or step down. [;)]

One thing I will say is that, after you have been to the CH a few times - good though it is - you do lose the Wow! factor that you get on first visit. That isn't Virgin's fault though - that is just human nature. [}:)]

Nick

quote:Originally posted by Nottingham Nick

I am not a wine or champagne buff, so don't know if the quality of these has gone down. I drink beer and see that Budweiser has been replaced by Tiger beer - not sure if this is a step up or step down. [;)]


Nick


Tiger is way way better[:0] bud is brewed over here and just doesnt taste half as good when drinking it in the US.

alex[y]

quote:Originally posted by Nottingham Nick

One thing I will say is that, after you have been to the CH a few times - good though it is - you do lose the Wow! factor that you get on first visit. That isn't Virgin's fault though - that is just human nature. [}:)]

Nick

I can honestly say I never loose the Wow factor of travel be it, check-in, lounges, boarding, or the journey itself, think my wallet will run dry before I ever tire of it[:D]

quote:Originally posted by jaguarpig
I can honestly say I never loose the Wow factor of travel be it, check-in, lounges, boarding, or the journey itself, think my wallet will run dry before I ever tire of it[:D]


Slightly o/t but as a seasoned LCC traveller I do get tired of all those things (Except lounges - because I don't get them!). The one thing I don't tire of though is the point at which the engines kick in and the aircraft starts to roll down the runway. Always a thrill.

Paul

p.s. I think I would have to be very jaded to get tired of the LHR CH..[:w]

We love the LHR CH and will be back there again in a few weeks time. Our last visit in February was as good as the previous visits and we didn't see any change in benefits. Oh, and Tiger is really good, much better than a Bud in my opinion.

Miopyk[8D]

There was shedloads of Mumm bubbly when I was there, I particularly like that one because its light and not too dry, wish they used it onboard.

Looking at your comments, I think it probably is just me - combination of being tired and having a strong drink! It is true about the Wow factor, it's hard to better the best isn't it.
Don't get me wrong, it is still fantastic. Wish I hadn't said anything now...

Ah, it's OK, we can all get that way sometimes ... [:)]

Myself and a couple of other posters did notice that portion sizes of the food offerings were definitely smaller. But just like you said, the staff are excellent, and on this matter I noticed them going the extra step and bringing out extra plates of food people had ordered (eg 3 plates of eggs benedict for two people who had ordered them), without being asked to, because they know the request will often come after they eat their first round.

I love the CH both in LHR, and at SFO, can't imagine better places to have to start one's journeys.

I was in the Clubhouse yesterday (21st) too, on my way to IAD & I found everything to be just as good as my previous visits.

The only thing that I would comment on was that the portions for breakfast were smaller than they were in September. I had the Eggs Ben which I thought was rather poor in quantity, but excellent in taste. So a wee while later I dipped into the menu again & had Scrambled eggs & smoked salmon. Again this was small in quantity, but very tasty.

Service on the whole was excellent through out.

I was disappointed once again to find that the roof garden wasnt open. Ive yet to get out there & had hoped for success yesterday. But it wasnt to be [:(]

[buns]

Apart from the smaller portions at LHR (best take two - like I did last time, [:I]) it seems the same as usual.

You are all right about the WOW factor - my guest was bowled over and cannot wait to be invited again[:D][:D]

buns

Just for the record I love the Clubhouse too. It was only a light hearted comment and based on little things like range of sweets, snacks being openly offered etc. Tired and emotional...too much good living in the Clubhouse and onboard!

quote:Originally posted by kered
I was disappointed once again to find that the roof garden wasnt open. Ive yet to get out there & had hoped for success yesterday. But it wasnt to be [:(]


I was advised by the duty manager on our last but one visit that this is now shut permanently.[n]. As it was still closed on our last visit I guess this is the case.He said it was due to people smoking out there and the risk it posed (not sure to whom or what).Nanny state [V].
I loved it out there- particularly when the jag was up there.

[Darren Wheeler]

DL. Sadly there are those who cannot equate aviation fuel vapours and naked flames as a fire risk. One carelessly discarded butt is all it takes.

Personally I never saw the attraction, the stink of the fumes will stick and haunt you for days.

A few years ago at the pick up bit in the carpark at T3 before it changed and a woman was smoking in front of the no smoking signs and I and a few others told her to stop and we all got a foul mouth invective from her for our troubles.

Best bit was that there was a copper or a security chap about who saw her and then did whatever it is they do in these circumstances.
She was totally oblivious to any risk to her or anyone else of her smoking and petrol fumes etc.

Just because the garden was in the open dosn't make it a smoking area and the sooner some realise this the better

I really do dislike the lazy use of 'nanny state'. It's almost as annoying as people who say 'political correctness gone mad' without understanding the history and motivation of 'political correctness'.

I spoke at some length with CH employees about the roof garden. Not only had cigarette smokers thrown their discarded fags onto the tarmac below(!), but one had put it in the potplant and had actually caused a small fire. I don't need to tell you how stupid and dangerous this is.

So, sadly, thanks to the thoughtlesness of puffers, we all lose one of the nicest resources at the Club House.

quote:Originally posted by DragonLady
quote:Originally posted by kered
I was disappointed once again to find that the roof garden wasnt open. Ive yet to get out there & had hoped for success yesterday. But it wasnt to be [:(]


I was advised by the duty manager on our last but one visit that this is now shut permanently.[n]. As it was still closed on our last visit I guess this is the case.He said it was due to people smoking out there and the risk it posed (not sure to whom or what).Nanny state [V].
I loved it out there- particularly when the jag was up there.


The roof garden may be 'officially closed' but I seem to remember one or two making use of it last week [:?][:w]