The First Class lounges at King's Cross (East Coast) and Euston (Virgin Trains)

[All Line Rover]

It's rare that I criticize Virgin Trains, but here goes...

EAST COAST - KING's CROSS:

The current First Class lounge at King's Cross is absolutely excellent. It's off the York Way entrance to the station. To me it looks like an office building (well, it is an office building, temporarily hosting the First Class lounge during the refurbishment of King's Cross). You enter the building, show your ticket at the desk on the left, go up a lift (the one on the left!), turn left, turn right, go down the corridor and then turn right again to enter the lounge. It's a bit long winded to get in, but it's worth it!

The positives:

• It is very large, bright and spacious
• It has air-conditioning (that works!)
• It has an ample supply of Bronte biscuits
• It has an ample supply of Coca Cola
• It has lots and lots and lots of ice
• It has some nice hot chocolate
• The seats are very comfortable
• It has clean toilets (including a good disabled one)
• It opens until 20:30pm on a Saturday (good enough for a day trip to London)

The negatives:

• Not all of the staff seem very friendly
• There aren't many desks for laptops

Overall it is excellent. In my opinion it is the best First Class lounge in Britain.* Remember, it's only temporary - the new one opening next year will be even better! (It will be much bigger for a start.)

*The First Class lounge at Paddington is a close contender. The section tucked away in the back has an antique feel to. It has plenty of old armchairs and sofas and is simply very nice.

VIRGIN TRAINS - EUSTON:

It's in Euston station - what can I say? :roll:

The positives:

• The staff are good
• It has plenty of desks for laptops

The negatives:

• It is hot and stuffy because the air-conditioning is never turned on (the staff say they can't turn it on because it makes the lounge feel like a fridge!)
• It is dull, gloomy and depressing (it's in Euston station!)
• You have to walk up flights of stairs to enter it (maybe it's a minor issue, but it doesn't really add to the "First Class experience")
• All of the toilets are cubicle style - I don't like cubicle style toilets (it was particularly unpleasant when I had diarrhea a few months ago, after eating too many prepacked olives from the First Class lounge at Crewe. It now know that they have a strong laxative effect! )
• There are never any snacks (they've only started introducing a few snacks after I complained to Virgin week after week!)
• It is far too small for a "flagship" station, and often get's full during the evening peak
• It has a "Quiet Zone", which is completely pointless (as the lounge often get's full and therefore noisy anyway!)
• It closes at 17:00pm on a Saturday (which is ridiculously early - when I go for a day trip to London I return after 19:00pm!)
• It can sometimes be me more pleasant to buy a "Meal Deal" from Sainsbury's (there's a new one at Euston) and sit in the Standard Class waiting room!

I really don't feel like I'm missing out if I can't use the First Class lounge at Euston! After all, it's never open when I go on a Saturday evening anyway!

 

[SS4]

There's a standard class waiting room at Euston? I've never seen it (but then again I've never looked very hard)

I've not used Kings Cross lounge but I have been in Euston when the air con was on and it was pleasantly cool

 

[Darandio]

[*]You have to walk up flights of stairs to enter it (maybe it's a minor issue, but it doesn't really add to the "First Class experience")

What?

First Class passengers are so important they are even "above" the whole stair walking thing?

 

[Failed Unit]

You are missing the most important thing about the Euston one which is the only reason I use it the showers (thanks Transport Scotland for funding them)

Virgin could do the same as GNER did to reduce the crowding, charge a supplement for AP ticket holders. The thing with the supplement is that you very rarely see anyone using the lounge at Edinburgh anymore!

 

[All Line Rover]

What?

First Class passengers are so important they are even "above" the whole stair walking thing?

Well, the East Coast one has this "space age" feel to it!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

You are missing the most important thing about the Euston one which is the only reason I use it the showers (thanks Transport Scotland for funding them)

Virgin could do the same as GNER did to reduce the crowding, charge a supplement for AP ticket holders. The thing with the supplement is that you very rarely see anyone using the lounge at Edinburgh anymore!

A supplement is not necessary - the lounge just needs to be bigger.

Euston and Manchester (which is also very small) are the only ones with a problem - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Coventry, Crewe, Liverpool, Runcorn, Stoke and Wolverhampton are all fine and don't need a supplement to be introduced.

 

[Failed Unit]

A supplement is not necessary - the lounge just needs to be bigger.

Euston and Manchester (which is also very small) are the only ones with a problem - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Coventry, Crewe, Liverpool, Runcorn, Stoke and Wolverhampton are all fine and don't need a supplement to be introduced.

The only one that isn't big enough on East Coast is Kings Cross and GNER let it go accross the board, but the £5 charge is reasonable other wise it will be full of passengers waiting for the 1700 to get fed after arriving at Kings Cross at 1530 but not wanting to get an earlier train (I know no-one is that deparate and would spend the would getting a nice smelly take-away to eat during their journey)

The problem with the charge is that some AP tickets in the evening are not cheap anyway but then you will be saying entry to the lounge only with tickets worth more than x, and needing staff to check.

To be honest I normally wait on the platform as I arrive about 20 minutes before the train anyway so it is worth waiting. The only reason I use the Virgin one is for the shower.

 

[Seacook]

What?

First Class passengers are so important they are even "above" the whole stair walking thing?

It's not a First Class thing, it is an access problem. Not everyone finds stairs easy or quick to use. Perhaps the reason why the FC lounge does not have disabled toilets is because potential users can't get in?

 

[Butts]

I think these lounges should provide free alcohol (within limits) - you get it on the train so why not in the Lounge ?

If it's good enough for the plane it's good enough for the train !!!

 

[amcluesent]

"And your specialist subject, please?"
"The First Class railway lounges of Britain"

"Which is the cheapest FC ticket which will give access to a lounge"
"Edinburgh Waverley to Edinburgh Haymarket on East Coast, £2.50"
"Is correct!"

 

[Failed Unit]

"And your specialist subject, please?"
"The First Class railway lounges of Britain"

"Which is the cheapest FC ticket which will give access to a lounge"
"Edinburgh Waverley to Edinburgh Haymarket on East Coast, £2.50"
"Is correct!"

You can see why they don't provide free alcohol then

 

[DarloRich]

There's a standard class waiting room at Euston? I've never seen it (but then again I've never looked very hard)

I've not used Kings Cross lounge but I have been in Euston when the air con was on and it was pleasantly cool

There is a small glass sided one next to the high numbered paltforms at the far end of the concourse

It is free to use, you dont have to walk up the stairs and you get as many complimentary refreshments as you like as long as you bring them with you!

 

[MCR247]

What?

First Class passengers are so important they are even "above" the whole stair walking thing?

No, but this is a train station, so people often have cases.....

 

[All Line Rover]

"And your specialist subject, please?"
"The First Class railway lounges of Britain"

"Which is the cheapest FC ticket which will give access to a lounge"
"Edinburgh Waverley to Edinburgh Haymarket on East Coast, £2.50"
"Is correct!"

They should do that sometime!

 

[Butts]

You can see why they don't provide free alcohol then

What is the cheapest 1st Class single that would be valid in this Lounge ???

You could restrict the alcohol quite easily by issuing a voucher on production of your ticket at reception. If a restriction (ie Coventry/Birmingham Minimum distance to qualify)then fine.

Remember some people (not me - beggars rates only) have paid hundreds of pounds for a ticket.

 

[All Line Rover]

What is the cheapest 1st Class single that would be valid in this Lounge ???

You could restrict the alcohol quite easily by issuing a voucher on production of your ticket at reception. If a restriction (ie Coventry/Birmingham Minimum distance to qualify)then fine.

Remember some people (not me - beggars rates only) have paid hundreds of pounds for a ticket.

EUS to MKC "VT Only" FDS @ £24. Although certain VT trains stop at WFJ, it is not permitted to travel between EUS and WFJ with VT.

 

[Butts]

EUS to MKC "VT Only" FDS @ £24. Although certain VT trains stop at WFJ, it is not permitted to travel between EUS and WFJ with VT.

I feel a free tipple would be in order - I'm sure they used to - can anyone verify this ?

 

[Mr Spock]

It's not a First Class thing, it is an access problem. Not everyone finds stairs easy or quick to use. Perhaps the reason why the FC lounge does not have disabled toilets is because potential users can't get in?

They installed a lift at Euston for first class passengers with mobility problems but unfortunately it has rarely worked and is currently "awaiting parts", well it was last week anyway.

As for snacks they use to provide them (cake, etc) for a long time and then gradually reduced them although there has been a better selection? lately with cake, fruit and biscuits.

Cannot compare with Kings Cross as i have never been there.

 

[All Line Rover]

They installed a lift at Euston for first class passengers with mobility problems but unfortunately it has rarely worked and is currently "awaiting parts", well it was last week anyway.

As for snacks they use to provide them (cake, etc) for a long time and then gradually reduced them although there has been a better selection? lately with cake, fruit and biscuits.

Cannot compare with Kings Cross as i have never been there.

It has been "awaiting parts" for months! :roll:

 

[bengolding]

I also much prefer the Kings Cross lounge. Much quieter and a better selection of self service complimentaries. Whilst the Euston lounge is much bigger, it tends to get very overcrowded in the evenings, especially on Fridays pm when it is hell.

With the new EC timetable, there's no need to wait in the lounge for a long period, but it's also nice to be able to order from the menu in the Kings Cross lounge and get some proper food. As others have pointed out, I've never seen any snacks in the Euston lounge, and although friendly, staff there generally are poor at keeping the tables clean.

Of course, one reason why one is so much busier than the other is down to the leniant entry policy of Virgin compared to EC.

My personal favourite lounge is at Paddington - nice decor and a much better selection of hot drinks!

 

[AlterEgo]

It has been "awaiting parts" for months! :roll:

Network Rail have actually fixed the lift only just today!



Finally!

 

[amcluesent]

KGX lounge is also a haven when ECML goes pear shaped. Many a time I've arrived at KGX and the crush barriers have been across the platforms (pre gating 1-5 of course!) and I've made a beeline for the lounge to relax for a few hours.

 

[Mr Spock]

As others have pointed out, I've never seen any snacks in the Euston lounge, and although friendly, staff there generally are poor at keeping the tables clean.

There are always snacks in there when I visit, not that there is much choice.

 

[Darandio]

No, but this is a train station, so people often have cases.....

Indeed, and it seems many completely missed the humourous point of my post.

 

[Turbocharger]

I think these lounges should provide free alcohol (within limits)

If they did I'd insist on a dartboard, a pool table and Sky Sports 24/7

 

[Mr Spock]

[*]All of the toilets are cubicle style - I don't like cubicle style toilets (it was particularly unpleasant when I had diarrhea a few months ago, after eating too many prepacked olives from the First Class lounge at Crewe. It now know that they have a strong laxative effect! )

[*]It can sometimes be me more pleasant to buy a "Meal Deal" from Sainsbury's (there's a new one at Euston) and sit in the Standard Class waiting room!

Just re-read this and out of interest what sort of toilet do you want as pretty sure if you have diarrhea I would not want to share a communal one with you

You do realise that before sainsburys popped up that there used to be a first class coffee lounge there which had a more restricted offering namely - tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits. It was also on the level so no need for lifts but I think it only had one unisex toilet.

 

[cyclebytrain]

Network Rail have actually fixed the lift only just today!



Finally!

:faint: I give it less than a week before it's broken again

 

[Skimble19]

It's rare that I criticize Virgin Trains, but here goes...

EAST COAST - KING's CROSS:
The negatives:

• There aren't many desks for laptops

You could just use it as the name hints you to.. as a laptop?

 

[All Line Rover]

Network Rail have actually fixed the lift only just today!



Finally!

You're kidding!

NRE still hasn't updated itself to show this: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/EUS.html.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

You do realise that before sainsburys popped up that there used to be a first class coffee lounge there which had a more restricted offering namely - tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits. It was also on the level so no need for lifts but I think it only had one unisex toilet.

I prefer the Sainsbury's. It has more choice and is open to all - not just those with First Class tickets.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Just re-read this and out of interest what sort of toilet do you want as pretty sure if you have diarrhea I would not want to share a communal one with you

I detest cubicle style toilets and refuse to use them when I need a no. 2. I also don't use urinals either - far too public!

I will only use separate toilets when I have a no. 2 (which mostly means disabled ones). It is perfectly lawful for an able-bodied person to use a disabled toilet - the law only states that businesses and workplaces must have a toilet that is accessible for disabled people, not that only disabled people can use it. If you don't believe me go and read the sign on the disabled toilet at the Bank of England museum!

In an ideal world all toilets would be disabled-friendly.

I have also noticed that men never seen to be very, well, "hygienic." They pee all over the floor and generally have disgusting habits! I always make sure that I leave the toilet clean for others.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

You could just use it as the name hints you to.. as a laptop?

I never bring a laptop with me (unless I'm going to a fares workshop ). I'm just taking into account peoples' criticisms of the KGX lounge from other threads. It doesn't bother me personally.

 

[Mr Spock]

I detest cubicle style toilets and refuse to use them when I need a no. 2. I also don't use urinals either - far too public!

I will only use separate toilets when I have a no. 2 (which mostly means disabled ones). It is perfectly lawful for an able-bodied person to use a disabled toilet - the law only states that businesses and workplaces must have a toilet that is accessible for disabled people, not that only disabled people can use it. If you don't believe me go and read the sign on the disabled toilet at the Bank of England museum!

In an ideal world all toilets would be disabled-friendly.

I have also noticed that men never seen to be very, well, "hygienic." They pee all over the floor and generally have disgusting habits! I always make sure that I leave the toilet clean for others.

I understand what you mean now anyway I thought there was a disabled toilet in the Euston Lounge which you could use.

Agree about the disgusting habits of some men and its not only the floor they pee on but all over the seat sometimes.

The thing with a lot of disabled toilets is that you need one of those radar? keys to access them

 

[AlterEgo]

The thing with a lot of disabled toilets is that you need one of those radar? keys to access them

You can get one for a couple of quid on eBay.

Not that I'm advocating it!