UK. Global airport hospitality services provider Plaza Premium Group has opened its latest lounge at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 as it marks its tenth year of operations in the UK.
The opening close to Gate 10A in departures, Plaza Premium’s fourth location at London Heathrow, features a newly developed and larger space spanning 766sq m with capacity for 147 guests.
The lounge is designed with nuances that evoke the nearby city of London. Elements include use of architecture in a simple and stylised way, as well as fun influences from the London Underground tube seat patterns in the furniture and tiles.
The latest opening is the first Plaza Premium Lounge in the UK to offer the new ‘Proudly Local’ experience that Plaza Premium Group is introducing globally. Aiming to be ‘your destination before departure’, ‘Proudly Local’ offers travellers the chance to learn more about the destination and its culture through art, food and community.
Guests can taste British classics, including Victoria Sponge, Cottage Pie, Pimm’s and Gin & Tonic made with locally distilled Bombay Sapphire and London Essence. A range of international cuisines and complimentary drinks are also available at the buffet station. During festive periods, the lounge will transform into a festive hub, celebrating local traditions and customs.
Plaza Premium Vice President of Commercial Development and Operations Europe Lorenzo Valori said: “This is our second opening in London this year, also marking our sixth lounge in the city. London remains one of the world’s most important aviation hubs with strong global connectivity and we are committed to further strengthening our presence here.
“London stands as one of the cultural capitals in the world. With the introduction of ‘Proudly Local’, we want our guests to immerse themselves in the city’s rich heritage and culture through the experience, ultimately enhancing their journey.”
Art & Lounge
Plaza Premium Lounge presents the latest Spotlight Art exhibition in the new lounge and for two months from late September. Lauren Baker is an award-winning British multidisciplinary and multi-sensory contemporary artist, living and working in London.
The Ascending Horizons exhibition invites travellers on a spiritual journey through artwork inspired by nature, symbolism, the higher realms of consciousness, mysticism and an exploration of our connection to the universe, said Plaza Premium.
Baker is currently featured as part of the Venice Biennale, previously having exhibited at the V&A, Tate Britain and Tate Modern.
On display are new and recent artworks across a variety of media. These include Baker’s signature neon typography, alongside original canvases with superior vibrancy ink, hand embellished with diamond dust, reflective lenticulars and a selection of limited-edition prints.
Artworks are available to buy and travellers interested should contact the Art and Lounge curators for further information. A percentage of sales will contribute towards Baker’s mission to plant 8,888 trees in the Amazon.
Baker commented: “Ascending Horizons is a voyage through the boundless expanse of the universe, where each artwork reflects the awe-inspiring mystery of the cosmos. The exhibition explores the crossroads of terrestrial and celestial, whilst contemplating the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the skies and stars.”
The exhibition marks the fourth artist to display their work in a Plaza Premium lounge in the UK, with Marcia Scott’s Flow and Joe Machine’s Nature featuring in London Heathrow Terminal 2 and Gatwick North Terminal, respectively.
The lounge in Heathrow Terminal 4 serves SkyTeam member airlines, including Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, China Eastern, Kenya Airways, Korean Air and Saudia Airlines.
It also welcomes guests from Air Algérie, Air Astana, Bulgaria Air, Air Serbia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, China Southern, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei, RwandAir, Tunisair, Turkmenistan Airlines and WestJet. Holders of selected corporate cards, including American Express, DragonPass, LoungeKey and Priority Pass also have access to the lounge. ✈
