Lounging Around at Newcastle Airport

September 15, 2014 by Rachel Kershaw in Something a bit random! 2

I love it when my parents come to visit me in Geordieland, it’s great to be able to show them my favourite places around the region and treat them to memorable days out. One place I’ve never been able to take them to previously though is the local airport. That’s because until recently, neither my Mum or my Dad owned passports (hard to believe I know!)

Although they love their holidays in Newcastle, I’ve always wanted to take my parents abroad. Unfortunately, my Dad could not be persuaded, but my Mum and I have talked about it eagerly for years, so this year I finally managed to save up enough money to fund a little Mother-Daughter trip to the Algarve!

The holiday was everything I hoped it would be and more, the weather was gorgeous, the hotel had stunning sea views and the food was delicious! I could bore you with a dozen or so selfies of us posing by the pool but then again, this blog is called Life in Geordieland not Life in the Algarve! So instead, let me tell you all about the perfect start to our holiday thanks to the fabulous new Aspire Plus Lounge at Newcastle Airport…

Aspire opened in April, offering travellers the chance to start their journey in style, regardless of which airline they are flying with. We may have booked budget flights but the  lounge was first class, my Mum and I were very impressed!

The doors opened at 4.30am and we were first to arrive, in fact, as the area is divided in to two sections and we were the only ones with access to the upgraded Aspire Plus lounge, we had the whole place to ourselves! I loved this as it meant I could pig out on the full range of freshly prepared breakfast options without being judged for over indulging but I think my mum was a little disappointed as she was secretly hoping to bump in to Cheryl Cole or Ant n Dec!

Usually when I fly from Newcastle Airport with James, we wander round the duty-free aimlessly and spend a fortune on drinks and snacks but in the Aspire Plus lounge, everything is complimentary!  From bacon sandwiches to Danish pastries plus wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. If it hadn’t been so early in the morning I definitely would have enjoyed a tipple or several without worrying about putting a dint in the holiday fund! But due to the early start I stuck to coffee and lovely it was too!

I tried to grab a pic of the menu to show you what’s on offer throughout the day but it came out a little blurry. However, I think it’s safe to say you wouldn’t leave here hungry or thirsty!

The Aspire Plus Lounge was really spacious and comfortable, there are quiet zones, areas with TV’s and access to wi-fi and plenty of magazines, so whether you’re looking to relax, get some work done or simply escape the crowds, it’s the perfect place to get your trip off to a flying start! I’ll definitely be back next time I visit Newcastle Airport. For prices and more info visit www.newcastleairport.com/aspire-lounge or follow @airportlounges on Twitter

By Rachel Kershaw