It was an oasis of calm, tucked away up a nondescript staircase, well away from the hustle and bustle of the normal Edinburgh Airport departure lounge where the pub was rammed and there were only a few spare spaces in the public seating areas.
So, it was a welcome relief to be introduced to Turkish Airlines’ new lounge, their first in Europe, by the way, which is conveniently located in the north-east of the busy terminal, above the popular Pret a Manger outlet. It is next to an adjacent Aspire Lounge for those who know the airport well.
The area has easy access to all gates but best placed, according to airport insiders, for those with flights from Gates 12 to 29.
The lounge has been designed for comfort. Walk up the stairs, or take the short lift journey, and you open the door to unveil a stylish lounge designed, we were told, following years of customer feedback and airport lounge experience.
Ambient lighting and special seating plans are a feature along with free and unlimited wi-fi which it was said can even download the latest best-selling book. Handy for the journey.
Charging facilities are there for portable devises and there are complimentary magazines to help you to while away your time by sitting back and relaxing until your flight is called. There is even a family booth and the spacious lounge enjoys views over the city and the airfield.
An important feature is the complimentary food offering, and it is freshly-prepared. Food is available buffet style and chefs cater for those with diet concerns.
Breakfast options are available from opening and they include gluten free and vegan options.
For those seeking a Continental breakfast, pancakes, baked goods, a selection of yogurts, cereal and milk plus fresh fruit are available, all served, once again, buffet style. The menu says: “Help yourself to as much or as little as you like.”
There is more, an afternoon and evening menu is a available from 12pm to the time the facility closes and it has a deli counter.
A soup of the day is available along with snacks, biscuits, muffins and crisps. Tempted? Hot meat-based or vegetarian and vegan dishes are there too.
A range of complimentary soft and alcoholic drinks are offered and we noted wine, beer, vodka, gin and whisky, but for those “looking to elevate their experience” there is a premium menu including champagne and crafted cocktails.
Lounge users are, we understand, covered for delays.
This information was imparted to guests at the packed reception to launch the Turkish Airlines facility. Travel trade representatives mingled with the media, sipping Prosecco and enjoying a range of mouth-watering canapes.
One wonders what the paying public thought in the adjacent rooms as photographers hovered looking for that special shot and guests took a walk round?
Footnote: The airline’s web page indicates they fly to Istanbul (around four hours), Dalaman and Athens, among other destinations. Istanbul also has connecting flights to various destinations.
SMILES BETTER: Turkish Airlines welcome Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, to the new facility. Picture Nigel Duncan
