The Pier, First by Cathay Pacific
BACKGROUND The Àrst class lounge of Cathay PaciÀc reopened in 2015 following extensive refurbishment. It is located at Gate 63 in the North :est concourse of Hong Kong International Airport. Passengers have to complete immigration and go two storeys below to take the train to the gate of the lounge.
WHAT’S IT LIKE Designed by Studioilse, a London-based design studio, the 2,061-sqm lounge emanates the feel of an opulent residence. :ith rich materials like onyx, dark woods, limestone and bronze used to decorate the space, it is a comforting retreat away from the bustle of this incredibly busy airport. It cocoons you with comfort and elegance, keeping you updated at the same time with announcements and television screens that display boarding information. As you walk into this lounge, an evident fragrance with Asian notes of cedar-wood, bamboo and tealeaves delicately whiͿs past. This signature symbolism is created for frequent Áyers of the airline to relate to, every-time they enter a Cathay PaciÀc lounge in Hong Kong and London. The entrance is slick and modern with dim lighting and avant-garde light installations. Straight ahead is The Library, an expanse for passengers to pick up a magazine or newspaper from the entrance and enjoy some quiet time. The Pier also has The Bureau, with six iMacs alongside personal printers for travellers looking to wrap up some work before boarding their Áight. I preferred to plug in my laptop beside the window at The Bar as I relished nibbles from The Pantry — the cafeteria of the lounge. A socket slides out of the table, where devices can be charged at a power socket or USB port. The ambience of this space is extremely relaxed and welcoming. I booked a foot massage at The Retreat, the spa-like zone of the lounge that oͿers eight suites with curtains overlooking the runway, 13 shower rooms, and four massage booths. The spa there is managed by Gentlemen’s Tonic, a London-based barbershop. A quick shower followed at the elaborate shower room Àtted with Villeroy and Boch Àxtures, a rainshower, vanity chair and Aesop products. After a built up appetite, I went towards The Dining Room,
where a curated a la carte menu is oͿered to travellers looking to devour a memorable meal before they Áy.
FOOD AND DRINK The Pantry has a buͿet set up with fruits, croissants, cakes, canapps, cold salads, soft drinks and a coͿee machine. The spinach quiche, bacon puͿ and pesto vegetables salad were quite delectable. The bar oͿers an interesting collection of beverages, including Moet & Chandon Rose Brut, Chateau Bonnet Blanc from France, signature drinks like Cathay Delight, Hong Kong style milk tea, JING teas and a crqme brlpe speciality coͿee. For appetisers at The Dining Room, I picked fragrant chicken that comes with Chinese lettuce and peanut chilli dressing. Next up was Dan Dan Mian — the lounge’s speciality that is much talked about. This is a soupy noodle dish cooked in Shanghainese-style, simmered in a spicy, hot peanut sauce. The rich Áavour of the soup is enhanced by red chillies and Chinese onions — a highly recommended item. To Ànish, I picked my favourite dessert — crqme brlpe. The smoothness of the custard along with the crispiness of a perfectly blanched caramelised layer created magic in my mouth. It comes along with a thin biscuit that I used as a spoon to scoop out the pudding. WHO CAN ACCESS IT First class passengers, Diamond Marco Polo Club members and Emerald oneworld frequent Áyers transiting through Hong Kong.
OPENING HOURS Daily open; 5.30am-12.30am
VERDICT A sophisticated and convenient space for passengers looking to spend a few quality hours at Hong Kong Airport. :aiting for your Áight is eͿortlessly made enjoyable at The Pier, First.