The Pier First Class Lounge has been universally regarded as one of the best First Class lounges in the world since opening in 2015, and I was excited to finally be seeing it for myself.
Designed by Ilse Crawford to be residential and comfortable, in sharp contrast to the modern and minimalist The Wing First Class Lounge at the opposite end of the airport, the space feels like a modern club.
The Pier is located near Gate 63 in the main terminal so it took about 15 minutes to clear transit security, catch the people mover train out to the end of the main terminal and walk the short distance to the lounge entrance.
I was promptly admitted after showing my boarding pass for the New York flight (CX840) and entered the promised land.
The main corridor is beautifully laid out, but with the lounge being rather busy it was hard to get a good photo so here’s the official Cathay Pacific promo video:
In this post:
The Pier First Class Food Review
The Dining Room is such a beautiful space with a tasteful combination of wood panelling, green leather and brass.
One of two tended bars are located within the dining room, where one can order a Cathay Delight (a refreshing non-alcoholic drink made from coconut milk, fresh milk and kiwi juice, topped with a garnish of mint leaves).
By this time I was ready for a full three course meal and studied the menu for a while, before deciding on the stir fried clams for the starter and the steamed coral trout fillet for the main. Unfortunately, the waiter advised that those were the only two dishes that had run out.
Fortunately, they had an ample supply of Perrier Jouet champagne so I enjoyed a glass whilst considering the other menu choices.
My starter of double boiled Yunnan ham soup with matsutake mushrooms, bamboo pith and snow swallow was served piping hot and was a flavoursome broth.
My main of hanger steak with red wine butter, rosemary potatoes, leaf salad and mustard vinaigrette was a small portion (which turned out to be a good thing given the size of First Class meals) but good quality.
For dessert I went with the sticky date & ginger pudding with caramel sauce and creme fraiche, which was a warm and delicious way to round out the meal.
The Pier Bar Review
On the way to The Bar, a wonderful walnut and onyx horseshoe-shaped sit up bar, I stopped by the Shower Desk to learn that there was at least a half hour wait before a shower suite would be available.
Given I only had about half an hour before boarding for my New York flight, there was no point in putting my name down for a shower so it was onward to the bar!
There was an extensive drinks menu including cocktails, so I felt it was appropriate to enjoy a Manhattan before my flight.
While the bartender made my Manhattan, I popped next door into The Pantry and came back with a few chocolate brownies. Now I’m not sure if this is an approved combination but both the Manhattan and brownies were excellent.
The Pier Showers, Day Suites & Massage
As previously mentioned, The Pier First Class Lounge has a number of shower suites though demand exceeded supply in the early afternoon. Oddly, this is not an issue I’ve had during my visits to The Pier Business Class Lounge.
There are also eight Day Suites, private rooms with a curtain to close off the outside world (similar to the Air France La Premier product on their 77W), though with just two hours in the lounge I didn’t have the need for them this time around.
Complimentary foot or shoulder massages are also offered as part of the service, which is something I would like to try when I next pass through in December.
Summary
I was really looking forward to visiting The Pier First Class Lounge and it did not disappoint. The design is absolutely beautiful and the service offering is a step up from the Business Class side of the lounge (which I’d rate as one of the best Business Class lounges in the world).
It’s a shame they had run out of my first preferences in The Dining Room and the wait time for a shower, but overall this is a world class First Class lounge.
Introduction – The Cathay Pacific New Year Deal Trip
Review: Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge Sydney Business Class
Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class 77W
Review: Silk Air Business Class 737-800
Review: Four Points By Sheraton Danang
Review: CIP Orchid Lounge Danang
Review: Cathay Dragon Economy Class A320
Review: The Pier First Class Lounge
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W
Review: Fairfield Inn Manhattan Downtown East
Review: Blue Hill At Stone Barns
Review: Le Bernardin
New York Activities
Review: TWA Flight Centre
Review: AA Flagship First Dining JFK
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W (via Vancouver)
Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
Review: The Pier Business Class Lounge
Review: Qantas Business Class 787
Summary – Highlights & Points Earned
