Ahead of its opening by the Queen later this month, the media got a preview of what sort of experience passengers can expect in the new terminal 2 at London’s Heathrow.

With the fiasco at terminal 5 still a memory for the airport managers and passengers, terminal 2 has been conceived with the idea of flying being a luxurious and enjoyable experience – despite the hassles of security and humourless searches and the testing queues to get into the departure lounge.

So we went along to No 1 Marylebone to see what is going to be on offer for Elixir readers on their way to their luxury spa or retreat….Will there be less stress?  Will we be able to find something decent to eat and drink and will there be plant of seats and places to relax?

We are very pleased to learn that those with discerning palettes who don’t want to pile on the pounds, including our wallets can sample the very healthy selection of seafood and champagne from the Caviar House. I learn that the caviar is not Russian or Iranian but French and harvested from fish which have been farmed rather than taken from the wild.

King Crab Claws

One first is The Gorgeous Kitchen run by gorgeous lady chefs, Gee Charman, former chef at Kensington Palace; Sophie Mitchell,executive chef of Pont St at Belgraves; Jo Pratt, best-selling author of In the Mood for Food and Caroline Mi Li Artiss, one of the first chefs to be discovered on YouTube.

The concept will serve delicious and light meals for travellers within 15 minutes, showcasing British dishes and products.

Jo and Caroline

And Fullers, whose Griffin brewery is only 3 miles from the airport in Chiswick have created a bespoke golden hop beer, Wingman, which at 3.6% has a light and refreshing taste. It will be served from the cask and their pub in the terminal, London’s Pride.

The lovely ladies from Fullers

We can’t wait to try out the new spa in the Plaza Premium Lounge – this lounge is available to everyone and will also feature eight sleeping suites. The spa treatments are by Ila – www.ila-spa.com and focus on energising so we expect to see the Energising and Detoxifying Body Renewal scrub on the spa menu. It uses the ionizing properties of Himalayan Salt Crystals, to treat cellulite, stress and exhaustion. On a physical level, it stimulates circulation and toxin elimination; on a subtle level, it cleanses and strengthens the bio-energy fields leaving mind, body and spirits uplifted. Perfect for an uplift in an airport!