Huxleys, Heathrow Airport, Hounslow

Huxleys is an airside bar/diner handily located next to the toilets at the southern end of Terminal five’s upper floor. The interior consists of multiple dining tables to the left and a U shaped bar area to the right. The bar is lined with stools and is wide enough to comfortably eat at, which I did. On the back bar a couple of televisions were showing muted news and sport and there was some very low background music playing. A dartboard can be found to the right of the bar, but this is for effect as it is far too high, the oche would run through the seating at the bar and good luck getting a set of darts past security. During a recent Saturday afternoon the bar was stocked with premium lagers and keg Fullers London pride. It took a while to catch the attention of the bar staff due to them nattering and dancing around. They were certainly having more fun than those travelling! When I eventually secured some service I found it to be polite. I decided to have a burger and chips from the menu that is available all day. This set me back £11, which was reasonable value when compared to other establishment in the terminal. I don’t know anyone that looks forward to drinking in an airport terminal and I’m no different. However, I though this place to be the most relaxing of the three bars that were open during my visit.

This venue is for airline passengers only

One end of the Terminal 5 Departure Lounge is taken up with this bar/diner. It's probably the better of the bars here for food but without the beer selection the JDW has, and it doesn't compete with Gordan Ramsey's Plane Food restaurant. It has a reasonable wine choice, there is Doombar available, and the limited menu choice is reasonably well cooked. Staff were pleasant, but there was no escaping the noise from the concourse. There was also no attempt to disguise its being an airport bar, the barn-like interior and industrial services all on display. It tries to offer better-than-a-cafe food, but it retains its laminated menus and plastic tomato sauce dispensers. Take it or leave it, but don't expect fine dining or a restful break from the travel experience.