Eurostar, one of Europe’s leading international rail operators, runs an effective monopoly on trains between London, Paris, and Brussels, posing stiff competition to airlines thanks to its speed and convenience — and its ability to deposit passengers at the heart of the city in mere hours.

Part of its premium proposition is a comprehensive business-class equivalent, Premier, which includes lounge access at each of its terminus stations.

With new cross-Channel rail competitors emerging on the horizon, it is worth examining whether this lounge product still keeps pace with expectations.

On a recent trip from Paris to London, I put Eurostar’s post-security Premier Lounge at Gare du Nord to the test, discovering that timeless elegance is hard to beat. 

Accessing the lounge is probably the most inconvenient element of the whole experience. Premier passengers benefit from a priority security and control lane that deposits them at the entrance to the lounge, but even then, passengers must either take stairs or elevators to the upper level to enter.

Passengers with a UK Amex Platinum card or high-level loyalty status with Eurostar may also access the lounge. 

Once I ascended the heights of Paris Gare du Nord, I was greeted by a charming host who checked my ticket and card and then welcomed me inside.

The air conditioning provided a welcome relief from the stifling August heat. And the lounge immediately greeted me with its elegant, crisp lines and sense of occasion.

Occupying a long, thin space that cuts across a significant portion of the station façade, the lounge’s windows face the trains and the street on either side.

The design makes the most of the neoclassical interior and structure with high ceilings and narrow pillars along a thin corridor on one side, creating a telescopic effect that feels imperious and grand despite the small space. 

Passing through the entrance, the lounge opens up into much more practical spaces.

Two large, open seating areas at either end of the lounge feature comfortable chairs in a variety of styles. A self-service drink and snack bar is positioned between the two.

In the far space, a manned, sunken cocktail bar can also be found. 

The corridor that runs alongside it is the most interesting part of the lounge. Here, a variety of seating nooks can be found, including desk-style bars for business travelers.

I sat down in one of the booths that face the train shed; they are designed to reflect the traditional train compartments once found on the luxury trains of the past. 

I could write paragraphs about why I adore these seats, but in the interest of brevity, they tick all the right boxes for a lounge. Firstly, they manage to be private — separated both from each other and the lounge proper — whilst also airy.

These intimate nooks use the structural limitations of the 19th-century building to their advantage.

Secondly, the booths are supremely comfortable and well-appointed, with rich, velvety fabric. Power ports and movable cocktail tables make it easy to settle in.

Finally, they are just romantic. Sitting there, with a drink in hand, watching the bustle of the station through period windows or simply curling up with a book, recaptures the magic of rail travel.

Speaking of drinks, the barman, Mateo, was very charming and friendly, and spoke perfect English.

The bar features seasonal cocktails and mocktails, including a Pride-themed offering. I went for their twist on a Manhattan, which was served in heavy, cut glassware, and was simply faultless. 

It was at this point, however, that the dream began to collide with reality. The majority of power outlets in my booth were taped up (presumably broken). 

The elegant, expensive fittings were chipped and worn, and the Wi-Fi would not connect for me. Though perfectly clean, the hard product looks like it’s in need of a refresh. 

This theme continued as I made my way to the buffet for some water and snacks, and was confronted by disposable paper plates and cups, rather than the usual glassware and bowls.

Apparently, the situation was temporary, owing to a broken dishwasher. But it did take some of the shine off of my lounge experience.

That said, the offerings of canapés and quality dry snacks remained consistent with previous visits. 

The layout of the lounge is genius, creating an oasis of calm. While harkening back to the golden age of train travel, the space also features modern and accessible touches.

The drinks and snacks offered (notably the cocktail menu) are very high quality, especially for a space where the average stay is around the 45-minute mark.

As I made my way back down the elevator and onward to the departure floor, I was enraptured by the Eurostar Premier Lounge. But the experience also felt slightly bittersweet.

As a regular, longtime traveler with Eurostar, I have seen the quality of service and interiors decrease over time, with perks and experiences altered to the detriment of the brand.

This lounge, with its chic, rich interiors and well-curated service speaks to what Eurostar could be, and should be in everything it does. While new Eurostar trains are many years out, this lounge could still offer a baseline guide for service refreshes in the near future. 

In any case, as they say, we will always have Paris. 

Related Articles:

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• Lyon-Paris Frecciarossa business class: a worthy TGV challenger?
• Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa Executive proves delightfully decadent
• How TGV Duplex sets the pace for first class train travel
• New logo, same train: a Eurostar Standard Premier review
• Chunneling to London: Eurostar is smooth, quiet and good value

All images credited to the author, Fintan Horan-Stear