I will fly in F to LHR and connect 12 hours later to a BA flight in J. My inbound flight arrives early in the morning and I depart early evening. Ideally, I will spend some time near LHR with friends. Then hit the F lounges in T3.

How long should I allocate for the OW lounges in T3? I've not been to F side of any of the lounges and would like to see the AA, BA and CX lounges. Which lounges offer the best food and drink? I don't want to fill up on the "wrong" food and drink.

I'd like to check my bag to LHR and then recheck my bag as I will take gifts including some liquids/gel cosmetic items for my friends in London. The specific products I'll take aren't available locally. Will BA allow me to recheck my bag in LHR before I head out to met friends? Or, am I out of luck and will I need for check in to open for my flight before I can check my bag.

Thanks.