After a dreadful experience clearing security at Manchester T1, we were looking forward to visiting the Aspire Lounge to relax and have a bite to eat.



When we arrived at approximately 7.30pm, we were warmly welcomed and I decided to take a newspaper to read. However, only a few national dailies were available and those were decidedly worse for wear. No paper for me, then!



We chose seats overlooking the runway, and this view is one of the best features of this particular lounge, and something we have enjoyed many times.



The food on offer was very poor. The receptionist had mentioned how busy the lounge had been all day, but there can be no excuse for the abysmal amount of available food:



Lukewarm tomato &red pepper soup



· A handful of scones



· A handful of biscuits (many broken) in a jar



· A few packets of cream crackers and miniature cheese portions



· A small amount of peanuts



· Yoghurts



And that was it: no bread rolls, no crisps, the hot food racks were bare.



It beggars belief that a large organization can be so ill prepared for a busy day. Surely sourcing additional supplies is not that difficult a concept to deal with? The lounge website promises great things, but clearly failed to deliver on this occasion.



As a member of Aer Lingus’ Aer Club, I didn’t actually pay for admission; however, I assume that the airline pays the lounge operator a fee for each passenger. Had I parted with my own money, I would be very annoyed at being expected to pay for a lounge product which was not fit for purpose.