I encountered this in December. As a fairly regular user of the hotel and lounge, I explained to the “manager” (knowing it would have zero effect but was cathartic to me at the time) that this policy was silly, was not what any customer expected, and could I see the research note showing customer responses asking for earlier and shorter hours as it sounded far too like a BA “enhancement”. I was told they had problems with over exuberance in the lounge and this was meant to curb that. In reality it’s a pure cost cutting measure as many people check in after the new lounge F&B closing time given they are likely connecting from a flight. I did get 1 free beer after another guest told the manager they totally agreed with me and it was cost cutting and nothing more.

Given my usage is always connecting from (late) and to an (early) flight I now have no reason to book a club room (although as plat I would get lounge access anyway, but always after a dispute) as it has no usable benefits for me. So whilst cost has been reduced by lower lounge usage, income might be reduced as well as less people pay for access.