I agree with this assessment of the CCB. It’s nothing special decor-wise and definitely small, but that said, in several visits I’ve never failed to get a seat (though normally I just sit on one of the high stools around the central bar/table), and it is peaceful. The food and drink provision is the same as in the main BA lounge, apart from having champagne. Don’t expect LPGS, last month they had Canard-Duchene Charles VII BdB.

This flight looks like it’s being operated by a 388, so I would expect the main lounge to be rammed. BA didn’t consider (or didn’t care about) the implications of super-hi J 744s or 388s when constructing this lounge. I’ve seen occasions when they’ve had to send pax across to Marhaba due to overcrowding. It’s not that pleasant when so crowded.

The CCB should be fine, though my general policy on BA flights out of DXB is to minimise airport/lounge time. On night flights, I have a decent dinner in the city, spend maybe 20-30 mins in the lounge tops, then board and get my head down ASAP. I realise that’s not maximising the F (or even CW) experience, but that’s not my priority. YMMV, of course.