For the next segment of our needlessly long and complicated voyage to Exeter, I had booked us – given the miniscule fare difference at the late stage of changing our ticket – into GWR First Class, entitling us to an unusual perk; the GWR First Class Lounge, at London Paddington.

I’ve actually never been inside a train station lounge before, so wasn’t sure what to expect – so much so, that we actually went and got food first within the station, before hanging out briefly at the Paddington Bear store for a while.

The GWR First Class lounge is about halfway up Platform 1 – and my goodness, does the area near the ticket gates at Paddington get uncomfortably packed and lawless at peak hours – on the left hand-side. It’s a relatively nondescript entrance.

Inside, we were told to scan our tickets, and were quickly admitted. Now, the lounge was absolutely packed – hence the very few pictures – and it actually took us a few moments exploring the various nooks and crannies to find a spot.

From reception, a corridor leads you up into the main, relatively modern, lounge area – which has counter-height fridges with soft drinks and other beverages, as well as packaged snacks like crisps, nuts, etc. much like you’re offered on the train itself.

A promising poster also advised, much to my excitement, that a complimentary glass of wine or beer is available from 5 to 7pm, and to contact a member of staff – which I took to mean if you wanted to take them up on the offer. I could see this being tricky at times, but I was able to find someone in no time and was off in search of a seat with my plastic cup of wine.

From the main lounge area, there is also another older atrium-like nook around the corner (pictured above), which again opens up into another living room-like space with a few chairs and a couch or two, one of which we managed to procure.

The bathrooms are also unexpectedly well-appointed; mine even came with a shower cubicle should you want to fully freshen up before (or after, given you can access the lounge for an hour after a GWR First Class train journey, and 3 hours before).

In the end, we only had aorund 20 minutes to explore the lounge – more than enough considering its occupancy, but sufficient to enjoy a glass of wine, visit the bathrooms, and then make our way back out to the platform.

Overall, while I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was positively impressed – despite the heavy occupancy – of the GWR First Class lounge. It’s a nice perk to have, especially if you happen to arrive early to the station.