There’s a new club at LAX and with Virgin Atlantic at the helm, you know it’s not going to be the same-old, same-old. Yesterday marked the grand opening of Virgin Atlantic’s newest Clubhouse. Situated inside Terminal 2 at LAX, the 4,000 sq.ft. space should prove to be plenty hospitable to Virgin Atlantic passengers thanks to the airline’s $4 million investment but the best part is definitely the food.

The Clubhouse at LAX has teamed up with LA favorite Hinoki & the Bird to feature three dishes and three drinks as part of its full service culinary and bar program that comes complimentary for all Clubhouse guests. Here are the menus along with photos:

Cocktails from Hinoki & the Bird

Matcha Rickey – gin, matcha, lime and Thai basil

Harajuku – Japanese whiskey, gran classico, byrrh quinquina & chocolate bitters

Penicillin – scotch whiskey, fresh ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice, honey, Islay float

 

Food from Hinoki & the Bird

Green papaya salad (V) – Baby carrots and peanuts

 

Chili crab toast – Spicy cucumber, coriander

 

Miso donuts (V) – Honey caramel

As I’ve visited Hinoki & the Bird several times, I can attest that the chili crab toast is amazing and the Penicillin is just the pre-flight cure you’re looking for before crossing an ocean. I’ve never flown Virgin Atlantic, but hope I get the chance to check out the new Clubhouse soon.

Here are more select details from the press release:

South Norwalk, CT (April 28, 2015) – Virgin Atlantic opened the doors today to its brand new Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport. Located in Terminal 2, and set within a beautiful space overlooking the Hollywood Hills, this marks the first time that the transatlantic airline has brought its award-winning Clubhouse concept to Los Angeles.

 

Virgin Atlantic has invested nearly $4million in ensuring its fliers will enjoy the ultimate pre-flight experience before crossing the pond. The lounge was created by the same team – a blend of in-house designers in partnership with Slade Architecture – that designed Virgin Atlantic’s iconic Clubhouses at John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. The 4,000 square foot lounge brings to life the same high standard of experience, service and design that the airline is known for across the globe – but with a distinctly California twist.

 

“We’ve always been focused on offering services that are conducive to the lifestyle in Los Angeles, from being the first airline to offer limo service to launching the concepts of onboard bars and seat-back entertainment,†said Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, Virgin Atlantic North America. “But we’re always thinking about what more we can do to meet the needs of our customers, and are thrilled to announce the big enhancements we’ve made here this spring. In introducing our beautiful Clubhouse and brand new Dreamliner, we’re demonstrating our continued commitment to the Los Angeles market and to all of our fliers here.â€

 

Style and Luxury Inspired by West Coast Living

As with all Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses, the space is designed to echo the personality of the city it calls home. Design elements are inspired by the West Coast landscape, with accents of gold to reflect that famous LA sunshine. The walls are adorned with one-of-a-kind artwork, including an installation by innovative California artist Diana Reichenbach, as well as work by up-and-coming British artists. The Clubhouse radiates a calm, relaxing vibe and is outfitted with custom-made furniture.

 

The centerpiece of the lounge is an apothecary-inspired bar featuring fabulous cocktails, as well as healthy juice options infused with seeds and spices. Spaces for relaxing and socializing are framed by panoramic views that span from the aircraft just outside the window to the iconic Hollywood sign and the mountains beyond. Fully WiFi-enabled, the lounge provides all the tools that fliers need to get work done before taking off, while delighting them with surprising details in the design.

 

A Perfect Partnership with LA’s Stylish Hinoki & the Bird

Virgin Atlantic partnered with one of LA’s most exciting restaurants, Hinoki & the Bird, to design an innovative food and drink concept inspired by clean, healthy California living. The full-service menu, which is complementary for guests, features three of Hinoki & the Bird’s signature dishes, as well as three of their fantastic cocktails. These dishes complement a wider menu featuring several tasting dishes perfect for sharing, creating a sociable atmosphere.

 

Photos courtesy of Virgin Atlantic/Hinoki & the Bird