Virgin Trains are celebrating the opening of its refurbished First Class lounge at King’s Cross in London. This is one of eight refurbished First Class lounges to be rolled out on the train operator’s East Coast route and comes in response to a six per cent increase in First Class travel since Virgin Trains took over the franchise a year ago.

The First Class lounges provide a sanctuary from the crowds – the perfect place to grab a complimentary snack, make use of the free Wi-Fi or just nod off in one of the innovative designer armchairs. The refreshed designs include new meeting points, work desks, free Wi-Fi and power points in the dedicated corporate area. Virgin is also trialling the ‘Zen Zone’for a month featuring a relaxation area and a resident masseuse. For access to the lounges simply show a valid Virgin Business, First Anytime or Advance First ticket for up to two hours before your outward journey, and up to one hour after you arrive.

The improvements follow a £21million investment in its train fleet with the introduction of the 125mph Virgin Azuma, the most advanced train on the UK’s rail network. The company plans 65 Azumas on the East Coast route, providing an extra 12,200 seats and increasing peak capacity into King’s Cross by 28%.