Virgin Atlantic is ditching its iconic inflight bar

Virgin Atlantic will soon sound a ‘last call’ for drinks at its in-flight bars, with the airline removing its high-flyer hangout from across the Boeing 787 fleet.

The change comes as part of a sweeping cabin revamp, and while it may not seem earth-shattering, it marks the fading out of one of the airline’s most recognisable touches.

The bar was more than just a counter and a few stools. It was a statement - about the airline, its passengers, and of founder Richard Branson’s desire to bring back a certain kind of glamour to the skies.

The Branson touch

The in-flight bar wasn’t just about drinks. It was a typically Branson touch, a classic Virgin play: bold, cheeky, unnecessary, and unforgettable.

Virgin's bar was a very Branson touch.

While British Airways played the role of the polished, slightly stuffy national flag-carrier, Virgin Atlantic set out to be its swaggering, younger cousin, where flying could be fun.

Virgin Atlantic gave you mood lighting. Stand-up comedy in safety videos. Crew who sometimes felt less like minders than mates.

Virgin's redesigned A330 bar.

And, yes, that bar. It was an instant symbol of the airline’s commitment to making business class feel distinctly un-businesslike.

A place where travellers could mingle mid-flight, often sipping on Champagne or bespoke cocktails prepared by cabin crew trained in mixology.

Virgin's 747 bar.

More than that, the bar channeled Virgin’s “Cool Britannia” energy in the early 2000s, back when it felt like the UK had a fresh cultural confidence which Virgin wanted to bottle and pour at 40,000 feet.

Virgin's 747 bar.

A bar. On a plane. Because why not?

Virgin Atlantic introduced its in-flight bars on the Airbus A340 and Boeing 747 jets.

Virgin's 747 bar.

The bar was kitted out with leather-topped stools, soft purple lighting, and real cocktails mixed by the crew.

And it wasn’t just for show. Passengers welcomed this cheeky, charming and very Virgin addition.

Some came to stretch their legs, others to chat or flirt, and plenty just wanted a change of scenery from their seat.

Virgin's original A330 bar.

At a time when many airlines were cutting back on their premium offerings, Virgin leaned into the fun.

This concept was introduced and later refined on the Virgin A330s. Sharp angled monuments and striking lighting features were fused together to create a futuristic and funky social area.

Virgin's redesigned A330 bar.

And when the Boeing 787-9 joined the fleet in 2014, the bar came along too.

This time it was a little smaller, a bit more streamlined, but it was still there.

Virgin's 787 bar.

As on the A330s, the bar was angled to face passengers on boarding for a showcase ‘welcome to Virgin Atlantic’ moment, and allow them to gather around it during the flight.

Virgin's 787 bar.

But the bar was never just about the booze. It was about identity. About making flying feel a bit special.

Virgin's 787 bar.

There was something joyfully unnecessary about it. That’s what made it brilliant.

At a time when long-haul air travel was becoming increasingly generic, Virgin Atlantic offered something that reminded passengers they were on this airline, not just any airline.

So why is it going now?

Virgin is embarking on a tip-to-tail transformation of its 787s, with new seating across all three cabins.

Virgin's circa-2003 Upper Class.

This revamp will see the dated and hated business class sleepers finally removed in favour of the same modern suites as Virgin’s A330neo jets, although likely in an updated model with touches like USB-C charging and Bluetooth streaming from the video screen to the passenger’s own headphones or earbuds.

Virgin's 787 will get A330neo-style Upper Class suites.

In the process, the Upper Class cabin will be expanded from 31 to 44 seats, including two rows of the more spacious and feature-laden A330neo Retreat Suites (one at the front of each of the two Upper Class cabins).

Also coming to the 787: two rows of Retreat Suites.

The 787’s bar is a casualty of this push for more space so that Virgin can tap into the continued surge in premium travel, the airline has confirmed to UK blog Head for Points.

Passenger behaviour has shifted, too, and Virgin has been moving with the times.

Its newer Airbus A350 and A330neo jets have The Loft: a lounge area with screens and sofas instead of stools and shakers.

Virgin's A350 and A330neo The Loft.

A handful of A350s with a smaller business class cabin feature a smaller social space called The Booth.

Virgin's A350 and A330neo The Booth.

Virgin positions this as a “luxurious spot just for two, to enjoy anything from a wine tasting experience, to a romantic dinner, a nightcap, or just a change of scene.”

It shows that Virgin Atlantic is growing up a little. The irreverence that once defined its Upper Class cabin has softened.

The mood lighting, the purple hues, the witty touches are still there, but there’s a polish now. A calmness. Fewer bold flourishes, more thoughtful design.

The in-flight bar helped shape Virgin Atlantic’s identity for two decades.

Even if you never sat there, even if you never ordered a drink, you probably noticed it. You maybe smiled at it. And now, like all good parties, it’s winding down.

But with the 787 refurbishment slated to take place from 2028 to 2030, there’s plenty of time for a last drink or two.

Also read: Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic A380 – inflight casino, gym, day spa