Flying SF to Manchester with Virgin Atlantic

The start of our San Francisco to Manchester adventure flying direct with Virgin Atlantic, plus a look at Virgin’s Upper Class Cabin and SFO Clubhouse lounge.

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know Cynthia from CynEats and I spent a few days in Manchester, UK earlier this summer thanks to my friends at Virgin Atlantic.

I obviously jumped at the chance to help celebrate the launch of their new direct flights from San Francisco’s SFO Airport to Manchester, United Kingdom. If there’s one thing I know about Virgin Atlantic – they know how to travel in style.

So why Manchester? ?? My favorite airline of all time, @virginatlantic, has a new direct flight there from SF making getting there SO easy (and comfortable). ? We’ve been so impressed by everything in this beautiful city – every restaurant is more beautiful than the last, and the people are so warm and friendly! It’s seriously been amazing. ?? ? @cyneats #BestofMCR #omgb #virginatlantic @visitmanchester

A post shared by Kelly – A Side of Sweet (@asideofsweet) on Jun 6, 2017 at 7:04pm PDT

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at SFO

Our journey started in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at SFO Airport. Even though I knew we would be well fed on the plane, I couldn’t resist checking out what’s new on the menu since our last visit, and also revisiting some old favorites.

Definitely check out the dishes from their partnership with Whitechapel SF if you’re in the lounge! The current menu features a cocktail collab with famous San Francisco tiki lounge Smuggler’s Cove. How incredible is that cup? Talk about tropical getaway vibes.

As you can see in this photo, we feasted. Cynthia and I take our foodie research very seriously. We really suffer for our craft.

Flying Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic

As we boarded into the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (aka first class) cabin, I knew we were in for an amazing flight to Manchester! Champagne? Check. Feet up? Check.

Word got out that there were a couple of bloggers on the flight and the crew graciously invited us up to see the cockpit before we took off. My inner seven-year-old is still glowing from the experience of sitting in the pilot’s seat and even trying on his hat – ha!

Proof flying Virgin is the coolest.

Oh and of course there was more eating. Three courses to rival any nice restaurant, only you’re at 40,000 feet.

This is just the start of our Manchester adventure, in collaboration with Virgin Atlantic and the Manchester Tourist Board! I can’t wait to share photos and stories from our amazing trip in the coming weeks.

P.S. – Do you follow me on Instagram? Instagram and Instagram stories are the best way to follow my adventures when they’re happening!

?Manchester = #PinterestGoals, especially @ibericarestaurants in Spinningfields. Is there a prettier spot to grab a happy hour cocktail? ???? @visitmanchester #omgb #BestofMCR #asideofmcr

A post shared by Kelly – A Side of Sweet (@asideofsweet) on Jun 8, 2017 at 7:03pm PDT

Thanks so much for reading! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and musings from me.