Addison Lee are up to 30% cheaper than some minicabs. Check out our guide to Heathrow

The problem with airport bars is that no matter where you are, where you’ve been or where you came from, they are extortionate. And we’d love to tell you that the Sky Bar in the Sheraton was any different but it isn’t. That being said, at least here you really do get your money’s worth. This tranquil little oasis is a bar set in the hotel’s paradise garden. Complete with swimming pool and all the other tropical paraphernalia you’d expect inside busy Heathrow Airport. At least that’s a surprise worth enjoying.

Sheraton Hotel, UB3 5BP
www.sheratonheathrowhotel.com/

Away from all those blasted aeroplanes now and off to a favourite haunt of Heathrow’s pilots and cabin crew. This great little pub has long been the secret of those in the know. Offering great pub food as well as a large outdoor seating area and a good range of wine and beer, this pub ticks all the boxes without the ludicrous prices of the airport bars. It’s easy to get to as well – all of 5mins away in a minicab.

98 W End Ln, Harlington, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5LX
www.pheasant-restaurant.co.uk/

Another country pub on the outskirts of the airport. The Three Magpies is a popular choice with anyone stuck in the purgatory of airport hotels. Offering up a smorgasbord of hearty British classics along with some excellent lagers and ales to wash it all down with. This pub does exactly what it says on the tin, without ever costing you too much. They even knock out cocktails to those in need. But then, where doesn’t these days?

Bath Rd, Heathrow, Middlesex TW6 2AU
www.johnbarras.com/pub/three-magpies-heathrow/c0475/

Short of walking into the terminals themselves and resigning yourself to one of the many chain restaurants or pseudo-bistros that line the concourse at Heathrow airport, you’re choices for a good meal are somewhat limited. Zen Oriental is one of two restaurants to buck that trend and they both feature in a Hilton Hotel (terminal 4). For great (albeit quite pricey) Chinese food and a warm, comfortable interior, look no further.

Terminal Four, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 3AF
www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-london-heathrow-airport-LHRAPTW/dining/index.html

If you dare to be bold, or just have a lot of time on your hands, it might be worth jumping in a minicab and heading out to nearby Twickenham. The home of rugby, young families and long walks; the area also host the excellent Crown Inn. This pub serves wonderful British food in its sophisticated parlour style pub, while also offering up some truly excellent wines and English ales. Worth the trip – just don’t miss your flight.

174 Richmond Rd, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 2NH
crowntwickenham.co.uk/

The other of the two Hilton housed restaurants (this time in terminal 5). Sublime, cool white walls are decorated sparingly here. Using the occasional elephant to remind you that the food is 100% Indian inspired. Its eponymous chef uses all the flavours of his native Goa to rustle up some fairly fantastic spicy treats that you’ll unquestionably love. Don’t be put off by the hotel itself, this culinary gem is ably hidden in a rather ugly building. Proving that even airports run more than just skin deep.

Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
www.mrtodiwalaskitchen.com/

There’s something reassuring about the name Hilton. It inspires feelings of grandeur and luxury. And yet, not all Hilton hotels are quite up to scratch. This rather large, sprawling Hilton at Heathrow terminal 4 is. With its impressive white and glass facade looking as welcoming on the outside as it feels inside, it houses an indoor pool, as well as a number of chic eateries and bars. So this is definitely one restaurant Paris will be glad to put her name to. Rooms start at £99 p/n

Sheffield Road, Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport, Hounslow TW6 3AF

At the other end of the spectrum there’s the wonderful affordability of the EasyHotel. Another brand we’re all ‘familiar’ with. The benefit of the EasyHotel is you know exactly what you’re getting. And although it’s a different kind of reliability, it does at least come in a familiar package. These pod like bedrooms may lack in size but they make up for it in amenities. And although they’re not strictly inside Heathrow, they are a very short minicab ride away. Prices start at £32 – beat that!

Brickfield Ln, Hayes UB3 5DX

Another familiar face. Another decent price to comfort ratio. From the outside the Renaissance looks like a dreadful throwback to those iconic sixties airport hotels. But go inside and you’ll discover that she’s had a bit of a refit. You won’t find any fancy extras here like swimming pools but at least it’s close to the airport and the rooms are very comfortable. Prices begin at around £70 for the night.

Bath Rd, Hounslow TW6 2AQ