I have just returned from a BA redemption in First. Have been through the old airport several times in the past.
Have to say that I wasn't sure what to expect as I had read so many different views but what a joy compared to the old terminal. No more chaos outside. As usual there is someone to escort you in. No queuing to check in. We were led to comfy seats and it was all done from there. No additional paperwork to be filled in (could never understand the need for it anyway)
We had given less time at the airport as I had read of the horrors of the Clipper Lounge. We were therefore pleasantly surprised at the First section. Comfortable armchairs- but beware that they do rock so dont have a drink in hand when you sit down! Wasn't fussed with food so didn't investigate. There seemed to be a limited selection of hot and cold. The major negative is that there are a total of two toilets and have to say I wasn't impressed.
There are loads of choices for eating and drinking and a great selection of shops with a lot still to open. Lets face it anything would be an improvement on the previous selection! If you want to use the touch screen airport information be prepared to be accused of attempted criminal damage as touch actually means give it mighty thump before it will respond
I escaped mossie bites reported by others( as the airport has apparently been built over a sewer and they haven't addressed the problems yet) but probably due to the time of day.
Boarding- why do they start the fast track boarding with only one checking passed and the other standing doing nothing?
Over all I was pleasantly surprised. The old terminal IMO ranked with Rio as being an embarrassment for a major city.