I’ve never been charged for drinks in BA economy. Be very surprised if Virgin charge.
To get an upgrade you generally have to look the part, and it helps if you are in the appropriate frequent flyer club. Was once coming back from Sydney. Waiting at the gate when the staff arrived (all men and all looking very stressed). A very attractive Aussie girl wandered off to the toilet and came back having changed into an incredibly tight top. She wandered up to the gate staff and came back with an upgrade.
This site should have the answers.