Lounge Review: The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
The Qantas Singapore Lounge was one of the first airport lounges that I have ever stepped foot into - I used to have access to it on all my Australian flights as I was once a Gold Frequent Flyer on the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. While I did a small review of this beautiful space back in 2014 when it first opened, I felt the need to revisit this lounge since I actually do prefer it over the famous SilverKris Lounge which more Singaporeans have seen and grown to love.
Sitting Area
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
Don't get me wrong though, the SilverKris Lounge is not a bad airport lounge at all - in fact, I probably think the food options over at SilverKris Lounge is generally better - I just think that it is a lost opportunity for Singapore Airlines to truly showcase its product by offering a unique lounge experience in Singapore which is essentially her home ground (look at what Turkish Airways has done in the Ataturk Airport and you will understand). In any case, this article is not about comparison - The Qantas Singapore Lounge is accessible only to oneworld premium cabin and elite passengers anyway.
Quiet Area
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
The first thing you will notice about The Qantas Singapore Lounge is how big it actually feels - the lounge is compartmentalised into different zones which allows a traveller to pass through them seamlessly - while they are all practical (in terms of setting and design) to serve the purpose that they were designed for, the smoothness of flow makes the entire lounge feel a lot more like a home than an airport lounge. I particularly like the quiet area at the back of the lounge which is perfect for catching up on work or emails over a solid coffee.
Dining Area
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
In my opinion, the heart of The Qantas Singapore Lounge lies in the dining area - menus are designed and influenced by Qantas' consulting chef Neil Perry who is famous for the Rockpool restaurants over Australia. If you have visited the Spice Temple eateries around Sydney and Melbourne, you will definitely notice some pleasant similarities between the restaurants and the lounge here in Singapore. I personally love the different table configurations - traveling on business may sometimes be lonely and having a communal table with other passengers around add a little joy to an otherwise tiresome travel experience (even if you do not speak to them at all!).
Dining Area
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
If you are not the chatty kind and prefer to eat in silence, there are plenty of other tables located around the dining area for you. I pulled up a chair on one of the communal tables and was quickly attended to by one of the friendly lounge staff who introduced to me the hot dishes that were available that afternoon. In case you are wondering why the lounge looks relatively empty, I arrived slightly after the lounge has opened (2:30PM) and therefore most travellers have not found their way here yet.
Buffet (Self-Serve) Area
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
Apart from the a la carte menu that is available, passengers will also have access to the buffet area which consists of a hot food section, a salad bar and a dessert section. Obviously there is also a designed area for drinks where you are welcome to pour yourself a beverage or make yourself a drink but you should probably wait - more on this later!
Food from the Buffet Area
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
I ordered myself some sparkling wine (Champagne is not served in The Qantas Singapore Lounge) and helped myself to some of the dishes on the buffet line - that lamb was absolutely amazing and that mushroom soup was just spot on!
Chicken Laksa
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
The most impressive dish however had to be the Chicken Laksa which in my opinion, beats the one over at the SilverKris Lounge hands down. That gravy was spectacular and from my understanding, even though the items on the a la carte food menu change from time to time, the Chicken Laksa has been on it for a couple of months now (because it is that good!). Chilli and fried onions are also placed on the table for you in case you prefer it with some spiciness but honestly it is as good as it looks.
I could not resist getting myself a lamington which is probably something you widely see in Australia only. The version here at The Qantas Singapore Lounge is filled with kaya and it went really well with the desiccated coconut on the outside. Save some room for desserts because they are delicious!
Bar
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
Once you are done with your meal, move over to the bar where you can watch the cocktail mixologists at work. While I did remember to be rather impressed on my last visit back in 2014, it was fairly underwhelming this time I visited - the mixologists did not seem enthusiastic at all (perhaps it was because I was ordering a drink at 4:00PM in the afternoon) and the drinks seem to be leaning on the sweeter side. There was also no theatrics involved - drinks that I ordered were typically made out of a premixed container before spirits were added. With all that being said, it is still a nice place to sit and hang out while waiting for your next flight out - come a little later in the evening and perhaps it will be better.
Negroni
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
My personal advice? Stick to the wines (especially the whites and sparkling!) and beers instead - the bar is a nice touch but they probably need to create a unique cocktail that is befitting of this impressive lounge.
Dining Area
The Qantas Singapore Lounge - Singapore Changi Airport
The Qantas Singapore Lounge is in my opinion, the best airport lounge here at the Singapore Changi Airport. I am not comparing this to The Private Room by Singapore Airlines of course (most of us do not travel in First Class or Suites on a regular basis) but I genuinely think that this airport lounge is a lot more impressive than most of the competition out there in Changi Airport. The space itself is inviting, exclusive but more importantly, it does not make you feel like you do not belong. I love how homely the lounge is (extremely important for travellers!) and how the different areas come together so smoothly and cohesively. If you are ever traveling on a oneworld flight in Business or First Class from Singapore, make sure you drop by to experience this lounge for yourself - just remember that it only opens from 2:30PM daily!
The Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge (Satellite Terminal) can be accessed by Business Suite passengers, as well as First Class and oneworld Emerald frequent flyers departing on eligible flights. The First Class lounge offers an a la carte dining experience for premium passengers and is quite possible the best airport lounge in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).