AT LAST – a decent One World lounge at Heathrow (Terminal 3) thanks to Qantas

The New Qantas London Lounge opened at Heathrow Terminal 3 today – Wednesday 29 November – just ready for the new ‘direct‘ Australian to London 787 flights, which they are dubbing the ‘Kangaroo Route‘ despite that being a completely different kettle of poisson.

It’s been about 12 months in the making says Qantas (Does it really take that long? Don’t they have an endorsed concept they just need to apply?).

“We have worked with leaders in design, food and service to create a lounge that is modern and comfortable and incorporates the aesthetics of the Qantas lounges that make our customers feel at home.”

Yes according to Mr Joyce, they do.

What you get in the lounge

While you are consuming the pretty gallery pictures above (thank you Qantas PR), here are the features:

• Seating for 230 customers
• Two levels with views of the airfield
• Same concept as Qantas’ lounges in Hong Kong, Singapore, Los Angeles and Brisbane, local adaptation
• The theme is London at twilight and has been designed by architectural firm Woods Bagot
• Cocktails designed by the Qantas Rockpool Mixologists (?) They said it not me.
• Gin bar on the lower level offers the finest Australian and British mothers’ ruin
• All-day barista service
• á la carte dining room with ‘plates of the day’ including:
  • ploughman’s platters, pot pies and scones with jam and cream
  • brunch bowls with eggs, avocado and kale, and zucchini and halloumi fritters
  • salt and pepper squid with green chilli sauce from the Qantas First Lounges
• Hot and cold buffets
• ‘Quench’ station with tisane, fruit infused water, sparkling water
• Wi-Fi, flexible workspaces and workstations
• Six shower suites with Aurora Spa amenities
• Noritake crockery by David Caon
• Teacups and saucers by Miranda Kerr for Royal Albert (Does she have ceramic qualifications?) Why don’t they use an actual award-winning Australian ceramicist like Simone Fraser ?

Opening Hours, and who they let in

Open daily from 8 am – 8:30 pm to the following and their guests:

• Qantas First
• Qantas Business
• Qantas Platinum One
• Qantas Platinum
• Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers and their guests
• Oneworld Emerald
• Oneworld Sapphire
• Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold
• Qantas Club members

I’m looking forward to visiting next time I travel on Qantas to London. Given their fare levels, it will have to be on points, unless I develop a very wealthy patron in the near future. I’m taking offers.