Singapore Airlines operates just one SilverKris lounge in Europe. Unsurprisingly, that lucky destination – with four flights a day back to Singapore – is none other than London Heathrow.
Passengers can fly with Singapore Airlines in four cabin classes, including Business Class and First Class/Suites. And just like the airline’s other lounges in major ports such as Sydney, Melbourne and Hong Kong, Singapore Airlines also maintains a separate Business and First Class space within the London SilverKris lounge.
Entry is open to Business Class passengers, naturally. But you can also get in with a Star Alliance Gold, Velocity Gold or Velocity Platinum frequent flyer card when flying Singapore Airlines in any cabin class. So here’s what to expect inside.
Lounge location and details
Star Alliance members fly out of London Heathrow Terminal 2, also known as The Queen’s Terminal. I’m actually flying ANA back to Tokyo in Business Class, but you’ll still end up here if you’re flying Singapore Airlines.
Long-haul flights from Terminal 2 tend to depart from the satellite Terminal 2B, which is a 15-minute walk away from check-in. Make sure you’ve done everything you wanted in the main terminal (A-gates), such as visiting the Lufthansa lounges if you’re eligible. Once you go to Terminal 2B, it’s a massive pain to backtrack.
Take the seemingly endless escalator down to under the airport apron and walk until you resurface in the satellite terminal. Then follow the signs to the SilverKris lounge. At least all that walking has opened up my appetite.
The lounge is open from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm every day, covering most of the day’s flights until SQ321 departs.
Lounge seating and layout
Redesigned by renowned firm ONG&ONG, the SilverKris London lounge takes on a new lease of life. Relax in different zones – there’s one for dining and a separate area to chill out. If you’re after a bit more privacy, head to one of the solo armchair-cubicle hybrids. It’s perfect for tapping away at that last-minute email or watching Netflix (through your headphones, of course).
The quietest area of the lounge during my visit appears to be a nook near the entrance. To be fair, this area doesn’t have windows, so it does look a bit duller. Behind the dining area is a bar that serves up a few select cocktails. Towards the back of the lounge are the bathrooms with three shower cubicles.
Fast-track to Star Alliance Gold status and enjoy this lounge before your next Star Alliance flight.
Lounge food and beverage
We have certain expectations for dining in an international Business Class lounge. Happily, Singapore Airlines meets them. During my afternoon visit, passengers can indulge in a range of fresh salads, cold cuts, hot dishes and desserts.
The hot dishes are Asian-inspired including Malabar chicken curry, courgette, green bean and pea tumble and vegetable mee rojak with peanut sauce. If you’d rather stick to Western dishes, the cold selection – with finger sandwiches and wraps – will appeal more.
Soft drinks, tea, coffee, beers and some wines are all self-serve. There’s no barista coffee here, unfortunately. What the lounge does have is both major brands of soft drinks – Pepsi and Coca-Cola products.
Over at the bar, a greater selection of wines and all the spirits await. Singapore Airlines has partnered with Haymans of London to create the ‘Singapore Airlines ~ Connoisseur Dry Gin’, infused with kumquat, lemongrass, galangal and Persian lime. Fancy stuff and a tasty fusion of East and West. The bar is staffed from 8:00am to 8:30pm, daily.
Some of the wines being poured include:
- Arcobello Prosecco Brut
- 2020 Chateau Le Roc, Bordeaux
- 2021 Vigneti del Sole Sangiovese
- 2021 De Chansac Sauvignon Blanc
- 2020 Richemer Piquepoul Blanc
Lounge amenities
The SilverKris lounge’s bathrooms are compact but clean, and I appreciate small touches such as a fresh orchid in the corner. There are three shower rooms, but those were out of action during my visit because of a terminal-wide issue with hot water (so the signage says).
There is no shortage of power points with outlets available near most seats. But be aware that these only have a UK plug – you’ll need to carry an adapter. Finally, the WiFi will handle pretty much anything you throw at it with download speeds of around 80 Mbps and upload speeds hovering at 40 Mbps.
Lounge access guide
You can’t directly buy your way into the Singapore Airlines SilverKris London lounge. Instead, you need to hold an eligible ticket or membership.
- Class of travel: Business Class passengers on Singapore Airlines and other Star Alliance carriers. (First Class passengers can use the adjacent First Class lounge)
- Frequent flyer status: Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS Club members before any Star Alliance flight. (+1 guest under the same rules).
- Alliance/partner frequent flyer status: Star Alliance Gold members before any Star Alliance flight. Virgin Australia Velocity Gold and Platinum members before Singapore Airlines flights. (+1 guest under the same rules).
Our verdict
Singapore Airlines has excellent lounges worldwide and the SilverKris lounge in London is no exception. I wouldn’t arrive especially early just to visit the lounge, but once you’re here, it’s a pleasant space to wait.
There’s ample room and different zones so it does feel more homely. Tuck into the buffet and enjoy a tipple from the bar – there are certainly less interesting ways to spend time at Heathrow.
Photography by Brandon Loo, who travelled at Point Hacks’ expense.
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