Singapore Airlines opens beautiful refurbished first- and business-class lounges in London's Heathrow Airport
There's good news for Star Alliance travelers departing London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) Terminal 2: Two refurbished lounges are opening their doors at the airport.
Singapore Airlines has reopened its SilverKris lounge after six months spent giving it a top-to-tail spruce-up. The terminal already boasts an impressive United Club, Maple Leaf Lounge and Lufthansa Lounge. So, passengers with Star Alliance Gold status (including United Premier and above), as well as business-class and first-class passengers, are now spoiled for choice.
Ahead of the public opening, TPG was invited to preview the renovated lounge. It is split in half to feature business-class and first-class sides, and is now arguably the best lounge option in Terminal 2.
In fact, the first-class lounge is now one of the best airport lounges in the U.K. overall, and it's well worth arriving early for.
Let's take a look inside.
Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside
Singapore Airlines Heathrow lounge location
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge is in Terminal 2B at Heathrow.
To find the entrance, look for the signage to the Singapore Airlines and Air Canada lounges between gates B35 and B36. Terminal 2B is where all Singapore Airlines and most other Terminal 2 long-haul flights depart.
It requires a decent walk from the main building of Terminal 2 (Terminal 2A), where passengers pass through security and depart on short-haul flights to Europe.
If you are departing on a flight from the A gates and wish to visit the Singapore Airlines lounges, you can do so. However, allow at least 15 minutes to get back to the A gates from the lounge via the underground walkway.
The Singapore Airlines lounges are upstairs. At the top of the elevator or stairs, turn left for the Air Canada lounge or right for the Singapore Airlines lounges.
Both SilverKris sides of the lounge are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, which covers all Star Alliance departures from Terminal 2.
Related: The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London
Singapore Airlines Heathrow lounge access
The SilverKris lounge has both a business-class and first-class side. They share a single entrance and check-in area.
The Business Class SilverKris Lounge is open to:
- Business-class passengers departing on Singapore Airlines or other Star Alliance flights, including United Airlines and Air Canada
- Star Alliance Gold (such as United Premier Gold, Platinum and 1K) passengers flying in any class of service on a Singapore Airlines or other Star Alliance flight (plus one guest departing on the same flight)
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members flying any class of service on a Singapore Airlines flight (plus one guest departing on the same flight)
The First Class SilverKris Lounge is open to:
- First-class passengers departing on Singapore Airlines or other Star Alliance flights, such as Air India, Thai Airways or All Nippon Airways (plus one guest departing on the same flight)
- KrisFlyer Solitaire PPS Club members traveling on Singapore Airlines flights (plus one guest departing on the same flight)
Related: How to book Singapore Airlines first-class Suites with points and miles
First-class lounge
Both refreshed sides of the lounge reflect the airline's "Home Away From Home" concept. Modernized lounge features and a new dining menu offer customers more luxury and comfort, which provides a sense of home.
Only a handful of flights with a first-class cabin depart Terminal 2 each day. So, the first-class lounge, which can accommodate 50 guests at a time, will rarely be full. This means it'll almost always offer a relaxing and sophisticated experience ahead of your flight, whether you are jetting off to Singapore or beyond.
As you enter the first-class side, a beautiful whiskey bar display greets you. With ornate Champagne buckets and snacks available to nibble on, this would not look out of place in a Scottish castle.
There is a small buffet area with hot dishes, snacks and drinks. However, the lounge features an a la carte menu, so you may want to skip the buffet in favor of something freshly prepared.
There are numerous seating areas on the first-class side. You can sit at a restaurant-style table by the window directly above the long-haul aircraft coming and going below.
Alternatively, a living room-style space reflects that "Home Away From Home" concept.
There are also plenty of individual areas for focused time or last-minute Zoom calls.
In the first-class lounge, passengers have access to two shower suites — one for those with accessibility needs — as well as separate men's and women's bathrooms.
The real star of the first-class lounge is the food and beverage options. Table service is offered, featuring Laurent-Perrier Champagne and a range of beer, wine and spirits, including Hendrick's gin, Grey Goose vodka and Maker's Mark bourbon. Cocktails are also available.
While the first-class lounge doesn't have a proper bar for you to walk up to, the staff will craft a cocktail at the bar in the business-class lounge and bring it to you.
Tea, coffee and sodas are available; the staff will prepare one for you and bring it on request.
During our preview visit, we sampled a range of a la carte food items available to order.
A surprising hit was the Singaporean carrot cake — a savory dish with fried turnips, egg, prawns and chili sauce which will be available at breakfast.
At lunch and dinner, Asian favorites such as laksa, beef rendang curry and Hainese chicken rice are available.
The pad thai offers a taste of Thailand before you leave Europe.
Related: Ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight
Business-class lounge
On the business-class side, guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows with sensational views across the tarmac of Terminal 2.
The refurbished business-class lounge has a light and bright color scheme, and it offers ample seating with a 192-guest capacity.
The seating options include pods to get some work done before your flight, with U.K.-socket charging points and USB-A and USB-C plugs.
If you prefer to work communally or have more space, a long table is also available.
Passengers can enjoy the centerpiece of the business-class lounge: a newly extended cocktail bar with 10 seats. Perch there to order a cocktail or something without alcohol.
Singapore Airlines has teamed up with New London Light to offer a range of nonalcoholic spirits and aperitifs with flavors of dry juniper, Nordic coastal berries and Mediterranean bitter citrus.
Related: More than a trend: How airlines and hotels are catering to sober travelers
For those who want to drink alcohol, Guinness beer and Tiger beer are available on draft. White and red wine, prosecco, and Rodier Champagne are also available.
A bespoke cocktail menu is also available with favorites like pina coladas, Long Island iced teas and mojitos.
The iconic Singapore Sling is also on the cocktail menu — a delicious and refreshing tropical start to your travels.
The buffet was not stocked with hot food during the preview tour, but passengers can normally enjoy a range of hot and cold dishes like sambal chicken, tom yum noodles, colcannon and steamed rice from the spacious dining area.
This area offers a range of sodas, wine and beer in self-service refrigerators. Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi (available in regular and diet options) will keep beverage fans happy.
There are three shower suites and men's and women's bathroom facilities available in this lounge.
Related: Singapore KrisFlyer: Ultimate guide to earning, redeeming and elite status
Bottom line
While the two sides of Singapore Airlines SilverKris London Heathrow lounge retain their prerenovation layout, the refurbishment provides a much brighter, more modern and more sophisticated space than before.
Both lounges are now among the best in Terminal 2, alongside the already excellent United Club.
The first-class lounge is a particular treat. It's an elegant place to wait for your Star Alliance flight while sipping Champagne and enjoying a made-to-order Asian specialty dish.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.