Current Qantas First Lounge Menu (SYD/MEL) and relevant topics

[Economy_Gold]

One server for our 10 tables.

That fits with my recent experiences there: too few staff for the number of (often time-poor) customers to deliver even service you would get in any decent restaurant.

In my view this all adds to the cost cuts in the Qantas First Class lounges: cheaper food options, cheaper champagne and wines, cheaper spirits, fewer staff and probably also fewer massage spots.

For me this means I am reconsidering if I will spend the money to stay Platinum or if I will just rely on my Lifetime Gold status and book the cheapest Business Class option out there, irrespective if it’s Qantas or Oneworld.

 

[Beano]

I took a look at the SYD J lounge recently to remind ne of days past. You really don't want to go there. Perhaps after the remake it might be better but not yet. Stick with the F lounge.

 

[pjm99au]

Service quite underwhelming in SYD today. 25 minutes to get first drinks, hour and half to get second course, had to go to bar ourselves for second round of drinks. One server for our 10 tables. Make sure you order all your courses straight up in this lounge, even if you end up not eating them all, as waiting for a second order can see you miss out altogether.

Our experience mirrored yours last night. Arrived at 6pm to a not so busy lounge and sat down immediately for dinner. We left at 7.20pm for our flight still waiting on our desserts to arrive. The lounge seems to be working on a much reduced staffing level.

It used to be that you would arrive at the lounge as early as possible to enjoy all it has to offer. Now it seems it’s necessary to arrive as early as possible just to get the basics completed.

 

[Seat0B]

It was absolutely packed this morning when I came through. Had to wait for a table and the service was slow and sloppy.

E.g. the sourdough toast was presented without butter or cutlery. When they arrived I was then asked if I wanted a topping. I explained that I'd asked for Vegemite. It arrived quickly but very poor service.

I had exactly the same experience in Sydney on 25 November. Not at all the usual standard of service or quality of food. I have never seen it so packed. The wIt for a table was over 30 minutes.

 

[Rangalad]

Our experience mirrored yours last night. Arrived at 6pm to a not so busy lounge and sat down immediately for dinner. We left at 7.20pm for our flight still waiting on our desserts to arrive. The lounge seems to be working on a much reduced staffing level.

It used to be that you would arrive at the lounge as early as possible to enjoy all it has to offer. Now it seems it’s necessary to arrive as early as possible just to get the basics completed.

Unfortunately

 

[delphiki89]

The gas is currently out in the LAX F lounge so the only thing on the menu are paninis. Good thing I had the squid before this happened!

 

[GoldCanyon340]

I took a look at the SYD J lounge recently to remind ne of days past. You really don't want to go there. Perhaps after the remake it might be better but not yet. Stick with the F lounge.

Before an A380 departure SYD J is *not good*

 

[Beano]

Before an A380 departure SYD J is *not good*

....which is about the time I get to the lounge. The F lounge is way better, warts and all!

 

[Beano]

If time is an issue and you don't think service will be fast enough in F, try J!!! It's self-service.

 

[sudoer]

If time is an issue and you don't think service will be fast enough in F, try J!!! It's self-service.

or just go to EK...

 

[Beano]

In Sydney that's at the other end of the terminal. Only worth it if your plane leaves by a gate number in the 60s. But then again well worth a visit, though self-serve.

 

[eminere]

or just go to EK...

OT but I love your avatar LOL

 

[kermatu]

Ok, back in MEL. Tried a couple of the Centenary specials.


Prosciutto with melon. Very nice. Good summer starter.



Duck. Was also very good. The mash and the sauce in particular blew me away. Duck itself was good though a fraction dry.

Both paired well with the Pinot Noir.

 

[Beano]

Ok, back in MEL. Tried a couple of the Centenary specials.

View attachment 202881
Prosciutto with melon. Very nice. Good summer starter.

View attachment 202880

Duck. Was also very good. The mash and the sauce in particular blew me away. Duck itself was good though a fraction dry.

Both paired well with the Pinot Noir.

Good choice. I had the duck in SYD. It was excellent.

 

[kermatu]

Thankfully MEL still has some good whisky.


Maybe that should be had good whisky.

 

[kermatu]

Not usually a big sweet eater but figs are a favourite, so tried the dessert with almond cake and lemon sorbet.



Oh boy. Superb treat.

 

[Tropic]

Yum.

 

[Beano]

Thankfully MEL still has some good whisky.

View attachment 202887
Maybe that should be had good whisky.

Some at $400 A bottle. Must be good, even if Australian.

 

[kermatu]

Some at $400 A bottle. Must be good, even if Australian.

I’ve never had before. It was very nice. Not sure how long they had/have it. Effective promo as I’ll now be on the lookout for their whiskeys.

I reckon we produce some pretty good spirits in Australia. I’m biased but yet to have a bad Tassie whiskey. Sure it’s easier said than done but would be great if the F lounges showcased more top shelf Australian product.

 

[Beano]

I'm a SYD F lounge lizard so can only dream of the lovely whiskys in MEL.