Sydney First Lounge

[djfuzz]

WP's generally can't pre-book.

However, since for QF29 there's currently no F for the next months it may be worth calling and asking.

Sorry to be obtuse, but who would you call? The regular WP number or is there a direct number for the lounge?

[Edit] Upon revisiting the FLounge animation on QF's website, there is a suggestion that the spa is only open from 9-5; I'm assuming that's out of date given that there was a time during which the spa was open for QF29 departures, right?

 

[serfty]

The is a phone number for the International lounge advertised on Qantas - flights to Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia. Book airfares at qantas.com. , call that and ask.

The Spa was open in February for QF29 and I have seen subsequent anecdotes about it bing open.

Note this may have changed, so perhaps a call is best.

 

[anat0l]

It would appear there are particular times that the Spa is open - business hours would be about right. This would seem to naturally exclude services like QF29 anyway, since they are too late, but I can't confirm this.

WPs cannot pre-book; the guarantee is that all pax with a QF F seat have first priority (or chance, rather). The last time I was in MEL, I only got a booking in because a QF F pax cancelled her appointment. And even then, the best option available was a facial treatment. My flight left at around 7pm in the evening but I had the spa treatment much earlier in the day (definitely during office hours).

If you want to try your luck, I guess first port of call would be Qantas Premium and see what they say. My guess is most (if not all) will be fairly textbook and say that you can't pre-book, but nothing lost in trying.

 

[serfty]

Re: MEL Flounge Spa times

It would appear there are particular times that the Spa is open - business hours would be about right. This would seem to naturally exclude services like QF29 anyway, since they are too late, but I can't confirm this.
...
If you want to try your luck, I guess first port of call would be Qantas Premium and see what they say.

As I posted, the SPA opened for QF29 PAX in February (~8pm after closing at 5pm earlier that evening). This was on a Friday.

This may have changed; the best bet is to call +61 (3) 8336 4294 and ask for the Qantas First Class lounge and make your query once connected.

 

[djfuzz]

Sorry to go O/T into Melbourne FLounge talk again, but since I raised the issue earlier I figured I should share the resolution.

We gave the lounge a call and were informed that (as suggested by serfty and others at FT) yes, the spa is open in the evening up to 3.5 hours prior to QF29, and no, despite the lack of an F cabin WPs still cannot pre-book.

So rest assured, we will be there very early - hopefully in time for the F checkin to open and get to the lounge for a lengthy, but hopefully enjoyable, wait.

 

[drewbles]

Sorry to go O/T into Melbourne FLounge talk again, but since I raised the issue earlier I figured I should share the resolution.

We gave the lounge a call and were informed that (as suggested by serfty and others at FT) yes, the spa is open in the evening up to 3.5 hours prior to QF29, and no, despite the lack of an F cabin WPs still cannot pre-book.

So rest assured, we will be there very early - hopefully in time for the F checkin to open and get to the lounge for a lengthy, but hopefully enjoyable, wait.

I was in the MEL F Lounge yesterday and was offered an open book for Spa appointments (30 minutes). I got there around 9am and there was no problems.

Enjoy your Spa. It's certainly a very nice way to start the trip

 

[file51]

On Friday (Christmas Day) I will get my first chance to sample the First Lounge at SYD T1 (was last Platinum in January 2007, a few months prior to the new lounge opening).

Is there anything in regards to the menu that I should look out for?

I will eat pretty much anything other than organ related foods (no to liver, brain, tongue etc) and enjoy a good red or glass of bubbles.

If there is anyone who would like to be guested in between approx 12pm and 2.30pm I am more than happy to oblige, call it sharing the Christmas spirit... (will update the other thread regarding guesting other folks shortly)

 

[anat0l]

On Friday (Christmas Day) I will get my first chance to sample the First Lounge at SYD T1 (was last Platinum in January 2007, a few months prior to the new lounge opening).

Hope you've left yourself some time to enjoy! If you can get a spa appointment and that's your kind of thing, go and negotiate one at the spa as soon as you get to the F lounge. The spa is notoriously popular these days and they rarely have space for anyone except for QF F pax.

Is there anything in regards to the menu that I should look out for?

From the meetings thread it seems you will be there in time for the all-day menu. (Breakfast at the F lounge is nice but for maximum variety of course the all-day menu brings up the trumps.)

The daily specials usually sport a nice array but the normal menu also has a good selection. I've tried many things from the normal menu and every time I've been at least pleased (and usually impressed) at the quality of the food preparation and the taste. (Perhaps things taste much better when they are free of charge )

I can strongly recommend the wagyu if it still features on the daily specials (it is not a regular menu dish). Last time I had it in SYD in November, it was cooked braised in stout, and it was fantastic - nicely cooked, tender (not falling to pieces) and very, very tasty.

I will eat pretty much anything other than organ related foods (no to liver, brain, tongue etc) and enjoy a good red or glass of bubbles.

You won't find anything ridiculously exotic in the lounge (mind you, I can't think of too many exotic things I've seen around in lounges. Closest is perhaps LHR T5 Galleries F, where they have black pudding for breakfast.)

There is a page of red and a page of white wines, so you're bound to find a nice drop amongst the lot. There are usually three brands of bubbles available, so again don't hesitate to try each and then drink away! As of the last time I was in the lounge the three varieties on offer were: Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin, Taittinger Brut Reserve and Vueve A. Devaux Blanc de Noir.

The service in the lounge is very good, although it is on average not as good as it was some many, many months ago, owing to the increasing number of people who are discovering and using the lounge.

You may also like to grab some bottled drinks from the self-serve fridges to stash in your bag before you board - up to you (and the class you're flying).

The quietest parts of the lounge are - not too surprisingly - furthest points from the central entrance. In my experience, the quietest parts are the library and the lounge area closest to the spa.

Enjoy your time in the lounge!

 

[AnonymousCoward]

Is there anything in regards to the menu that I should look out for?

I will eat pretty much anything other than organ related foods (no to liver, brain, tongue etc) and enjoy a good red or glass of bubbles.

The menu is fine, but nothing better than what you'd get in a mid-class restaurant. They do have a decent selection of things, so I'd be surprised if you didn't find something to suit.

I don't drink the champagne so can't comment. The reds are "decent" at best (e.g. Torbrek Woodcutter's Shiraz), but certainly nowhere near what you get in actual F (Bin707, RWT, Mt Edelstone etc)

 

[file51]

There are usually three brands of bubbles available, so again don't hesitate to try each and then drink away! As of the last time I was in the lounge the three varieties on offer were: Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin, Taittinger Brut Reserve and Vueve A. Devaux Blanc de Noir

I would be more than happy if they had the Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin on offer as I have just been given 2 bottles of the same from a customer, great way to sample it without having to open them.

...and yes, plenty of time has been allocated to enjoy once I can escape the mandatory family visit in the morning.

 

[thewinchester]

I can strongly recommend the wagyu if it still features on the daily specials (it is not a regular menu dish). Last time I had it in SYD in November, it was cooked braised in stout, and it was fantastic - nicely cooked, tender (not falling to pieces) and very, very tasty.

Braised, in stout!! What heathens are running that kitchen. Wagyu is perfectly fine on its own having been grilled quickly over high heat.

Philistines the lot of them :mrgreen:

 

[codash1099]

Braised, in stout!! What heathens are running that kitchen. Wagyu is perfectly fine on its own having been grilled quickly over high heat.

Philistines the lot of them :mrgreen:

Och aye. Nothing wrong with steak egg and chips

 

[drewbles]

I would be more than happy if they had the Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin on offer as I have just been given 2 bottles of the same from a customer, great way to sample it without having to open them.

...and yes, plenty of time has been allocated to enjoy once I can escape the mandatory family visit in the morning.

They certainly do have the Clicquot Ponsardin. Very respectable, but like the wine, a far fetch from what they serve in F (Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires Brut). They also have the Veuve Devaux and Taittinger in SYD. Take your pick, or sample them all!

I had the all day menu at the F lounge last week. They had a very nice spice-crusted salmon for starters, and the port green curry was very good (braised perfectly - just melted).

The menu is not huge, but it's nice. The ice-cream was also very acceptable. Picture of the pork curry can be seen here: http://www.icns.com.au/~drew/syd_f_2.JPG

Enjoy it. And I recommend the spa, although I missed out on a treatment, I did indulge in MEL. Well worth the 30 minute massage if you can manage it!

 

[anat0l]

They certainly do have the Clicquot Ponsardin. Very respectable, but like the wine, a far fetch from what they serve in F (Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires Brut). They also have the Veuve Devaux and Taittinger in SYD. Take your pick, or sample them all!

They had Taittinger in MEL when I was there early December.

Taittinger has made an appearance in the wine list of recent at the expense of Moet Chandon. Probably a good thing; Moet is the choice drop for the CX lounges in HKG. Needless to say, it did taste a bit ordinary.

Very true that the stuff on the aircraft's F is much better - most of it might be the same but it is vintage rather than non-vintage, e.g. the Taittinger.

I haven't seen Charles Heidsieck offered in my flights in QF F; only Taittinger. The new vintage offered - as discussed in another thread - is very nice but my current affinity is with Bollinger Annee. Unfortunately, I need to fly BA F to drink that (or use the LHR T5 Galleries F lounge).

Champagne selection must be a function of the port you are leaving / direction of travel, since I've heard somewhere in the network that there might be some Krug on offer in F. Charles Heidsieck is the choice of champagne offered for J (at least Trans-Tasman anyway); I'm guessing that the vintage (or lack thereof it) must be different to the F stuff, because it definitely doesn't rank high on my choice list.

 

[drewbles]

They had Taittinger in MEL when I was there early December.

Taittinger has made an appearance in the wine list of recent at the expense of Moet Chandon. Probably a good thing; Moet is the choice drop for the CX lounges in HKG. Needless to say, it did taste a bit ordinary.

Very true that the stuff on the aircraft's F is much better - most of it might be the same but it is vintage rather than non-vintage, e.g. the Taittinger.

I haven't seen Charles Heidsieck offered in my flights in QF F; only Taittinger. The new vintage offered - as discussed in another thread - is very nice but my current affinity is with Bollinger Annee. Unfortunately, I need to fly BA F to drink that (or use the LHR T5 Galleries F lounge).

Champagne selection must be a function of the port you are leaving / direction of travel, since I've heard somewhere in the network that there might be some Krug on offer in F. Charles Heidsieck is the choice of champagne offered for J (at least Trans-Tasman anyway); I'm guessing that the vintage (or lack thereof it) must be different to the F stuff, because it definitely doesn't rank high on my choice list.

The MEL F Lounge only had Taittinger and the Clicquot when I was there, the SYD had the additional.

I know that QF do cycle their champagne. When I last flew F long haul around 18-24 months ago, they were cycling thru Krug and the "Charlie Headsecks". I know of several people who have reported that the Taittinger Vintage has been seen with regularity (like you say, discussed here).

The Standard Charles Heidsieck is different to the Blanc de Millionaires. That said, the standard 'charlie headsecks' is a very good drop. I have been through many bottles, and it's a very acceptable drop (and have bought bottles for myself). In the $70-90 per bottle range, there's such a good selection of decent NV bubbles. Lord knows i've done lots of 'hands on' research on this one The Blanc de Millionaires is around $230/bottle duty free (and not much different retail actually) and is truly a superb drop! I'm not a fan of Krug. It's too much of a heavy champagne for me.

Would be nice if they extended the F wine list to the lounge, but can understand why they don't. I could easily drink the value of a JQ ticket using the F lounge

 

[serfty]

... Would be nice if they extended the F wine list to the lounge, but can understand why they don't. I could easily drink the value of a JQ ticket using the F lounge

When Taittinger first came into the QF fold earlier this year, Qantas were serving the 'Comtes de Champagne' in the Flounge. We partook of this in early April before our flight to SIN, poured at the table from this unsually shaped bottles.

What I have noticed is that the glass sizes and serving therein have been significantly smaller in the last few months.:-|

 

[drewbles]

When Taittinger first came into the QF fold earlier this year, Qantas were serving the 'Comtes de Champagne' in the Flounge. We partook of this in early April before our flight to SIN, poured at the table from this unsually shaped bottles.

What I have noticed is that the glass sizes and serving therein have been significantly smaller in the last few months.:-|

True, but they don't seem averse to continual refills at least.

notzac has mentioned having some very nice 'tastings' in the F Lounge. Not having been a regular visitor (just yet, that's changing slowly) I'm hoping to get lucky there too. I quite enjoy a massage after sufficient quantities of bubbles

 

[file51]

Sitting on QF11 as I type this.

Was very impressed with the service, drinks and food in the first lounge.

Will post a TR in the next day or so.

Even though the flight isn't full got an Op-Up from 51A to 35K upstairs...
Thank you Qantas (on a dirt cheap Q class fare as well)

For A380 fans it looks life QF have 3-4 on the ground this afternoon.
I am on VH-OQC at gate 9, VH-OQA is at gate 10, another 1-2 are over at the Jet Base, def 1 which is obscuring what is behind it, but I am 95% sure it is another Dugong based on the body and tail height (plus my vision is a little warped after consuming almost 2 bottles of Verve bubbles... Merry Christmas to me... lol)

 

[drewbles]

For A380 fans it looks life QF have 3-4 on the ground this afternoon.
I am on VH-OQC at gate 9, VH-OQA is at gate 10, another 1-2 are over at the Jet Base, def 1 which is obscuring what is behind it, but I am 95% sure it is another Dugong based on the body and tail height (plus my vision is a little warped after consuming almost 2 bottles of Verve bubbles... Merry Christmas to me... lol)

As is the spelling, it's Veuve, but we'll let you off Hope the flight was good!

 

[file51]

OK, it must be my week for poor spelling, grammar, etc, sorri (lol)

Flight was good, Premium Economy was totally full, along with Business class, did not bother looking downstairs.

One thing on the First Lounge menu that was sensational, was the Salad of Blue Swimmer Crab with Figs, Cucumber, Avocado, Coriander and Chilli.

The Spicy Carrot and Coconut soup was top notch as well

(both items on the Daily Specials page)