Evaluation: Singapore Airways SilverKris Lounge London

We recently visited the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge at London Heathrow, marking our second stop on a lounge-hopping circuit during a lengthy layover.

Having visited this lounge a few times in the past, I was eager to return and explore any changes or updates since my last visit.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge London – Entry & Access

Situated near gate B36 in Terminal 2, just a short stroll from the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, and welcoming visitors daily from 5:30am to 10pm, the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge is easy to spot with clear signage guiding the way.

The journey to this lounge can be a bit of an excursion, and you’ll find yourself navigating through Heathrow Terminal 2B via an underground tunnel, assisted by moving walkways.

After a brief escalator ascent to the departures level, the lounge appears, in the same neighbourhood as the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and positioned opposite the United Club Lounge.

Once you’ve reached the departure level, take the elevators one more floor up to the lounge level and then veer right to the entrance.

Passengers travelling in Suites Class or First Class have the benefit of lounge access and are allowed to bring one guest along with them. Additionally, those travelling in business class are granted lounge access; however, they aren’t allowed to bring any guests.

Further, passengers flying in premium economy or economy class who hold KrisFlyer Elite Gold, PPS, or PPS Solitaire status are also entitled to lounge access and may bring one guest with them.

In my case, I gained access through a United Polaris business class ticket.

Upon entering the lounge, the first thing you’ll see is the reception area which is neat and stylish, and manned by a staff member. Behind the reception desk, the wall is adorned with a rich wooden finish, which provides a backdrop for the company’s emblem, subtly implying the airline’s identity.

The area is notably marked by the airline’s iconic batik design, and opposite the reception, a display case of Singapore Airlines memorabilia adds character and aviation charm.

Check-in at the lounge is a swift affair, necessitating just a quick scan of your boarding pass.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge London – Seating

Entering the SilverKris Lounge at Heathrow, one is immediately greeted by a distinct division between the business class and First Class sections, and by a more complex than average layout enhanced by grand floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Heathrow lounge stands out for its size, easily surpassing the neighbouring Air Canada lounge, and my initial steps into the lounge were met with a sense of spaciousness.

Admittedly, the colour scheme leans heavily towards “beige,” but this choice contributes to a contemporary and surprisingly modern feel for a lounge of its age.

To the left of the reception lies the gateway to the First Class area, while to the right there is a path leading to the business class sanctuary. First, a small room, reminiscent of a cozy waiting area, nestles to the right of the reception.

Venturing further, a narrow corridor unfurls into the main lounge area. Along this path, a buffet setup beckons, surrounded by dining tables and bar stools.

The journey continues into a spacious seating area, segmented by wooden screens. While the area is predominantly an open-concept layout, it offers some privacy through strategically placed pods and booths.

These semi-private spaces cater to those seeking a quieter spot for work or for a phone call. The business pods, in particular, are thoughtfully equipped with power outlets.

The perimeter of the lounge is adorned with high-backed armchairs along the windows, complemented by square armchairs, each flanked by convenient little tables.

The lounge had a bustling atmosphere, reminiscent of my previous visits, with many travellers enjoying the amenities.

However, since our primary goal that day was dining, we diverted back towards the buffet area in search of sustenance.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge London – Dining & Bar

The buffet spread had immediately caught our attention during our initial exploration of the lounge. From hot, substantial dishes to lighter, cold options, the lounge offered a commendable selection.

Western breakfast offerings included hash browns, baked beans, scrambled eggs, and a combination of bacon and sausages.

Adding a Singaporean touch, spicy chicken sambal, steamed rice, and stir-fried noodles with vegetables were also available.

For a lighter start, cold cuts, salads, fruits, and various condiments were arrayed in an inviting spread. This area also included an assortment of yogurts, granola, fruit salad, different puddings, and muesli.

Lastly, the buffet included a range of baked goods for those looking for something a little sweeter.

While I fondly remembered the Singapore Sling ice cream from a previous visit, it was sadly no longer on offer.

The bar area, conveniently situated between the dining area and the seating areas, was a welcoming spot.

The drinks selection was as comprehensive as the food, with the refrigerator well stocked with an assortment of soft drinks, including Pepsi, Fanta, and tonic water, alongside small bottles of wine, smoothies, and other beverages.

There is also a variety of fresh juices, including orange, grapefruit, and peach juice, made available.

The alcoholic beverage selection was modest but well curated, featuring self-serve fridges stocked with beer and wine, and Tiger Beer on tap.

The tended bar, however, was the centrepiece, serving a range of wines, beers, cocktails, and national specialties, including the notably Singapore Sling. Champagne and Prosecco were also available for those seeking a bit of luxury.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge London – Other Facilities

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the SilverKris Lounge are the shower facilities. The lounge houses three showers, readily available for use upon request.

While these showers may not boast extravagant designs or ultra-modern fittings, they serve their purpose well, providing a much-needed respite for weary passengers.

The SilverKris Lounge ensures that these facilities are well-maintained, and the showers, like the restrooms, are regularly attended to by diligent staff.

Conclusion

The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in London Heathrow can be quite busy, particularly during Singapore Airlines departures. Finding a quieter time to visit can make for a pleasant lounge experience.

The food selection is solid, and I liked the variety of dining options better than the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge London nearby, especially due to the Asian flavours on offer.

The lounge is certainly worth checking out for the food, but if you’re seeking a quiet lounge atmosphere, you might want to consider alternative options.