Qatar Airways’ first-class comfort: premium lounge and seamless service
Is there a better way to prepare for a long-haul flight to Australia than sipping champagne or pulling up a seat at a dedicated martini bar? This airline lounge has it all.
London Heathrow’s Terminal 4 was revamped in 2022, but the airport is still heaving, with snaking queues for check-in and immigration long enough to dampen the spirits of even the most upbeat of travellers. I’m travelling business class with Qatar Airways, which grants me access to the Fast Track immigration line, and I breeze through security in minutes. It’s a short walk to the airline’s Premium Lounge, adjacent to Gate 1B.
When it opened in 2012, this was Qatar Airways’ first lounge outside Doha. Interestingly, it’s available to First and Business Class ticketed passengers only. Qatar Airways and Oneworld status holders not flying in these classes or those who have upgraded to Business using points, are relegated to the slightly less fancy Qatar Frequent Flyer Lounge downstairs. Entry is via a ramped corridor with backlit star motif panels.
The door slides open to reveal a “greeter” equipped with an iPad. There’s no reception desk but a black marble table is topped with striking white orchids and a circular light fitting above supports faux candles, which create a classy, shimmery vibe. There’s Arabic calligraphy on the sandstone wall which I’m told means welcome. The star motif theme is repeated across room-dividing screens and floor tiling.
Seating
The lounge was refurbished in 2023, and features curvaceous, wingback chairs, plus bigger sofas for families and groups. I choose a corner by the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows furnished with a pair of mid-century-style, brown leather armchairs bookending a coffee table with lamps. Behind the bar, there’s a padded blue leather bench seat. The blue upholstery continues up the wall to the ceiling and is studded to give the effect of an overgrown Chesterfield lounge. In The Brasserie, the style is repeated in gold.
Food and drink
On my coffee table, there’s a QR code to scan the drinks, snacks and meal menu. Friendly staff will deliver to wherever you’re sitting. I’m starting in the lounge with a cappuccino, rosebud-infused water and a crispy square of baklava. In the casual Global Deli section, there’s a hot buffet, plus salads and desserts. I select the trio of hummus, tabbouleh and baba ghanoush dips, which are bursting with freshness.
The Martini Bar offers an impressive array of tipples, including Joseph Perrier Champagne and nine quality international wines. Guests can perch on a stool and chat with the bartender or self-serve in the lounge area. An impressive wall of wine fridges separates this space from The Brasserie, with its restaurant service, white tablecloths, fine glassware, sushi chef and superfood salads, plus hearty meals such as steak and chicken biryani.
Work and tech
The Premium Lounge lacks a dedicated workstation area, but guests can wander downstairs to the business centre in the Frequent Flyer Lounge. Nonetheless, people around me are working as coffee tables are fully powered with in-built wireless phone charging (which I can’t get working) plus USB-A and USB-C ports and universal mains power points. The wi-fi is consistent and fast.
Refresh
In the hallway outside the bathrooms, housekeeping staff are hovering, waiting to proffer fluffy towels and additional amenities. There are three showers, including one for wheelchair users, and during my visit there is no queue. There’s a rain showerhead plus side jets, for a full body experience. The bathrooms feature mosaic tiles, Diptyque amenities and wall-mounted hair dryer.
Extras
The impeccable service started at a dedicated premium check-in area, which opened four hours before the flight. As a Business Class passenger, I was whisked away behind a bamboo screen while a porter handled my bag, and I relaxed in a lounge chair, sipping a juice. This next-level attention continued until I was exiting the Premium Lounge, and was personally invited to board the plane.
The Verdict
Sipping champagne by a window and enjoying an impeccable standard of service seems the perfect way to prepare for a long-haul flight back to Australia. Terminal 4 is home to 34 airlines, and 9.5 million passengers pass through each year. This well-conceived and efficient lounge is perhaps the calmest haven in all of hectic Heathrow.
Carolyn Beasley travelled at her own expense.
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