Qantas International First Class Lounge, Sydney

Somehow last year I scraped in Qantas Platinum Status, which gave me access to the much talked about First Class Lounge, and I’ve had the chance to enjoy it a few times. I’ve seen people try and sell their complimentary passes online for $70! Is it worth that – well if you down some of the quality bubbles they have on offer (Bolly, Taittinger, Veuve and the like), some excellent wine, a three course meal, and have a massage and a facial, it most certainly is. Its such a wonderfully civilised way to travel, and if you intend to work or sleep on your flight, having a freshly prepared, made-to-order meal here instead of on the plane is a relaxing and quality option. Not having to wait for the bill and walking off when you’re done is even better.

Plenty of people get here early for their flight, so there can sometimes be a wait for a table for the restaurant. With lots of light, high ceilings, and spaced out seating, you won’t mind lounging around, no pun intended. Or you can sit at the bar. The black or white jacketed waiters will escort you to a table and take your order – as I said, very civilised travel. The menu is a mix of classic comfort food and Neil Perry’s Modern Asian – if you have the time you could certainly plan yourself a degustation of sorts. The Club Sandwich, beef burger and the salt and pepper squid are hugely popular, but there are plenty of healthy and fresh options.

Breakfast dishes are served till 12pm, after that they have the “All Day Dining” menu which changes seasonally, plus a regularly changing menu of “Market Inspirations”.

If you can’t get into the lounge yourself, then I suggest befriending someone that can!

Salmon Sashimi