Despite not living too far from Heathrow, I’m not one to pass up the opportunity for an updated lounge review, and so once through customs and landside, we popped up to the mezzanine level and the Galleries Arrivals lounge.



Our arrival was a little chaotic as neither receptionist – both more used to working airside – seemed to know of the Concorde Breakfast Room’s existence and had to ask one of the waiters what the process was to issue invites. Once we’d confirmed our right to enter the hallowed CBR we deposited our bags at the cloakroom to the left of reception and headed for the showers (or ‘hydro spa shower suites’ if you believe the marketing hype) on the far right, through the main lounge seating area.













Not many seem to know of this lounge’s existence, as I’ve rarely seen it overly busy. Barely refreshed over its 14 years of life, the lounge is looking a little dated these days as the updates made to other T5 lounges in the main haven’t materialised here – most obviously in the shower suites themselves which have all the ambience of a mortuary. From the sticky blue lino floors (sans bath mat) to the white plastic walls, non-functioning radio controls, 1990s-style wall hairdryer and broken shower adjustment, my cubicle had certainly seen better days and wasn’t remotely premium. Only the Elemis toiletries could offer a dash of class. That being said, the water pressure and temperature was good and it’s impossible to feel worse off after a shower post-14 hour flight. Clothes pressing was not available for some reason.













With the same access rules (and breakfast menu) as the Concorde Room in departures, the Concorde Breakfast Room offers a slightly expanded menu over the main Galleries Arrivals buffet, all of course waiter service. Whilst the physical space has everything it needs to feel exclusive, the harsh bright white lighting is anything but relaxing. Sometimes I wonder whether any BA senior management ever set foot in some parts of their estate, such is the obviousness of the problems that passengers experience.























For my second breakfast of the day, I went with the Greek yogurt with honey, fresh fruit salad and egg (singular) Benedict. All were fine if basic and not very first class, served without any poise or polish by our waiter who seemed half asleep.







I can see why many passengers would skip the arrivals lounge altogether if their home or hotel was available within a short commute, but despite its several shortcomings, it’s still a much-valued facility for those in need of a shower and a bite to eat before other commitments that day.

Concluding Thoughts

It felt great to be travelling longhaul once again for the first time in more than two years. Singapore remains one of my favourite cities, and the InterContinental one of my favourite in the network. BA provided a perfectly solid experience, although the pandemic-related cost cutting was noticeable on both sectors, particularly in that dreadful one tray Club World meal service.

Thanks for reading. As always, your comments and questions are welcomed, and don’t forget to check out my review of the iconic Raffles Singapore, coming soon.