Manchester Airport has revealed the first wave of food and drink outlets that will feature in the new ‘super terminal’ being built as part of its £1bn (US$1.25bn) transformation. The list includes a number of iconic brands born-and-bred in the region, as well as a series of popular chains moving into the UK’s third largest airport for the first time.
One of the stalwarts of Manchester’s dining scene – the San Carlo Group – will open its first ever airport venue, with the launch of San Carlo Cicchetti in the extended Terminal Two. San Carlo operates some of the highest profile restaurants outside of London, with four eateries in Manchester. It has run a Cicchetti within the House of Fraser store, still affectionately known as Kendals, since 2011.
The new departure terminal – set to more than double in size through the largest investment in Manchester Airport’s 81-year history – will also feature The Apiary and Daisy Nook. The Apiary will offer stunning airfield views and a sustainably sourced British menu and botanical cocktails, while Daisy Nook will offer all day dining with a menu focused on healthy and lighter dishes.
There will also be some familiar names for those looking for a grab-and-go option. Manchester favorites Archie’s and Barburrito will have space in the new departure lounge, while those looking for a coffee hit can enjoy two Mancunian institutions in Grindsmith and Pot Kettle Black that will be located in the arrivals hall.
Two new drinks venues will also open. The Bridgewater Exchange, in partnership with Joseph Holt’s, will feature its very own microbrewery, brewing a beer that is unique to Manchester Airport. It will also serve breakfasts, small plates and pub classics.
There is also the Amber Alehouse, in partnership with Seven Bro7hers brewery, which is a modern industrial gastropub focusing on a variety of local craft beers, cask ales and small-batch lagers.
The airport has revealed the first 15 venues that will open in the new terminal in 2020, with the roster also including a series of popular national chains such as Wagamama, M&S Simply Food, M&S Food to Go, KFC, Wrapchic, and Vit, a healthy, all-day fresh juice and food bar. The outlets are being brought forward on a mixture of franchise basis by HMS Host, SSP and TRG and some on a direct basis.
Andrew Cowan, CEO at Manchester Airport, said, “We have said from the start that our £1bn [US$1.25bn] transformation program is about creating a step change in the experience we deliver to our customers. A huge part of that is providing an exciting mix of dining and retail outlets for people to choose from, whether they are traveling on holiday or for business, or waiting to collect friends and family.
“We have worked hard to identify partners that represent the strength and depth of the region’s food and drink scene and it is great to be working with so many brands that started life here in the North and have grown to become household names. We are confident there will be something for everyone when the terminal extension opens next year, and hope today’s news gives our customers a taste of things to come.”
A further eight outlets will open in 2022 when the existing Terminal Two reopens after being refurbished. The second phase includes plans for ‘food hall’ style street food stalls.
