Local eats and world-class shopping: activate holiday mode at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2

Manchester Airport is transforming your travel experience with its impressive new Terminal 2, the cornerstone of its £1.3bn transformation project.

Offering luxury shopping, local dining, and most importantly, relaxation while you wait, Terminal 2 ensures that holiday mode is activated from the moment you set foot inside. 

The £1.3bn transformation of Manchester Airport Terminal 2

The transformation of Terminal 2 is designed to elevate the airport to world-class status, rivalling any major international airport. 

The Manchester Airport Group (MAG) is committed to making the airport a place where people feel like their holiday starts as soon as they arrive. 

With 22 new units opening in the second phase of the development in 2025, including luxury retailers like Chanel and Pandora, Terminal 2 is set to become a shopping haven for all travellers. 

The additions will include high street favourites like LEGO, WH Smith, Boots, and JD Wetherspoon, alongside premium food halls like The Great Northern Market, a 472-seat food hall with six international street food kitchens, including Gooey desserts.

This is in addition to their already superb selection of World Duty-Free, perfect for picking up a treat or a nice gift from with an extensive selection and friendly staff. 

So why not start your journey with some retail therapy?

A strong Manc identity

One of the most visually striking features of Terminal 2 is the light-up honeycomb installation, a special piece of art commissioned by the airport. 

This installation can be illuminated in various ways to reflect different occasions, events, or even marketing campaigns.

During the Euros, for example, the honeycomb’s lighting changed depending on whether England or Scotland were playing. 

For Pride, a unique rainbow lighting scheme was introduced, showing the installation’s versatility and visual appeal.

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The design nods to the city’s iconic symbol, the bee, and you’ll see bees hanging up throughout the terminal, further reinforcing the connection to the city. 

These artistic touches ensure travellers feel rooted in Manchester, even as they prepare to jet off to international destinations.

The emphasis on variety ensures that no matter what your preferences or budget are, there’s something to enjoy before your flight.

Supporting local businesses at Manchester Airport

Unlike many airports, Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 has made a deliberate decision to prioritise local brands. 

As we toured the terminal, it became clear that this emphasis on local culture runs deep.

Manchester favourites like Archie’s, Pot Kettle Black, Joseph Holt, San Carlo and Seven Bro7hers dominate the drinks and dining landscape.

We had the pleasure of trying Apiary Bar and Eatery and The Evergreen Bar and Brasserie, and can confidently say that this experience is far above the typical airport dining you might be accustomed to,. 

The Apiary Bar and Eatery, one of the terminal’s premium dining spots, offers a luxurious experience with seasonal menus that highlight locally sourced ingredients. 

The sophisticated setting is matched by expertly crafted cocktails, making it the perfect place to unwind before a flight. 

The high-energy bar, with its chic décor, serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on exotic and exquisite flavours that will excite any palate.

Meanwhile, The Evergreen Bar & Brasserie provides a more traditional, relaxed retreat from the terminal’s bustle.

Featuring locally sourced artisan ingredients, from Birtwistles Butchers’ meats to jams by F. Duerr & Sons Ltd., The Evergreen Bar & Brasserie’s menu is packed with hearty options like truffle and parmesan mac and cheese, gourmet burgers, and light, fresh salads. 

Their children’s menu is also perfect for young travellers, with comforting choices like spaghetti bolognese and healthy snacks. Whether you’re after a casual bite or something more indulgent, both spots ensure you won’t be boarding the plane hungry.

If you’re looking for something different, there is still plenty of choice including Archie’s incredible desserts and burgers, a tasty Italian at San Carlo, casual Mexican at Barburrito, and Amber Alehouse too. 

And when it arrives in 2025, The Great Northern Market will bring Manchester’s world-famous street food scene into the terminal. So you’ll be even more spoilt for choice. 

Something for all ages

Manchester Airport ensures that all ages, including families with young children, have a memorable experience. 

For the little ones, the Little Flyers Club brings a world of fun and imagination to life at the airport. 

Featuring a group of playful lost luggage characters who come alive when no one’s looking, the Little Flyers Club keeps children entertained with their airport adventures. 

Kids can enjoy the Little Flyers Activity Booklet, filled with puzzles and games, perfect for doodling and recording their travel tales. 

There’s also the Little Book of Travel Tales, featuring stories and drawings from local school children, as well as an exciting Airport “I Spy” game to keep them engaged while waiting for their flight. 

With these thoughtfully designed activities, Manchester Airport caters to even its youngest travellers, making it a family-friendly destination where the holiday fun begins for everyone.

Relax and unwind in a calm atmosphere

What sets Terminal 2 apart is its relaxed atmosphere. 

While the dining and shopping experiences are impressive, the terminal’s design is focused on creating a stress-free environment. 

As you walk through, the terminal feels more relaxed than a traditional airport, though the departure boards ensure travellers won’t miss their flights. 

This calm, comfortable setting encourages travellers to unwind and enjoy their time before boarding. 

A special feature of the terminal is its massive advertising screen— a three-metre floor-to-ceiling digital screen, dubbed the ‘Wonderwall’. 

This screen adds to the modern, dynamic feel of the terminal, ensuring that Manchester Airport stays at the cutting edge of technology while delivering high-impact visuals for marketing campaigns and announcements.

A bright future: phase two and beyond

By summer 2025, the final phase of Terminal 2’s transformation will be complete, and travellers will have even more to explore. 

The 22 new shops, bars, and restaurants will offer a perfect blend of luxury and accessibility, ensuring that every traveller, no matter their preferences, can find something that suits them.

With the completion of this transformation, Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 will not only connect the North of England to the world but will also cement itself as the best airport in the UK. 

The careful balance of local culture, luxury brands, and premium dining means that holiday mode will be activated the moment you step into the terminal.

You can find out more about what’s going on at Manchester Airport’s terminal 2 by clicking here