Manchester Airport unveils new food and drink offering with plenty of local names

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 transformation.

The list includes a number of big Manchester names as well as popular chains moving into the UK’s third largest airport for the first time when the new terminal opens in April 2020.

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 already operates four restaurants  in Manchester, and has run a Cicchetti within House of Fraser since 2011.

“At the new terminal we’re creating a fabulous space which will elevate the airport dining experience for every holiday maker and business traveller alike,” says Marcello Distefano, managing director of San Carlo.

“San Carlo is a much-loved brand in Manchester and the wider North West region and we’re extremely proud and excited to be part of the new Manchester Airport.”

There will also be some familiar names for those looking for a grab-and-go option, with Manchester favourites Archie’s and Barburrito joining the new departure lounge, while Grindsmith and Pot Kettle Black will provide a caffeine fix.

The Archie’s offering will include breakfast, “which is new and exciting to the business so expect an Archie’s twist on traditional tastes,” say the Rafiq brothers, owners of Archie’s.

Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan, founders of PKB, say they are looking forward to bringing “a slice of Manchester’s coffee and easy-going food scene to the airport.”

Two new drinks venues will also open as part of the new terminal, which is the largest investment in Manchester Airport’s 81-year history.

The Bridgewater Exchange, in partnership with Joseph Holt’s will feature its 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 has outlets in Salford and Ancoats. 

The modern industrial gastropub will focus on local craft beers, cask ales and small-batch lagers paired with bar food classics with attention given to shared portions and healthy options.

“When we started Seven Bro7hers we wanted to find a way to work together as brothers and a family,” says Keith McAvoy, founder of Seven Bro7hers.  

“Now, we are bringing the local taste of our craft beer to the newest terminal in Manchester Airport and we want the world to feel part of our family too – Amber Alehouse is the perfect setting for our brew, and we can’t wait to open next year.”

All bars offer a full range of low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks while Vit, a healthy, all-day fresh juice and food bar, will also have a presence at Manchester Airport for the first time.

The Apiary will offer airfield views and a sustainably sourced British menu as well as a Made in Manchester drinks menu including local producers such as Three Rivers Gin, Thomas Dakin, Steep Soda Co, Manchester Still, Zymurgorium, Didsbury Gin and Cloudwater.

Meanwhile, Daisy Nook will offer all day dining with a menu focused on healthy and lighter dishes.

The roster also includes a series of popular national chains: Wagamama, M&S Simply Food, M&S Food to Go, and Wrapchic, an Indian and Mexican fusion street food outlet, as well as passenger favourites such as KFC.

“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,” says Andrew Cowan, CEO at Manchester Airport.

“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 food and beverage will open in 2022 when the existing Terminal Two reopens after being refurbished.

The second phase also includes plans for ‘food hall’ style street food stalls.