Passengers travelling from Manchester Airport can now visit a new style food court called The Food Quarter to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat before their flight.
Pop-ups showcase local culinary scene
A key feature of the new food court, which is operated by SSP, is a selection of street food pop-up offerings, showcasing the best of the local culinary scene, and varying according to the season.
The first of these is an ice-cream that is quickly gaining fame in Manchester and beyond. Claire Kelsey, the woman behind the Manchester institution that is Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, serves ice-cream with a ‘twinkle in the eye and nod to the naughty’. Aimed very much at the ‘grown-ups’, flavours include marmalade on toast, which was named ‘best desert’ at the British Street Food Awards in 2012, where Ginger’s also scooped the ‘best of the best’ award.
Mi Casa Burritos
The Food Quarter also features one of SSP’s hottest new concepts, Mi Casa Burritos. Specifically designed for travel locations, Mi Casa Burritos captures the intense flavours and the vibrant colours of Mexican street food. It offers burritos, nachos or salads with either chicken, beef, pork or char-grilled vegetable filling and a choice of finishing touches of chilli, guacamole, and cheese. All are prepared freshly at the counter and served in travel-friendly packaging.
The Mi Casa Burritos concept was crafted to stand out in the busiest travelling locations and has proved to be a solid commercial performer. Since the first outlet opened at London’s Victoria station in February 2012 sales have grown week by week (beating budget by over 40% in the first year), and are now increasing at a rate of over 20% year on year.
The Grain Loft
The new openings follow the highly successful debut of The Grain Loft bar. The outlet, which was designed to reflect the warmth and character of the north west of Britain, offers a menu that celebrates the food and drink for which the region is renowned. A highlight of the list is the Beer Can Chicken sharer for two – a whole marinated chicken, slow roasted over a can of Thornbridge’s Jaipur IPA, and served with triple cooked chips and homemade seasonal coleslaw.
Current food trends and flavours
Commenting on the openings, Olly Swayne, business development director (airports), SSP UK & Ireland said, ‘Over the two decades that we’ve operated at Manchester Airport, the ‘eating out’ market has changed dramatically and passengers’ tastes and needs have evolved. We are very proud to be providing new food and drink offers that provide them with examples of current food trends and flavours from the North West.’
Dramatically improved food offer
Beth Brewster, retail director of Manchester Airport said: ‘We’re really excited about the new Food Quarter, which we know will be very popular with our passengers. Along with the Grain Loft, it has dramatically improved the food offer, and it’s been brilliant to work with SSP to bring the concept to life.
Terminal One can now offer travellers an even greater mix of food, so from locally produced beers, award winning ice-cream, and now delicious Mexican goodies there’s something for everyone.”