Some big changes are taking place in East Midlands Airport’s departure lounge this winter, with an investment of £2.5 million in new stores and eateries.
One of the main aspects of the new look and fresh options for airport customers from next Easter will be the departure of Frankie & Benny’s, which has occupied one of the largest airport units for many years.
It will be replaced with Terracotta Italian Kitchen, a restaurant already operating successfully at sister airport London Stansted and offering a modern take on Italian cuisine.
With capacity for 185 customers, the restaurant area will be slightly reduced to provide more space for people passing by in the main lounge. With an open kitchen, bar, and terraced area, Terracotta will be tastefully decorated to create a relaxing atmosphere that allows customers to feel they are already on holiday. Terracotta will be operated by key airport partner Avolta’s HMS Host.
Another major change involves the closure of the Boots and InMotion stores, which will be replaced with an expanded unit occupied by a new WH Smith one-stop-shop concept offering similar goods and services to all three existing stores. This includes health and beauty products, audio equipment, books, and food, including meal deals.
The popular Pork & Pickle unit, which offers sandwiches, paninis, cakes, and drinks close to many of the departure gates, is also undergoing a refurbishment to revitalise the brand, along with refreshing the menu and providing more Grab & Go options.
These changes, funded by retail and food and drink partners in collaboration with the airport, follow a range of improvements as part of the £120 million investment programme at the airport. In the departure lounge alone, this includes a refurbished Castle Rock Bar & Kitchen, the opening of the new Mediterranean restaurant Alembic, a refurbished and expanded Escape Lounge, new lounge seating, new toilet and baby changing facilities, a new and larger JD Sports shop, a multi-faith prayer room, and better Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the security hall has undergone a complete transformation and expansion, with a fresh, modern look including media walls welcoming customers into a bright space fitted out with next-generation scanners to make the security process even smoother.
East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director, Adam Andrews, said:
“We’re about halfway through our £120 million five-year investment programme and have already seen some really significant improvements at the airport.
“Now we have more exciting changes taking place over the winter months in our departure lounge to bring a new shopping, eating, and drinking experience at East Midlands Airport from next Easter. We’re delighted to support our commercial partners investing in refreshing the stores and eateries available to our customers and to give them an even better, effortless experience of flying from their favourite airport.”
