F&B group signs up to 10-year contract extension at LJLA with £9m investment
A food and beverage group with outlets around the world has extended its contract at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) until at least 2036, as part of a £9m investment.
The 10-year extension of its current contract by SSP Group will see a considerable investment by it at the airport.
All of SSP’s existing units will be refurbished, rebranded or extended, and additional outlets will be created, increasing the capacity of SSP’s restaurants by nearly half.
The new venture will be part of the airport’s plans to meet the requirements of increasing passenger numbers.
This includes the arrival of new airline Jet2, which will operate up to 54 flights a week to 20 destinations across six countries later this year.
Work is now under way, and the £9m investment will completely transform the food and beverage offer at the airport.
The initial phase of the development includes a high end eatery called Sable & Co Bar and Kitchen, which will take pride of place on the mezzanine level after World Duty Free and is scheduled to open in the spring.
It will feature a food and drink menu curated to showcase the best of local ingredients and suppliers, served in a design-led environment.
A new Burger King and a bar concept called Tap & Brew – which will serve a wide range of local craft beers alongside international favourites – opened at the end of last year.
The next phase will include the refurbishment of an existing Upper Crust and a Starbucks coffee shop, and for those looking for a classic meal, SSP will create a modern American-style diner offering an all-day menu.
The popular Kissing Gate pub will be extended.
LJLA’s passenger numbers grew by 20% in 2023 and are expected to return to pre-COVID levels of five million per year this year.
Kari Daniels, CEO SSP UK & Ireland, said: “This development is testament to the high standard of our offer over the time we’ve been operating at Liverpool John Lennon.
“We’ve built strong relationships with the team here, and we’re delighted to be working closely with them now to make the F&B offer at this great UK airport even better. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming passengers at our fabulous new bars, restaurants and cafes.”
Lucy O’Shaughnessy, Commercial Director at LJLA, said: “SSP has been key to the airport, offering a great airport experience for our passengers.
“This investment will give the growing numbers of passengers choosing to fly from the airport a wider choice of food and beverage facilities and some really exciting new developments that we’re sure will prove popular with our passengers.”
