Airport unveils multimillion-pound plans for new departure lounge improvements
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) has unveiled a multimillion-pound improvement programme for its departure lounges in time for next summer.
The site, which was declared the UK’s best airport in the 2024 Which? annual airport survey, is enhancing the passenger experience through new food and beverage outlets from SSP.
Work is under way in the airport’s departure lounge, to construct a range of new, expanded and refurbished passenger facilities over the coming months.
These will include Monty’s, an all-day diner with seating for almost 200 passengers, a new expanded premium lounge that will be twice the size of the existing facility, and an extension and upgraded design to the existing Kissing Gate pub and kitchen.
In addition, a third coffee shop will be introduced and the existing Starbucks and Upper Crust units will be updated, with new brands joining the retail mix to cater for the growing numbers of passengers.
In September LJLA revealed it had achieved a 15% increase in passenger numbers in the financial year to March 31, 2024, handling 4.3 million customers.
Monty’s can accommodate 190 diners and is aimed at families and larger groups, as well as couples and solo passengers.
It says it will offer a wide range of “decadent” breakfast dishes, including cooked breakfasts, indulgent bagels and loaded waffles.
For lunch and dinner, the menu will include signature smashed patty burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese and hot dogs as well as thick milkshakes and desserts.
SSP plans for Monty’s
Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland, said: “As the travel food experts, we always strive to offer bespoke concepts for our customers alongside some of our more established names.
“This was the catalyst for Monty’s Diner – it’s a completely new concept for us but one that we’re confident will bring a fresh, modern experience to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, complementing our existing outlets to offer exceptional choice whether customers are looking for an indulgent meal or a quick drink and bite to eat before their flight.”
These latest food and beverage improvements are the next phase of works that commenced last winter following the signing of a new long term deal with SSP and which will see them extend their operations at the airport until at least 2036.
John Irving, Liverpool John Lennon Airport CEO, said: “We’re really excited about this next phase of works by SSP which will enable us to continue to give our passengers the excellent airport experience that we are renowned for, introducing a wider choice of food and drink outlets and expanded facilities.”
He added: “Whilst we appreciate there will be disruption over the winter period with reduced choice, this is about planning for next summer and beyond with units like Monty’s improving the offer for the longer term.”
SSP, which has operated at the airport for more than 20 years, is investing in their departure lounge food and beverage areas and last winter the first phase of its works saw it deliver the successful and popular new Sable & Co restaurant and bar, which offers a locally-inspired menu and selection of international and local botanicals, cocktails, wines and beers, in addition to the new Burger King unit and new Tap + Brew bar.
Work will continue throughout the winter period, for all works to be completed ahead of the summer 2025 season.
