UK. Airport Retail Enterprises (ARE) and Surrey-based brewery Big Smoke Brew Co are to unveil a third joint-venture venue in London Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal this month.
The independent craft beer and food destination Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen will follow in the footsteps of similar venues at Heathrow and London Luton airports.
A relaunched food menu at the venue will showcase an American-influenced smokehouse category, bringing the best flavours of the smoker through slow-cooked brisket, ribs and sausages. Dishes can be customised to the diner’s preference of smoky or spicy BBQ. Add-ons such as cornbread, cheesy corn and ‘burnt ends’ will be available.
Other staples on the menu will include fish & chips with Medicine Man beer batter and ale sausages and mash.
The breakfast menu will include waffles and fried chicken with eggs, full English breakfasts and lighter options such as pastries and granola.
The bar offer will feature Big Smoke’s core range of draught and canned beers, including Electric Eye and Medicine Man, alongside a large selection of premium international beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks.
Big Smoke will also be brewing a draught and canned beer, Runway Pilsner, exclusively for its London Gatwick patrons.
The venue will use an order-at-table/pay-at-table technology system, offering customers the convenience of ordering and paying from their smartphones.
London Gatwick Senior Retail Operations Manager Jack Howe said: “We are delighted to welcome Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen to our South Terminal this summer, providing further choice for passengers. The locally produced beer on offer at Big Smoke will be fantastic, and we are proud to continue showcasing the very best of local produce in our terminals, alongside internationally renowned options.”
Big Smoke Brew Co Co-Founder Rich Craig commented: “We are very excited to be bringing our vision of the ideal pub to London Gatwick. Our much-loved Big Smoke menu and locally produced beers have proven popular with global travellers at our sites at Heathrow and Luton and we are in safe hands with ARE who are as dedicated to delivering fantastic service and a welcoming atmosphere as we are.”
ARE Director John Butts said: “ARE is thrilled to be opening our third Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen in the UK, and so pleased that we can build on our successful partnerships with Big Smoke and London Gatwick. The Big Smoke offer has a proven track record amongst airport travellers and we are excited to be growing the brand in one of the UK’s most important airport locations.”
Big Smoke Brew Co produces a wide range of modern beer styles from its base in Esher, Surrey. The company’s four pubs, located in South West London and Surrey, champion local suppliers and offer an independent alternative to high street chain pubs and bars. 
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