UK. SSP Group has won a seven-year contract extension at London City Airport, where the travel food & beverage specialist will soon open a range of culinary concepts inspired by the UK capital and home counties.
Among the openings will be SSP-owned brasserie concept Hithes with a menu that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the four corners of the city, and Juniper & Co, a restaurant showcasing Sussex cheeses, London-cured salmon and British craft beers.
The deal comes as part of a £12 million upgrade to City Airport’s Departure Lounge which includes an upgrade of F&B offerings.
SSP UK & Ireland CEO Kari Daniels said, “We’re delighted to be bringing new concepts to London City passengers and have worked in close partnership with the airport to deliver a truly local, London experience. These concepts will give guests an opportunity to sample some of the most exciting foods from across the capital.”
London City Airport Chief Executive Officer Robert Sinclair added, “This new investment in food & beverage outlets at London City Airport by SSP will be welcomed by our passengers and we cannot wait for our passengers to experience the new and improved food offerings at the airport, especially the London-focused food and drink brands.”
Dishes at Hithes will include a City Boys all-day breakfast, Notting Hill jerk chicken, and a Best of Brick Lane chicken tikka masala. Some of the city’s outstanding beers, spirits and wines will also be available.
A hybrid of city pub dining and the modern London brasserie concept, Hithes is being designed to reflect London’s fusion of lively city bustle and elegance. Design flourishes will include mirror walls and a mural depicting scenes of London food markets by English artist and cookbook illustrator, the late Edward Bawden OBE.
At Juniper & Co, guests can choose from a menu of classic British and speciality food items, with a focus on local provenance throughout. Menu highlights will include the Juniper Burger with fondue Sussex Charmer cheese, and Foremans east London-cured smoked salmon and egg muffin from the Paul Rhodes bakery in Greenwich.
An extensive drinks menu will spotlight local craft gins and vintages, as well as a selection of locally-brewed beers. The bar features an elegant marble finish and contemporary brass gantry.
For those seeking healthier options, a landside Soul & Grain will open later this summer. The fresh-to-go concept offers vegetarian and vegan options as well as treats and coffee from renowned London City brand, Extract Coffee Roasters. ✈︎
