UK. Travel restaurateur SSP Group has unveiled a striking premium wine bar and restaurant named The Vinery in a prime location in London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2.
As its name suggests, the upmarket airside venue has an extensive wine list and a curated food menu. Each dish includes a recommended wine pairing to enhance the dining experience.
The tailored food menu focuses on made-to-order dishes with high-quality ingredients from local producers. They include smoked salmon purveyor H. Forman & Son, which has been curing and smoking fish in London since 1905, and Paul Rhodes Bakery, founded by the Michelin-starred chef.
Breakfast selections include The Full English Vinery breakfast, prosciutto di Parma or sun-blushed tomato baked British eggs. Lighter options include coconut yoghurt and granola or smashed avocado and chilli on toast, to which smoked salmon, scrambled eggs or smoked beechwood bacon can be added.
Options for later in the day include Italian charcuterie and artisan cheese sandwiches, English garden signature platters, Wiltshire ham and Sussex Charmer Cheddar hot sourdough toasts, and freshly made Caesar salads.
SSP’s chefs have hand-selected a range of cheeses from local suppliers as accompaniments to The Vinery’s wine range.
In line with SSP’s ambitions to improve the sustainability of its food offer, The Vinery’s menu is more than a third plant-based or vegetarian, and there is no beef on the menu.
The curated wine list features varieties from around the world. English options include single vintage Brut Reserve, Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs from Kent producer Gusbourne, alongside wines from Nyetimber and Harrow and Hope.
The Vinery also uses the Coravin system, allowing the bar to sell even its most premium wines by the glass. All front of house staff have received WSET training to guide customers through the vast wine choice on offer.
The Vinery also offers themed tasting flights, including an English theme and fine wines option curated in partnership with London wine merchant Jeroboams.
A broader drinks menu features coffee from Bristol-based Extract Coffee Roasters, as well as tea, classic cocktails, craft beers and soft drinks.
Throughout the bar, digital technology has been used to make the passenger experience as convenient and efficient as possible. Order At Table technology, available in multiple languages, gives diners an easy way to view the menu and make their choice, while a digital wait-time screen and the option to pre-order a selection of menu items helps guests manage their time as they wait for their flight.
A Sommelier app, developed alongside Gusbourne Head of Wine Communication and Master Sommelier Laura Rhys, guides customers to recommended wine pairings and can be accessed at special tasting tables.
The Vinery will also host ‘English Wine Weeks’ throughout the year. These celebrations will take place during the harvest season, in the run-up to Christmas and at the start of June and include tasting workshops with Rhys, prize draws and special discounts.
SSP UK & Ireland CEO Kari Daniels said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Heathrow passengers to this stunning new venue, which is truly one of a kind. We have a long-standing partnership with the airport, where we’ve had success operating Starbucks and M&S Simply Food, and now we are operating our first bar in Terminal 2.
“Heathrow has an outstanding global reputation and we’re delighted to enhance this through our new concept, which we’re confident will make the customer experience even better.”
Heathrow Airport Retail Director Fraser Brown commented: “As the UK’s hub airport, Heathrow is proud to support the global growth of British businesses by showcasing them to an international audience.
“Our partnership with SSP has led to the introduction of many exciting brands to Heathrow, and with the opening of The Vinery we are delighted to introduce passengers from all over the world to premium English wines and a new range of menu options crafted using the best of British ingredients.”
Gusbourne CEO Jonathan White said: “We are delighted to be working closely with SSP on the Vinery project. The wonderful food and service offered at this premium new wine bar are the ideal accompaniment to our award-winning vintage English wines.
“We look forward to playing our part in providing a luxurious pre-flight experience for London Heathrow passengers travelling through Terminal 2 this summer and beyond.” 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com for your complimentary subscription.
