UK. Travel restaurateur SSP Group has agreed a new contract with Liverpool John Lennon Airport which will extend its operations at the airport until at least 2036.
Under its terms, all of SSP’s existing units will be refurbished, rebranded or extended, and additional outlets will be created. These initiatives will increase the capacity of SSP’s restaurants by nearly +50%.
The initial phase of work includes a high-end eatery named Sable & Co Bar and Kitchen, which will become a key venue on the mezzanine level, close to a World Duty Free store. It is scheduled to open in the spring.
SSP said the Sable & Co Bar and Kitchen will feature a food and drink menu curated to showcase the best of local ingredients and suppliers, “served in a design-led environment”.
A Burger King and a bar concept Tap & Brew (which serves a wide range of local craft beers alongside international favourites), both part of the SSP portfolio at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, 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 the opening of an American-style diner offering an all-day menu. In addition, the popular Kissing Gate pub will be extended.
SSP UK & Ireland CEO Kari Daniels 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 cafés.”
Liverpool John Lennon Airport Commercial Director Lucy O’Shaughnessy commented: “We’re delighted to be extending our partnership with SSP which has been key to offering a great airport experience for our passengers.
“This investment will give the growing numbers of passengers choosing to fly from the region’s faster, easier, friendlier 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.”
Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s passenger numbers grew by +20% year-on-year in 2023 and are expected to return to pre-COVID levels of five million per year in 2024.
The expanded food & beverage programme is part of the airport’s plans to meet the needs of increasing passenger numbers. This includes the arrival of airline Jet2, which will operate up to 54 flights a week to 20 destinations across six countries later this year. 
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