As part of a multi-million pound refresh of Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s food and drink offering a new ‘casual dining concept’ opens in the departure lounge. Tony McDonough reports
A new ‘casual dining concept’ has opened in the departure lounge at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) as part of a multi-million pound refresh.
In January 2024 LBN revealed that food and beverage operator SSP had secured a 10-year deal with LJLA to continue operating multiple outlets at the airport. This would take it to 2036 and it revealed plans to expand F&B capacity in the departure lounge by 50%.
Now SSP, which operates eight hospitality outlets at the airport, has launched Monty’s Diner.
Offering capacity for 190 diners, Monty’s all-day menu will serve up breakfast favourites, including cooked breakfasts, filled breakfast bagels and loaded waffles.
There are also “hearty” daytime meals throughout the rest of the day such as signature smashed patty burgers, hot dogs and wings complemented by thick shakes and decadent desserts.
SSP’s outlets include the Kissing Gate Pub and Kitchen and Starbucks, which will join Sable & Co Bar and Kitchen which is SSP’s premium dining concept, and a new look Upper Crust which have both opened within the past year.
John Irving, chief executive of LJLA, said: “We’re really excited to see the opening of the new Monty’s Diner, which is the latest in a series of food and beverage developments aimed at giving the growing numbers of passengers the best possible experience.
“We continue to look at ways to provide our passengers with a greater choice of high quality places to eat and drink while they wait for their flight, which complements the faster, easier, friendlier service that we have become known for.”
LJLA saw a big increase in passengers in 2024, thanks to the arrival of Jet2 and further expansion by easyJet and Ryanair. Early in January LBN revealed the airport had seen more than 5m passengers pass through for the first time in several years.
Kari Daniels, chief executive of SSP UK & Ireland, added: “We’re proud to be at the centre of Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s departure lounge redevelopment, debuting our brand new diner concept and providing more choice of dining options than ever before.
“As a regional hub for leisure travel, Monty’s arrives at the perfect time to welcome families and friends to kickstart their journey in style in a relaxed and informal space.”