London Stansted investing £12m in International Departure Lounge refurbishment

Passengers flying from London Stansted Airport this summer will be able to enjoy a range of new bars, restaurants and retail outlets thanks to a major refurbishment of its departure lounge.

More than £12 million is being invested by the airport and its retail partners to improve the customer experience as it prepares for the expected increase in passengers this summer after two years of disruption from Covid-19.

“We want everyone using London Stansted to have the best possible experience as we welcome back more and more passengers after the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Ben Green, Retail Director, Manchester Airports Group. “Ready in time for the summer getaway we will have a variety of exciting new dining and retail outlets for people to enjoy before they jet off from the airport. Each of the new venues will offer something unique and will complement the existing food and beverage eateries we currently have. From an on-the-go snack to a quick coffee or a more luxurious treat, our passengers will be spoilt for choice.”

Among the upgrades will be a range of new food and beverage outlets that offer a variety of cuisines to suit everyone’s budget and taste. They include: Comptoir Libanais, Terracotta Italian Kitchen, The Perch, Sunnyside Café, Caffè Nero and Bottega prosecco bar.

World Duty Free, in the centre of the lounge, will double in size to allow people travelling outside the UK to take advantage of the duty savings on alcohol and tobacco following Brexit, which can be as high as 50% compared to the high street.

A new Superdry and two WHSmith stores have already opened as part of the makeover. WHSmith’s new store, which features an eye-catching digital fascia, provides a selection of books, food and drink, as well as an InMotion ‘shop within a shop’ which has the latest technology and electrical accessories.