Remember that day you sprinted through Gatwick, desperate to grab anything vaguely edible before your flight? The wilted sandwich, the lukewarm coffee… Sound familiar? Well, ditch those memories, because the London Gatwick food scene has undergone a serious transformation. Gone are the days of limited choices and overpriced disappointments. Today, Gatwick Airport offers a surprisingly diverse and delicious array of dining options, catering to every taste, budget, and time constraint.
London Gatwick, a major international airport with its bustling North Terminal and South Terminal, serves as a gateway for millions of travelers each year. Whether you’re jetting off on a sun-soaked vacation, embarking on a crucial business trip, or simply connecting through, the culinary offerings at Gatwick are designed to satisfy your cravings and enhance your travel experience. This article is your comprehensive, up-to-date guide to navigating the Gatwick food landscape, ensuring you make informed choices and savor every bite before you take to the skies. Forget the stress of pre-flight hunger; let’s explore the tantalizing tastes of Gatwick!
Gatwick Airport Food: A Tasty Overview
The days when airport food meant exclusively soggy sandwiches and greasy burgers are long gone. Gatwick Airport recognizes the diverse palates and preferences of its international clientele, offering a wide spectrum of culinary experiences. You’ll find everything from quick and convenient fast food options to more relaxed, sit-down restaurants, cozy cafes, lively pubs, and convenient grab-and-go counters.
Generally speaking, the food options at Gatwick can be categorized as follows:
- Fast Food: Perfect for a quick and satisfying bite, these establishments offer familiar favorites like burgers, pizzas, fries, and sandwiches. Ideal when you’re short on time or simply craving comfort food.
- Casual Dining: These restaurants provide a more relaxed atmosphere with table service, offering a wider range of dishes and a chance to unwind before your flight. Expect diverse menus featuring international cuisines and classic comfort food.
- Cafes and Coffee Shops: The perfect spot to grab a caffeine fix, a pastry, or a light snack. These establishments provide a welcoming environment to relax, catch up on emails, or simply people-watch.
- Pubs and Bars: If you fancy a pre-flight pint or a refreshing cocktail, Gatwick’s pubs and bars offer a convivial atmosphere to relax and unwind. Many also serve classic pub fare.
- Grab-and-Go: Ideal for those in a hurry, these outlets offer pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, wraps, and snacks, allowing you to quickly grab a bite and head to your gate.
Choosing the right food option depends on several factors. Consider how much time you have before your flight, your budget, any dietary requirements you might have (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), and, of course, which terminal you’re flying from. Both the North Terminal and the South Terminal boast a unique collection of food vendors.
North Terminal Food Adventures
The North Terminal at Gatwick is packed with palatable possibilities to please any traveler. Remember to check your departure gate location before settling in, so you leave ample time to pass through security.
- Jamie Oliver’s Diner: Craving a taste of Italy and America? Jamie Oliver’s Diner is a fantastic choice. Enjoy delicious pizzas, pasta dishes, burgers, and other classic diner fare. It’s a bit pricier than some other options, but the quality is worth it. Located after security, their pizzas come highly recommended.
- Nando’s: For a peri-peri chicken fix, Nando’s is a reliable and flavorful option. Choose your spice level and enjoy their signature grilled chicken with a variety of sides. Located after security, this is a reliably tasty and reasonably priced choice. A quarter chicken with your favourite sides always hits the spot.
- Pret A Manger: A go-to for fresh and healthy options, Pret A Manger offers a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, and pastries. Perfect for a quick and convenient meal. Find it after security and grab a quick soup if you need something warm.
- Wagamama: Indulge in delicious Japanese-inspired cuisine at Wagamama. Famous for their ramen, noodles, and curries, Wagamama provides a flavorful and filling pre-flight meal. Located after security, their Ramen is a great option.
- Giraffe: Offering a taste of world cuisine, Giraffe is a fun option for a relaxed meal. The menu features a diverse range of dishes, from tapas to burgers. Located after security, this is a great choice to share some tapas with friends.
- Costa Coffee: Need a caffeine boost? Costa Coffee provides a wide range of coffee drinks, teas, pastries, and sandwiches. This dependable coffee shop is located after security for your convenience.
Beyond these prominent options, the North Terminal also features other cafes, pubs, and snack bars, offering a wide array of choices. Keep an eye out for smaller vendors offering local treats and specialty items.
South Terminal Food Discoveries
The South Terminal at Gatwick offers an equally tempting array of dining experiences. Again, be sure to check the location of your gate before you commit, to avoid any stressful dashes later.
- The Beehive: Embrace the classic pub experience at The Beehive. Enjoy traditional pub fare, such as fish and chips, burgers, and pies, alongside a wide selection of beers and ales. Located after security, this is the perfect place to relax with a drink.
- Yo! Sushi: Craving Japanese? Enjoy fresh and flavorful sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes at Yo! Sushi. The conveyor belt service adds a fun and unique dining experience. Located after security, the Katsu Curry is a good option.
- Itsu: For healthy Asian-inspired meals, Itsu is a great choice. Offering sushi, salads, and rice bowls, Itsu provides a quick and nutritious pre-flight meal. It is located after security and sells great sushi.
- Shake Shack: Indulge in classic American comfort food at Shake Shack. Enjoy juicy burgers, crispy fries, and creamy milkshakes. This is a reliable option and can be found after security. We recommend their famous ShackBurger.
- Joe and The Juice: For fresh juices, smoothies, and sandwiches, Joe and The Juice is a popular choice. Perfect for a healthy and refreshing pre-flight boost. They are located after security, so grab a juice to go.
- Starbucks: Another familiar face, Starbucks provides a wide range of coffee drinks, teas, pastries, and snacks. A dependable option for coffee lovers. Located after security you can grab your favorite drink.
As with the North Terminal, the South Terminal also features smaller cafes, snack bars, and pubs, offering a broad spectrum of choices. Remember to explore and discover hidden gems.
Tips for a Superior Gatwick Dining Experience
To ensure a smooth and satisfying dining experience at Gatwick Airport, consider the following tips:
- Plan Ahead: Before you even arrive at the airport, check the opening hours of the restaurants in your terminal. Especially for early morning or late-night flights, this could save you a frustrating disappointment. Many airports have websites that will show these times.
- Wi-Fi is Your Friend: Make use of the airport’s complimentary Wi-Fi to browse menus online and look for special deals or promotions. Many restaurants offer online ordering, which can save you valuable time.
- Time is of the Essence: Don’t underestimate security wait times. Allow yourself ample time to enjoy your meal without rushing.
- Pre-Order If You Can: Some restaurants at Gatwick may offer online ordering for faster service. Take advantage of this option if available.
- Dietary Needs Matter: Always check the menus carefully for allergy information and vegetarian/vegan options. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for clarification or assistance.
- Deals, Deals, Deals: Many food outlets at Gatwick offer meal deals and discounted combinations. Keep an eye out for these promotions to save money.
Alternative: BYOF (Bring Your Own Food)
While Gatwick boasts a wide selection of restaurants, bringing your own food can be a viable alternative in certain situations.
- Pros: Bringing your own food saves money and allows you to cater to very specific dietary needs that are difficult to fulfill elsewhere. It also reduces your reliance on potentially overpriced airport options.
- Cons: Bringing your own food requires advance planning and preparation. You’ll need to pack your food carefully to avoid spills and messes. And, of course, you’ll be subject to security regulations regarding liquids.
- Tips: Pack your food in reusable containers to minimize waste. Choose non-liquid snacks, such as fruits, granola bars, sandwiches, and wraps. Be aware of customs regulations if you’re flying internationally.
In Conclusion
London Gatwick Airport offers a surprisingly rich and diverse culinary landscape. From fast food to fine dining, from coffee to cocktails, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget. Remember to plan ahead, explore the options, and enjoy the journey. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before boarding or savoring a relaxed meal, the food scene at Gatwick is sure to enhance your travel experience.
So, next time you’re flying through Gatwick, don’t settle for a mediocre meal. Explore the vibrant culinary offerings, discover your new favorite pre-flight treat, and bon appétit! Share your favorite Gatwick food discoveries in the comments below, and have a safe and delicious flight!
