Airport food often gets a bad rap. Visions of overpriced, stale sandwiches and lukewarm coffee often spring to mind when planning a trip. But at London Gatwick, you might be pleasantly surprised by the diverse and delicious dining options available. Forget the hunger pangs and pre-flight anxiety – Gatwick offers a culinary landscape that caters to every taste and budget.
London Gatwick Airport, a bustling hub for international and domestic travel, boasts two main terminals: North and South. Navigating this sprawling airport can be daunting, especially when you’re hungry and short on time. But fear not! This guide will navigate you through Gatwick’s culinary scene, showcasing everything from quick bites to sit-down meals, ensuring you find the perfect pre-flight fuel. We’ll explore the best restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go options in both terminals, considering factors like price, convenience, and dietary requirements. Consider this your personal map to delicious London Gatwick food.
A Culinary Tour of Gatwick: An Overview
The food options at London Gatwick can be broadly categorized. If you’re in a rush, you’ll find plenty of quick bite establishments offering sandwiches, salads, pastries, and a variety of coffee shops. For a more relaxed experience, casual dining restaurants provide familiar favorites like pubs, family-friendly spots, pizza, and burgers. And if you have time to spare and want something special, there are restaurants with table service, offering more formal dining experiences with diverse cuisines. Finally, for those looking to unwind with a pre-flight drink, there are several bars and lounges serving cocktails, wine, and light meals. This guide will explore options in both the North and South Terminals, with specific locations detailed for your convenience. We understand that everyone has different dietary needs, so we’ll also highlight the availability of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options at various locations offering London Gatwick food.
North Terminal: A Gastronomic Adventure
Let’s begin our exploration of London Gatwick food with the North Terminal.
Quick Bites in the North Terminal
Need a quick caffeine fix and a pastry? Pret A Manger is a reliable choice, located near several gate areas. They offer a selection of fresh sandwiches, salads, and organic coffee. Prices are generally reasonable, making it a great option for a budget-conscious traveler. Their vegetarian options are clearly labeled, making it a convenient stop for those seeking plant-based choices. Alternatively, Costa Coffee, another popular choice, offers a wide range of hot and cold beverages, along with sandwiches and snacks. For a quick, filling bite, their toasties are a good option. The price range is similar to Pret, and you’ll find multiple locations throughout the terminal. The recommended aspect of both: Speed of service for travelers on the go.
Casual Dining in the North Terminal
If you’re craving something more substantial, Nando’s is a perennial favorite, known for its peri-peri chicken. Located in the main concourse, it’s a great option for a satisfying and relatively affordable meal. Expect a bit of a queue during peak hours, but the flavorful chicken is worth the wait. You can customize your spice level to your liking, making it a versatile choice. For those craving Asian flavors, Wagamama offers a range of ramen, noodle dishes, and curries. While slightly pricier than Nando’s, the quality of the ingredients and the flavorful dishes make it a worthwhile option. It’s a good choice for a more relaxed dining experience. One reason it’s recommended is the variety it offers travelers, who often want something different from their everyday diets.
Table Service Options in the North Terminal
For a more refined dining experience in the North Terminal, consider Grain Store Cafe & Bar. It is a highly recommended spot, known for its unique menu focusing on vegetables and seasonal ingredients. While not strictly vegetarian, it offers a variety of creative and delicious plant-based dishes, alongside meat and fish options. Expect to pay a bit more for the quality and ambiance, but it’s a great choice if you have time to savor a meal. It offers respite from typical airport fare.
Bars and Lounges in the North Terminal
If you’re looking to unwind with a pre-flight drink, several bars offer a relaxing atmosphere. The Nicholas Culpeper Pub & Dining provides a traditional pub experience, with a range of beers, wines, and spirits, along with pub fare like fish and chips. It’s a good place to relax and soak in the pre-flight atmosphere. Alternatively, several airline lounges offer complimentary drinks and snacks for eligible passengers.
South Terminal: A Diverse Culinary Selection
Now, let’s venture over to the South Terminal and explore its culinary offerings of London Gatwick food.
Quick Bites in the South Terminal
Similar to the North Terminal, the South Terminal offers the convenience of Pret A Manger and Costa Coffee for quick and easy options. However, the South Terminal also features Marks & Spencer Simply Food, where you can grab sandwiches, salads, and snacks. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a familiar brand and a variety of choices. Marks and Spencer is known for quality, making it a recommended place to stop.
Casual Dining in the South Terminal
The South Terminal boasts a wider selection of casual dining options. Giraffe World Kitchen is a family-friendly restaurant offering a diverse menu of dishes from around the world. From burgers and salads to Asian-inspired noodles, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great option if you have picky eaters in your group. Jamie Oliver’s Diner offers American-style comfort food, including burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The quality is generally good, and the atmosphere is lively. This is a very popular stop, so allowing extra time is highly recommended. For a taste of Italy, Frankie & Benny’s is a reliable choice, offering pizza, pasta, and other Italian-American favorites. It’s a good option for a casual and familiar meal.
Table Service Options in the South Terminal
Wonder Tree offers a more relaxed setting and a varied menu with something for everyone. If you want to treat yourself before your flight, this is a great option to consider.
Bars and Lounges in the South Terminal
The South Terminal also features several bars and lounges, including The Flying Horse, offering a selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Several airline lounges also provide complimentary refreshments for eligible passengers.
Catering to Specific Dietary Needs
London Gatwick food options extend to dietary needs. For vegetarians and vegans, many restaurants offer dedicated menus or clearly labeled vegetarian/vegan items. Pret A Manger and Marks & Spencer are reliable choices for pre-packaged vegetarian sandwiches and salads. Wagamama also offers a variety of vegan-friendly noodle dishes. Grain Store Cafe & Bar, as mentioned earlier, is a fantastic option for creative and delicious plant-based meals.
For those with gluten sensitivities, many restaurants offer gluten-free options or can adapt dishes to meet your needs. Always inquire with the staff about ingredients and preparation methods to ensure the meal is safe for you. Some establishments, like Frankie and Benny’s, even have dedicated gluten free menus.
Families will find plenty of options at Gatwick. Giraffe World Kitchen and Frankie & Benny’s are particularly family-friendly, with kids’ menus and accommodating service. Many restaurants also offer high chairs and changing facilities. If you’re on a budget, Pret A Manger, Costa Coffee, and Marks & Spencer are your best bets for affordable meals and snacks. Look for meal deals and special offers to save even more money.
Need a quick meal? The grab-and-go options at Pret A Manger, Costa Coffee, and Marks & Spencer are ideal for travelers who are short on time. You can also find pre-made sandwiches and salads at many of the convenience stores throughout the airport. Keep an eye out for special “express” lines at restaurants.
Tips for Dining at Gatwick
Before you dive into London Gatwick food, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always check the opening hours of restaurants and cafes, as some establishments may have limited hours, especially during off-peak times or early morning flights. Allow ample time for security, potential queues, and enjoying your meal. Rushing through a meal can add to pre-flight stress, so factor in some extra time. The Gatwick Airport website and app are valuable resources, providing updated information on restaurant locations, menus, and opening hours. Consider pre-ordering your meal online (if available) to save time and ensure your favorite dish is available.
Bon Appétit!
London Gatwick Airport boasts a surprising variety of food options, catering to every taste, budget, and dietary need. From quick bites to sit-down meals, there’s something for everyone. By planning ahead, checking opening hours, and allowing ample time, you can transform your airport experience from a stressful ordeal into a delicious adventure. So, next time you’re flying through London Gatwick, skip the pre-conceived notions about airport food and discover the delicious possibilities that await! Don’t let hunger add to the stress of travel – embrace the culinary offerings and start your trip off right with some fantastic London Gatwick food. You might just find your new favorite pre-flight tradition!
