WHETHER you’re a plane enthusiast or simply like being in the heart of the action, at these airside cafes and pubs you can see it all.
Some visitors say you can feel rumbling beneath your feet and smell jet fuel in the air as they watch planes and helicopters take off in front of them.
The Aerodrome Café
At The Aerodrome Cafe in Elstree, you can sip on a coffee while watching planes take off in front of you.
The small cafe sits next to the Elstree Aerodrome which dates back to World War II and now serves light-aircraft and helicopters.
Inside the cafe, is a cosy log burner and as for the food, the kitchen is actually led by a Michelin-trained chef.
You can munch on all-day breakfasts and hot meals, including freshly made pizzas and Sunday roasts – or opt for an afternoon coffee with homemade cake.
For those wanting to see the airfield, head outside for the best views where passengers say you can hear “plane noises” and actually see them land and take off.
The Airport Pub, Manchester
You’ll practically be on the runway at this pub (not really), but it’s only 50 feet away from where the planes take off at Manchester Airport.
Grab a pint, burger or pizza, take a pew and watch the jets take off. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Kids loved watching the plane land and take off, even spotted a 787!”
Another said: “The location is great, right next to the runway which makes this pub excellent for plane spotting, if you’re an avid plane spotter or if you just want to watch planes take off or land while you’re having lunch.”
For kids, there’s even an airplane shaped playground with slides and monkey bars.
Quite often the pub holds events over bank holidays, and family fun events with face painting and glitter tattoos.
The Lookout, London
Aptly called The Lookout, this community cafe sits just outside of Biggin Hill Airport in London.
While you won’t see the landing of jumbo jets, the airfield is used for smaller planes and private charters.
In The Lookout Cafe, they serve up hot breakfasts – you can get pancakes or waffles with a choice of topping for £7.25.
For kids, there’s a Little Flyers menu which includes a lunchbox deal where you can get a sandwich, juice carton, small chocolate bar, a piece of fruit and packet of ‘Pombears’ crisps or popcorn for £5.45.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Be prepared for a whiff of aviation fuel and noise with your coffee but that’s part of the setting if you sit outside.
“Look out for the fancy jets, helicopters and, of course, the Spitfire – you can hear that coming before you see it.”
Hangar 9, Surrey
Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey has been a working airfield since the 1930s.
Its historic hangar was originally constructed and began operations in 1934 as part of the aerodrome – now inside it is Hangar 9 Cafe which serves breakfast and lunch.
Visitors have said not only does it serve up a tasty food, but it also has “brilliant views of the light planes and helicopters taking off on the field beyond”.
The airfield sees action with helicopter operations, charter services and even flight training schools.
The Apron Cafe and Bakery, Retford
Just outside of Retford, you can get a front row seat to see planes take off at Gamston Airport.
Rather than commercial planes, it’s an airfield for light private planes, flight training aircraft and small helicopters.
You can watch all the action next to the runway at The Apron Cafe and Bakery, which is open from 9am until 5pm every day for breakfast, and lunch from sandwiches to main meals.
On Sundays, you can even opt for roast dinners, and if you’re really hungry, enjoy the full three courses.
One visitor said: “The planes kept the children amused between courses.”
Another added: “Amazing breakfast. When you have the weather it’s nice to sit outside and watch the planes and helicopters.”