Major UK airport reveals its first ever Wetherspoons pub spanning over 3,000 sq ft
A MAJOR UK airport has released a first look at its highly anticipated new Wetherspoons.
Opening in September, the pub will be a budget option for travellers looking for a pre-flight drink.
Manchester Airport is getting its first ever Wetherspoons this September with a design inspired by sporting culture in the North West.
The 3,000 sq ft pub will have more than 300 covers, becoming the final major food and drink venue to open as part of the refurbishment of Terminal 2.
John Hutson, JD Wetherspoon chief executive, said: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport.
“We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”
Terminal 2 has doubled in size since the refurbishment began a decade ago, costing the airport over £1.3billion.
Manchester Airport’s newest pre-flight pub is called the Belle Vue, commemorating the city’s historic entertainment venue that had a pub, greyhound racing and a speedway track.
Shutting in 2020, the Belle Vue offered a step back in time to explore the Manchester’s culture in the Victorian era.
Now, the sporting elements of the Belle Vue will be transformed into the pub’s new decor, with artistic impressions hinting at a clubhouse-style design.
Inside, the walls are adorned with sporting memorabilia from the North West, and checkered flag floors.
The Belle Vue joins a host in new hospitality venues arriving at Manchester Airport, including a Fever Tree cocktail and champagne bar, and the Great Northern Market street food hall.
Wetherspoons currently operates 10 pubs across airports, including three in Gatwick and two in Heathrow.
Manchester’s Belle Vue joins the over 800 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK, and the over 30 locations in Greater Manchester.
Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re very excited to be able to reveal more detail about Terminal 2’s new JD Wetherspoon pub The Belle Vue, which will encapsulate the spirit and traditions of sporting entertainment in Manchester.
“This will be the first JD Wetherspoon pub at Manchester Airport and it is fantastic to have yet another household name taking its place among those opening units in the terminal, as part of its £1.3bn transformation.”