What's the story?Slowly and steadily, the quality of food at Manchester Airport is improving
Airport food is getting better; it's just a very slow process. Since the launch of the revamped T2, MAN has been upping its game. They've brought in local favourites and made sure that some of the mid-tier chains have a presence. It's not five-star, but it's significantly better than it used to be.
What's the story?
Pasta Evangelists plan to open in T2 in "Autumn 2024," which means in the next three months.
I'm not familiar with the brand, but they started out in Harrods and have two other London-based franchises. This will be their first outside of London. They'll also be developing breakfast options as this is their first all-day site. Their opening hours at MAN will be 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Their site at Manchester Airport will not be a franchise - they will own and run it. It will also be take-out only.
What will they be serving?
The breakfast offering is as yet unknown. Looking at the menu for Harrods - their only other site that's not a franchise -there's a tight selection of antipasti and pasta dishes, supplemented by some pasta specials. The starters cost between £9 and £25, with most coming in at the £12 mark.
The mains are between £24 and £48, with the specials costing £38 to £48. I would expect the pricing to be lower for The North (MAN is not Harrods) but equally the airport need to take their cut. I can't see fellow Northerners shelling out £48 for a takeout.
Looking at the franchisee menus, they're better priced, and the options seem more suited to an airport.
Who will they be competing against?
MAN T2 has some credible food options. Local favourites include Archie's (milkshakes and fast food), Barburitto (Mexican), and Pot Kettle Black (Comfort food). San Carlo (full-range Italian) is a North West institution. My guess is that Pasta Evangelists sits below San Carlo in terms of price and offering.
Within T2 you also have Starbucks, Pret and Costa, as well as the some food-pub options like the Amber Alehouse, Apiary, and The Bridgewater.
Manchester Airport is on a journey. Sadly one that had some bumps in the road around covid. The airport is back on track, and whilst they won't (and can't) match the top tier airports like Changi and Doha they are doing some amazing things. The final phase of T2 is due to complete in 2025, and very soon Aether, the private terminal at Manchester Airport, will open. It's progress, which is all we could ask for. Will there be more food options at T2?
Yes - T2 will be completed in 2025. The second phase will feature a combination of 27 shops, bars and restaurants. Who those will be is yet to be revealed, but MAN has hinted that there will be a food hall and a champagne bar.
What does this mean for BA and other Avios-fuelled airlines?
Unfortunately, if you're flying BA, this new restaurant won't be accessible to you, as they fly from T3, as do Iberia. Qatar flights do leave from T2, as do Aer Lingus. Finnair flies from T1. When the second phase of T2 opens, T1 will close, meaning that Finnair flights will have the pleasure of a brand new terminal. BA and Iberia remain in the cramped and unloved Terminal 3, at least for the time being.
