Gatwick Airport: Where to eat & drink

Where to eat & drink at Gatwick Airport

Based nearly 30 miles south of London, Gatwick Airport is the UK’s second-busiest after Heathrow in terms of total passenger traffic.

And as you’d expect from such a key transport hub, in terms of where to eat at Gatwick there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets, whether you’re travelling as a family, alone, with a partner or a group of friends.

With plenty of vegan, vegetarian, dairy and gluten-free options, plus menus catering to other specialist diets, you’ll find everything here, from grabbing a quick coffee to snacking or fine dining. There’s a great range of Gatwick Airport restaurants spread across its two main departure and arrival hubs, the North and South terminals.

Once you’ve gone through security, you’ll appreciate the chance to take a breather and have something to eat and drink before you board. After all, it’s a good way to kill time, there’s more choice than in the air, especially on a short-haul hop, and it could well work out cheaper. What’s more, you can relax as you look forward to jetting off on holiday, or prepare for a business trip.

What are the Gatwick food and drink options?

If you just fancy a quick but quality coffee and are wondering where to drink at Gatwick Airport, all the usual chains are here, before and after security in both terminals. That includes the likes of Costa Coffee, Jamie’s Coffee Lounge, Starbucks, Pret, Caffè Nero plus the ever-popular Coffee-Bike franchise.

Of course, many of these outlets will also provide a bite to eat, such as a fresh-baked muffin which you can justify as a treat ahead of a well-earned break.

If you’re after something more substantial, you could pick up a healthy salad or wrap, or a taco from Tortilla, or maybe you’d prefer some tasty veggie choices, fresh juice from Pure or a milkshake from Shake Shack, based airside in the North terminal.

If you want to start a holiday in celebratory style, check out the bars and pubs offering everything from a full English breakfast to pub lunches or dinners, alongside every imaginable alcoholic beverage. In the North terminal, the Nicholas Culpepper is named after a seventeenth-century local scientist.

Wagamama brings you Asian flavours, Sonoma a taste of California; Jamie’s Italian is ideal if you fancy pizza or pasta. Pushing the boat out? Try the Caviar House and Premier Seafood Bar in the South terminal. Other eateries at Gatwick include Giraffe and Comptoir Libanais, while there’s yet more choice at The Food Village.

FAQs

Can I make reservations to eat at Gatwick Airport?

That depends on where you’re planning on dining. If you’re just grabbing a coffee and muffin, you obviously won’t need to book ahead. Other places, such as Juniper in North terminal, may welcome reservations. Check ahead before you travel.

What time do restaurants open at Gatwick Airport?

Again, this varies. But whatever time you’re there, you should be able to find something to eat and drink at Gatwick Airport, although inevitably you’ll find more choice later in the day.

Jamie’s Coffee Lounge, for example, opens its doors at 3am, while Coffee Bike, Pret, Pure, Tortilla, Starbucks and The Red Lion serve from 4am. One or two establishments, such as Starbucks and The Red Lion, only close once the last flight of the day has left or arrived.

If you’re after a full meal, however, be aware that some places stop serving in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are there fast-food restaurants at Gatwick Airport?

The airport caters to all tastes and needs, and fast-food outlets are no exception. Many of the places, after all, serving coffees and snacks could be classed as fast-food eateries. Equally, you’ll find the likes of Pizza Hut and Burger King in the Food Village.

Travel to Gatwick Airport

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