All the places to eat & drink at Manchester Airport - and can you bring food through security to avoid queues?

Some passengers at Manchester Airport have been struggling to get their hands on snacks and drinks before their flights due to long waits at peak times.

Those lucky enough not to have their flights cancelled this summer are still coming up against problems when they get inside the airport.

It is not only the airport itself which is facing staff recruitment challenges, but also many of the cafes and restaurants inside the terminals.

Passengers have reported waiting in long queues this week of up to an hour to purchase food as well as many establishments being closed after 5pm.

The Manchester Airport website states: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our terminals are currently running with reduced amenities.”

To reduce the stress of travel we have put together a simple guide to all the bars, cafes and restaurants inside the Manchester Airport - including their usual opening hours. Please note opening times can be subject to change.

Terminal One

Bar MCR

This bar serves a wide range of craft beers, wines and spirits as well as a large cocktail list. They serve traditional British favourites such as a fry up breakfast as well as sausage and mash.

Opening hours: 4am to 7pm daily.

Burger King

This fast food classic serves everything you would expect from a Burger King in your hometown.

It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite if you’re rushing to a flight.

Opening hours: 4am to 8pm.

Cafe Balzar

If you’re looking for an upscale experience before jetting off then Cafe Blazar is the spot to try.

They serve contemporary and stylish dishes that have been influenced by French and colonial cuisine.

Opening hours: Information currently unavailable.

Giraffe

This eatery has an eclectic menu with burgers and salads up for grabs.

There is a special children’s menu to satisfy small passengers who may be after familiar classics.

Opening hours: Opens at 4am but there is no set closing time.

Greggs

This classic bakery stocks all your favourite sausage rolls, steak bakes and pizza slices.

Opening hours: 5.30am to 10pm.

Pizzaluxe

This restaurant serves freshly baked sourdough pizza at affordable prices.

Opening hours: 11am to 6pm.

Pret

This high street classic sells a range of sandwiches, salads and soups.

They are, of course, a great spot to pick up a cup of coffee before a flight.

Opening hours: 4am to 8pm.

Starbucks

What could be better than a hot coffee before a long flight to make sure you don’t fall asleep.

There are also a range of sandwiches, paninis and cakes on offer.

Opening hours: 4am to 8pm.

The Grain Loft

This restaurant shows all main sporting events and allows you to plug in your phone to the booth to play music.

Opening hours: 3.30am to the last flight of the day.

Upper Crust

This eatery is all about sandwiches made from sourdough bread.

Their baguettes can be customised with mozzarella, basil pesto, olives, chicken and vine ripened tomatoes.

Opening hours: 4am to 8pm.

Terminal Two

Amber Alehouse

This bar serves a range of microbrewery labels from Seven Bro7hers.

They also have a variety of bar snacks and burgers to keep passengers satisfied.

Opening hours: Opens at 4am - no definite closing time stated.

Apiary

This bar has a great cocktail menu as well as a menu that is created with locally sourced ingredients.

Opening hours: Not available.

Archies

This eatery focuses on burgers, milkshakes and waffles.

Opening hours: Opens 5am - no set closing time stated.

Barburrito

Burritos are a great meal, whether you have time to sit down and enjoy or you’re on the go.

Opening hours: 4am to 3pm.

Bridgewater

This traditional pub is filled with local delicacies such as steak and ale pies and Manchester Tarts.

Opening hours: 3am until the last flight of the day.

Costa

Fast paced chain coffee can be a great aid on a busy travel day.

They also serve pastries and sandwiches.

Opening hours: 3am to 2pm.

KFC

This KFC serves a full menu, so passengers can expect to see all their favourite classics inside the airport.

Opening hours: 12pm to 7pm.

Pot Kettle Black

Coffee and brunch is on the menu at this eatery.

Opening hours: not available.

Pret

This highstreet classic sells a range of sandwiches, salads and soups.

They are of course a great spot to pick up a cup of coffee before a flight.

Opening hours: 4am to 5pm.

San Carlo

This Italian restaurant serves a range of pizza, pasta and salad.

They change their menu every season.

Opening hours: 5am to 5pm.

VIT

If you’re looking for a healthy snack or smoothie then this is the place.

Opening hours: temporarily closed.

M&S

If you want to grab a sandwich meal deal or some fresh produce to snack on before your flight then M&S has you covered.

Opening hours: open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Wagamama

This Japanese restaurant serves a variety of noodle, curry and salad dishes.

Opening hours: 4am to 4pm.

Terminal Three

Caffe Nero

Italian coffee is combined with sweet treats such as cake, brownies and pastries.

Opening hours: 5am to 5pm.

Costa Coffee

Fast paced chain coffee can be a great aid on a busy travel day.

They also serve pastries and sandwiches.

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday - 3.30am to 6pm, Friday - 3.30am to 8pm.

Hangar

This eatery offers a breakfast menu as well as classics such as burgers and chips.

Opening hours: 4am to 4pm.

Kiosco

This is a grab and go establishment that sells international snacks and drinks.

Opening hours: Not available.

KFC

This KFC serves a full menu so passengers can expect to see all their favourite classics inside the airport.

Opening hours: 12pm to 7pm.

Pork and Pickle

This traditional deli has pastries, breads and pork pies.

Opening hours: not available.

The Lion and Antelope

A modern British pub dining experience with all the favourites such as fish and chips.

Opening hours: currently closed.

The Nook

This bar carries fine wines, spirits, fizz and craft lagers.

Opening hours: currently closed.

Can passengers bring in their own food and drink to the airport?

Solid food can be carried in both hand luggage and suitcases.

But there are rules about the kinds of food that will make it past security.

Dry, packaged food is the easiest option - biscuits, breads and baked goods should have no trouble getting through.

But foods with liquid involved such as pasta sauce or honey may be turned away.

An easy rule to follow is if it can spill… leave it at home.

Government guidance on food is that it should be placed in hold luggage to minimise delays.

It says the presence of food in hand luggage can obstruct images in x-ray machines, which means bags may need to be checked manually by security - which can be a lengthy process.

When it comes to liquids the rules are much stricter.

Only 100ml of liquid are allowed through security but many cafes will give you a discount if you bring an empty reusable cup.

Reusable water bottles are a great idea as they can be filled inside the airport at various points including water fountains in arrivals and departures. Just remember bottles and cups must be empty when you get to security checks to avoid confiscation.