A new bar called The Grain Loft is to open at Manchester Airport T1. The outlet has been specially designed to reflect the warmth and character of the north west of Britain, and its menu will feature much of the food and drink for which the region is renowned.
The Manchester area is home to some of the finest ales in the UK, and a selection of these will be sold at the bar. Many will be used as ingredients in the food served. Dishes such as Krakauer sausage marinated in Weetwood’s Cheshire Cat ale, or steak and ale pie made with British beef and roasted root vegetables in a Dunham Massey Big Tree bitter gravy will be on the menu. Listed alongside each choice is a recommended beer specially selected to be the perfect accompaniment.
A highlight of the menu is the Beer Can Chicken sharer for two - a whole marinated chicken, slow roasted over a can of Thornbridge’s Jaipur IPA, and served with triple cooked chips and homemade seasonal coleslaw. Sharers and light bites include Beer battered Bury black pudding fritters and hand-battered fish goujons and chip-shop chips.
With its low-level lighting, soft seating and warm, inviting textures, the bar offers travellers a calming alternative to the bustle of the brightly lit concourse. The large space is zoned into different seating areas to accommodate groups of travellers, families, or people travelling on their own.
To ensure the busy traveller can relax, the bar has a number of features which will allow them to feel in control of their time. FIDS are within easy view of every seat, while a thirteen minute time-guarantee on many items on the menu means those short of time can still enjoy a meal before their flight. Self-service beer stations, where customers can simply set up a tab, choose a featured beer and pour their pint themselves, speed service and provide a real talking point. ‘Sound pods’ allow visitors to choose their own music and create their own atmosphere.
Mark Rainbow, SSP UK chief operating officer said; ‘The Grain Loft will give Manchester’s passengers a comfortable place to enjoy a drink or a meal, with all the familiarity and quality of their local contemporary pub. We’re certain this will become the number one place to relax at the airport and ensure our customers’ holiday gets off to a flying start at Manchester Airport.’
Beth Brewster, Retail Director for MAG, owners of Manchester Airport, said: ‘The Grain Loft is a great new addition to our busiest terminal. The sound pods, beer stations and the use of local produce are truly unique and will give our passengers, whether travelling with the family or on business, something to enjoy. SSP have always understood and worked alongside us in giving passengers something different, modern and innovative and I’m sure it will be a success. I can’t wait to try the Beer Can Chicken.’
The Grain Loft will open on 21st March.
