Belfast International Airport announces major upgrade to food & drink offering as part of £100m investment

Pictured (L-R) is Alistair Caldwell (SSP Operations Manager), Dan Owens (CEO, Belfast International Airport), Michelle McKay (General Manager, Soul & Grain), Cathy Granby (Chief Operations Officer, SSP UK and MD Ireland), andRichard Attwood (Director of Business Development UK and Ireland).

Belfast International Airport has unveiled ambitious plans to enhance its food and beverage offering as part of its wider £100 million, five-year investment programme.

The airport, part of the global VINCI Airports network, confirmed that a series of new food and drink concepts will be introduced across the terminal, beginning with the opening of new coffee bar Soul and Grain this week.

The outlet has been launched in partnership with leading travel food operator SSP Group.

A brand-new, 300-cover premium bar and kitchen is also in development and will provide an elevated dining experience for passengers.

Existing favourites Starbucks and Burger King will remain in place, alongside a new casual dining restaurant designed for families and larger groups. Northern Ireland’s well-known Lagan Bar is also set for a refurbishment, which will include increased seating capacity.

Airport officials say the new phase of development will further expand Belfast International’s commercial facilities and build upon recent investments including the state-of-the-art security hall, upgraded arrivals area, enhanced forecourt and world-class duty-free shopping experience.

Chief Executive of Belfast International Airport, Dan Owens, said:

“Northern Ireland is famous the world over for its hospitality and fantastic produce and we want to reflect that in the Airport through this next phase of investment. We are committed to ensuring that every passenger has a memorable experience when travelling and an elevated food and beverage offering is central to that.”

The airport confirmed that the new outlets will showcase Northern Ireland’s culture, history and landmarks, with menus incorporating locally inspired dishes prepared using regional suppliers and ingredients.

The redesigned dining spaces are intended to form the centrepiece of the terminal redevelopment, transforming the area into a modern, passenger-focused hub.

Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland, added:

“We have worked with Belfast International Airport for over two decades, so we’re excited to be growing our footprint together once again at such a pivotal moment in the airport’s history. The changes we’re making as part of its redevelopment will showcase the best Northern Ireland has to offer for those living in and visiting the city.

“Providing choice is one of our core goals to ensure that we meet the needs of every passenger. We look forward to bringing a few of our most popular own brand concepts to the airport for the first time alongside a fresh look for some enduring favourites.”

The enhanced dining portfolio marks a significant step in Belfast International Airport’s long-term transformation plans, aimed at ensuring the airport keeps pace with rising passenger numbers and evolving traveller expectations.