SSP secures 10-year contract with Liverpool John Lennon Airport

SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has secured a significant new deal with Liverpool John Lennon Airport, extending its operations at the airport until at least 2036.

All of SSP’s existing units will be refurbished, rebranded or extended, and additional outlets will be created, increasing the capacity of SSP’s restaurants by nearly half.

The new venture will be part of the airport’s plans to meet the requirements of increasing passenger numbers. This includes the arrival of new airline Jet2, which will operate up to 54 flights a week to 20 destinations across six countries later this year.

The initial phase of the development includes a high-end eatery called Sable & Co Bar and Kitchen, which will take pride of place on the mezzanine level after World Duty Free and is scheduled to open in the spring. It will feature a food and drink menu curated to showcase the best of local ingredients and suppliers, served in a design-led environment.

A new Burger King and a bar concept called Tap & Brew (which serves a wide range of local craft beers alongside international favourites) opened at the end of last year.

The next phase will include the refurbishment of an existing Upper Crust and a Starbucks coffee shop, and for those looking for a classic meal, SSP will create a modern American-style diner offering an all-day menu. The popular Kissing Gate pub will be extended and will provide a lively place to enjoy a drink or bite to eat before a flight. The whole transformation programme will result in many job opportunities.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s passenger numbers grew by 20% in 2023 and are expected to return to pre-Covid levels of 5 million per year in 2024.

Kari Daniels, CEO SSP UK & Ireland, said; “This development is testament to the high standard of our offer over the time we’ve been operating at Liverpool John Lennon. We’ve built strong relationships with the team here, and we’re delighted to be working closely with them now to make the F&B offer at this great UK airport even better. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming passengers at our fabulous new bars, restaurants and cafes.”

Lucy O’Shaughnessy, Commercial Director at LJLA added; “We’re delighted to be extending our partnership with SSP which has been key to the airport offering a great airport experience for our passengers. This investment will give the growing numbers of passengers choosing to fly from the region’s faster, easier, friendlier airport a wider choice of food and beverage facilities and some really exciting new developments that we’re sure will prove popular with our passengers.”