We’ve had a good run this summer, but as we enter autumn, don’t forget you can still jet away for a break, whatever the weather.
On a recent trip to Manchester Airport, we were given an inside look at the exciting developments coming to Terminal 2, and as part of the Airport’s exciting ongoing ‘Holiday Mode Activated’ campaign, the message is clear – your holiday should begin the moment you arrive at the airport, not just when you reach your destination.
This latest chapter in the campaign highlights how passengers can start to unwind as soon as they pass through security – with a particular focus on great food, and an elevated dining experience.
The transformation of Terminal 2 is designed to enhance this pre-holiday experience, as some of the upgrades you can expect focus on modernising with new bars, restaurants, and shops, as well advanced technology, all of which will contribute to a smoother and more relaxing start to any journey.
But what really sets this terminal apart, is the culinary experience.
We took a whistle-stop tour of a few of the eateries you can find in Terminal 2 to get a feel for the different food options on offer.
Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 is ALREADY a high-flying experience / Credit: The Manc Group
Part of the San Carlo group, Apiary is a stunning, tranquil restaurant with warm honey-toned interiors that immediately evoke a sense of calm, and it’s the perfect place for passengers to relax before their flight, offering fine dining that feels miles away from the usual airport fare.
We tried the burrata and grilled peach salad to start, the chicken breast with nduja and feta for a main course – which was a personal highlight – topped off with two gorgeous desserts, an Eton mess and a warm sticky toffee pudding, because there’s always room for dessert.
This rustic bar and restaurant champions and supports local suppliers. We sipped some stunning gin and tonics, while grazing on a wide selection of nibbles and platters. Then we tried the khobez flatbread served with spicy chicken shawarma and dips, which definitely satisfied our tastebuds.
Again, dessert is always on the cards, so they dished up a decadent mini dessert platter full of light but rich chocolatey treats.
Terminal 2 is also soon to welcome 22 new vendors, including several Manchester indies / Credit: The Manc Group
At this playful pink spot known for its American-inspired treats, we were served the indulgent signature chocolate waffles, stacked high with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce and a choice of toppings, such as strawberries, Kinder Bueno, or Oreo.
Although we weren’t hopping on a plane after this tour, it’s easy to see the vision that Manchester Airport, and specifically Terminal 2, have in mind for the future, because this is airport dining like no other, and it truly feels like you can kick your feet up and relax.
Through the ‘Holiday Mode Activated’ campaign, Manchester Airport wants to prove the idea that your trip starts from the moment you step inside the terminal. With these revamped dining options, travelers can now enjoy high-quality meals that allow them to truly unwind and begin their holiday in style, long before they even board the plane.
Terminal 2 is also soon to welcome 22 new vendors, including several independent Manchester-based businesses, all of which further showcase the city’s rich food and retail culture, and offer travellers even more ways to kickstart their holiday with a local touch.
You can read about the new changes coming to Terminal 2 here.
Featured Image – MAG (supplied)
Travel & Tourism
Manchester Airport shares major update and new images of Terminal 3 upgrade plans
Daisy Jackson
Plans to upgrade Terminal 3 at Manchester Airport have taken a big step forward.
The passenger hub’s reputation precedes it amongst Mancs (come on, who among us hasn’t gone ‘Oh god, not Terminal 3’ when you check your travel plans?) – it’s smaller, there are less bars and restaurants, and even the Boots is tiny.
Terminal 3 has become even less favoured since Manchester Airport undertook a £1.3bn investment in Terminal 2, which is now gorgeous and packed with interesting (and local) operators.
But now work has officially begun on a multi-million pound project to revamp Terminal 3 too.
The plans were unveiled back in May, promising extra seating, a new entrance, new shops and food and drink outlets, and ultra-modern security details.
New images are now giving passengers an idea of how the revamped departures area will look – and it includes a new sports bar.
Sporting Chance will be a 469-seat bar with airfield views. The CGIs of the sports bar show gigantic table football-style characters hanging overhead, as well as screens to show sporting events.
Manchester Airport has also confirmed that the Terminal 3 will be home to a new Italian-themed restaurant called Terracotta.
Terminal 3 will be made larger by merging partly with the existing Terminal 1 building, which is set to close once Terminal 2 is complete.
CGIs of Terminal 3’s new sports bar at Manchester AirportAn Italian restaurant will also open at Terminal 3 as part of the upgrade
The first parts of the new-look terminal will open early next year.
Manchester Airport Managing director Chris Woodroofe said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world and we’re always looking at how we can improve the experience we provide to our passengers.
“Our 10 year, £1.3bn project to completely transform Terminal 2 is nearly finished and we know passengers who have already used it absolutely love it.
“And now we’re able to shift our focus to Terminal 3 where work has already begun. Our plan is to take advantage of the extra space that will be afforded by the closure of Terminal 1 to really improve the experience for passengers who fly from there.
“It’s great to see the work already underway and really exciting that passengers will start to see the benefits of it from early next year.”
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Will Kendrick -
1st October 2024 
