Belfast International Airport Food Transformation Plan

- Belfast International Airport and SSP to transform food and beverage offer as part of new ten-year contract

- New range of food and beverage options will provide more choice for passengers

- Food travel experts SSP Group will deliver the work as part of a new 10-year partnership deal


Belfast International Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has unveiled plans for a range of new food and beverage experiences as part of its wider five year £100m investment programme.

Coffee bar ‘Soul and Grain’ is the first of the new concepts, which opened on site this week, in partnership with leading food travel experts SSP Group.

A brand-new 300-cover premium bar and kitchen concept is being developed, to offer an elevated experience for passengers. Familiar favourites Starbucks and Burger King will remain alongside a new casual dining restaurant concept for families and larger groups. Northern Ireland’s iconic Lagan Bar will also be given a makeover with increased seating capacity.

This next phase of work further enhances the commercial facilities at Belfast International and will complement the recently completed state-of-the-art security hall, world class duty-free shopping experience, new arrivals area, and enhanced forecourt.

Dan Owens, Chief Executive of Belfast International Airport 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 new food and drink outlets will celebrate Northern Ireland and Belfast’s rich culture, history and landmarks, with locally inspired dishes using regional suppliers and ingredients. They will be the centrepiece of the airport’s redeveloped terminal, transforming the existing space into a modern, passenger-friendly hub of dining options.

Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland said, “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.”

Photo Caption: 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), and Richard Attwood (Director of Business Development UK and Ireland).