F&B operator SSP Group has unveiled plans for a new upmarket eatery at London City airport.
The group – which operates outlets at airports, rail stations and motorway service stations across the UK – has been awarded a seven-year extension of its contract at the airport.
The agreement is part of the £12 million upgrade of LCY’s departure lounge which commenced last year, including more seating, expanded toilet facilities, and new retail and F&B outlets.
At the time it was announced that SSP would develop its restaurant and bar concept Juniper & Co (first seen at Gatwick’s North Terminal) at London City, alongside a landside Soul & Grain outlet offering coffee from Extract Coffee Roaster, as well as “indulgent treats” and vegetarian and vegan options.
It was also announced that a new SSP restaurant brand would replace the existing Cabin Bar, and this has now been confirmed as Hithes – “a hybrid of city pub dining and a modern London brasserie”.
The upmarket eatery will offer dishes “from the four corners of the city”, including a ‘City Boys’ all-day breakfast, ‘Notting Hill’ jerk chicken and ‘Brick Lane’ chicken tikka masala.
Design elements will include “sparkling mirrors”, and a mural by English artists Edward Bawden depicting scenes of London food markets.
Commenting on the news Kari Daniels, CEO SSP UK and Ireland said:
“SSP has a long-standing relationship with London City Airport, spanning 20 years. We’re delighted to be bringing new concepts to London City passengers and have worked in close partnership with the airport to deliver a truly local, London experience.
“These concepts will give guests an opportunity to sample some of the most exciting foods from across the capital.”