Changes at Newcastle Airport are the height of good taste
OWEN YOUNGER takes a look at the changes at Newcastle Airport – and goes on a gastronomic tour
NEWCASTLE Airport is expecting to welcome over 3.5 million passengers this summer and the airport has invested heavily ahead of the season and the significant uplift in travellers it will bring.
Passengers checking in at the airport this year will notice several big differences as part of the £20m investment, including a new security search area, transformed catering outlets and the world’s first three-tier executive airport lounge.
The redeveloped security area follows a Government mandate for all UK airports to install ‘next generation’ scanning equipment, and Newcastle’s security search area has now been fully refurbished, offering passengers a new-look start to their trip.
Best of all, the upgraded equipment will allow passengers to leave all liquids and electronics in their hand luggage, making the screening process smoother and more efficient and should speed up the queues at busy times.
Once through security, the airport has refurbished many of the catering outlets in the departure lounge, with newly-opened restaurant Aster & Thyme providing luxurious surroundings, floor-to-ceiling views of the airfield and breakfast, lunch and dinner menus featuring locallysourced produce.
Also new this year is Soul + Grain, a food-to-go restaurant with fresh and nutritious meals on offer throughout the day, including a wide range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Tap + Brew replaces the Beer House, with a refurbished bar showing Sky Sports and a selection of local stotties and a wide range of ontap beers, including a gluten-free option from local supplier Full Circle.
If you fancy something away from the crowds, the airport’s executive lounge, Aspire, has also benefited from an expansion and full refurbishment.
With capacity for over 300 guests, the lounge is now also the first in the world to offer Aspire’s three tiers: Aspire, Luxe and Suite.
Each tier offers a different range of complimentary food and drinks, allowing passengers to choose the level that suits their taste or budget .