UK. “We’re totally upping the game in airport food.” That is British chef Jamie Oliver’s goal as he unveiled his new flagship restaurant at London Gatwick Airport.
The Diner is intended as a homage to great American comfort food and features three distinct areas. The diner restaurant is notable for serving home-cooked style food on big trays or in baskets. An art-deco inspired bar and a ‘grab and go’ deli also feature.
The 627sq m restaurant will serve 278 covers and is intended to offer a relaxed yet vibrant experience at the airport.
“I’m chuffed to be opening a new diner at Gatwick Airport South Terminal,” said Oliver. “Airports can be pretty crazy places so we’re creating the perfect space to chill out with some good food, and maybe a drink or two, before you start your holiday. Everyone is welcome, no matter how long you stay.
“It’s all about the diner food you love, made with incredible, sustainable produce. There’s plenty of delicious healthy dishes, as well as some naughty ones that I’ve tried my best to keep in check, but each one is guaranteed to taste delicious.”
Gatwick Airport Head of Retail Rachel Bulford commented: “We are excited to be continuing the long-established relationship between Jamie Oliver and Gatwick Airport; Jamie opened his first ever airport restaurant here at Gatwick in 2012 which is still the only UK airport branch.
“We are delighted that Gatwick is again working with Jamie to be the first to launch the brand new flagship concept: The Diner.”
Some of the “naughty” (and healthy) dishes on offer include ‘Jamie’s Insanity Burger’, which consists of a prime beef patty, free range maple bacon, Jamie’s kickin’ bourbon burger sauce, Sparkenhoe cheese and flash pickles, and ‘Jamie’s Super Corn and Quinoa Salad’. This dish features charred corn, quinoa, avocado, feta, alphonso mango, baby plum tomatoes, garlicky lime dressing and crispy maple bacon.
The Diner is comprised of three separate areas – an art-deco inspired bar (pictured here), a diner restaurant and a ‘grab and go’ deli
‘Super Food Breakfast’ brings together poached free-range eggs, baby spinach, super grains and pulses, smashed avocado, toasted super nuts and seeds. ‘Naughty Chocolate Pancakes’ feature chocolate chunk pancakes, caramelised banana and honey-toasted pecans.
Passengers who prefer to take food away with them are able to pick up a ‘super food wrap’, ‘super food salad’ or Jamie Oliver inspired burrito – selecting from a choice of pulled, smoked meats, slow-cooked beans, wholegrain rice or quinoa, avocado, low fat yoghurt or Jamie Oliver’s secret chilli sauce.
