Heading out from East Midlands Airport? Make sure you’re fully fuelled for your flight with a bite to eat before you board. From quick grab-and-go snacks to leisurely sit-down meals, this airport offers a variety of dining options to suit every traveller. Plan ahead by choosing where to eat right here with our up-to-date guide to all the restaurants and cafés both before and after security.
Here are all the restaurants at East Midlands Airport
| Restaurant | Opening times | Before/after security |
|---|---|---|
| Alembic | First to last flight | After security |
| Burger King | First to last flight | After security |
| Castle Rock Taproom & Kitchen | First to last flight | After security |
| Frankie & Benny’s (until Easter 2026) | First to last flight | After security |
| Greggs | First to last flight | Before security (Arrivals Hall) |
| Pork & Pickle | First to last flight | After security |
| Starbucks | First to last flight | After security |
(Opening hours generally run from the day’s first departing flight to the last, though times may vary by season. “After security” indicates the Departure Lounge (only accessible to ticketed passengers), while “Before security” covers the public areas such as Check-In or Arrivals.)
Alembic
Alembic, opened in 2024, is the airport’s newest food and drink venue – a stylish bar and restaurant offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu of fresh, seasonal small plates ideal for sharing. It’s a refined yet relaxed spot where you can unwind with tapas-style dishes and premium tipples before your flight. In a nod to its name (an alembic still), Alembic features locally-sourced spirits from Derbyshire’s acclaimed White Peak Distillery – including craft whisky, gin and rum – to elevate your pre-flight drink. Whether you fancy a light bite or a cocktail at sunset, Alembic delivers a taste of the Mediterranean and the Midlands in one go.
- Best for: Travellers seeking a chic atmosphere to enjoy craft drinks and light bites before boarding.
- Where: Upper Departure Lounge (after security).
Burger King
Burger King delivers the fastest food at great prices, perfect for anyone on a tight schedule. It’s burgers all the way here – from the signature flame-grilled Whopper to classic cheeseburgers and even a real Angus steak burger. You can also grab fries, kids’ meals and other American fast-food favourites. Service is quick and friendly, getting you fed without delay. If you need a familiar, satisfying bite in a hurry (and at a price that won’t give you indigestion), Burger King is a solid choice.
- Best for: Hungry travellers who want a quick, no-fuss meal from a familiar high-street brand.
- Where: After security, in the Upper Departure Lounge.
Castle Rock Taproom & Kitchen
Castle Rock Taproom & Kitchen is a spacious pub-style eatery that pays homage to Nottingham’s famous Castle Rock Brewery. Here you can relax with a local craft beer or enjoy a full meal in a laid-back environment. The bar offers a selection of Castle Rock’s acclaimed ales and beers – a great way to sample local brews in the airport. The food menu runs from hearty British pub classics to globally inspired favourites, covering all times of day: start your morning with a bacon bap or a full English, or later on, tuck into burgers, sausages and mash, salads, curries and more. There’s even a separate kids’ menu, making it easy to feed the whole family in one place. With its warm wooden floors and barrel-themed décor, Castle Rock creates a comfortable pub atmosphere right inside the terminal.
- Best for: A relaxed sit-down meal or drink at any time of day – perfect for both business and leisure travellers who have time to spare.
- Where: After security, in the Upper Departure Lounge.
Frankie & Benny’s
Frankie & Benny’s brings a taste of 1950s New York Italian diner vibes to East Midlands Airport. This family-friendly chain is known for combining classic home-cooked Italian dishes with New York favourites, offering something for everyone. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasers: juicy burgers, pasta and meatballs, steaks, pizzas and indulgent desserts. Even the fussiest eaters (including kids) will find options here, and there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices as well. The fun, casual setting makes it a great place to kick off your holiday – perhaps with a creamy milkshake or a cocktail to toast the start of your trip. (Note: Frankie & Benny’s has been a mainstay in the departure lounge for years, but it is due to close by Easter 2026. It will be replaced by a new Italian restaurant, Terracotta, offering a modern take on Italian cuisine.)
- Best for: Sit-down family fun – it’s a great spot to relax with the kids and let the holiday excitement begin.
- Where: After security, in the Lower Departure Lounge (towards the gates).
Greggs
Greggs is a welcome addition for travellers arriving or seeing people off. This famous British bakery-café offers a contemporary food-on-the-go experience, and it’s actually located in the Arrivals Hall (before security). Whether you need a breakfast bap or coffee after an early flight, or a quick snack before heading home, Greggs has you covered. They serve all the beloved Greggs classics – from the legendary sausage rolls and steak bakes to freshly made sandwiches, chicken goujons, and sweet treats like doughnuts and iced buns. It’s no wonder Greggs is one of the UK’s most popular food brands. For convenience, you can even use the Greggs app to click-and-collect your order and skip the queue. Prices are wallet-friendly, making this a handy option for a quick bite.
- Best for: A quick, affordable snack or coffee on the go – ideal for those arriving, picking up passengers, or anyone who wants to grab extra treats for the journey.
- Where: Before security, in the Arrivals Hall (public area near Arrivals – accessible without a boarding pass).
Pork & Pickle
Pork & Pickle is a cosy café-deli that showcases authentic regional treats and the East Midlands’ culinary heritage. It’s perfect whether you want to grab-and-go or sit down for a leisurely bite – there’s something for everyone. Pork & Pickle partners with local producer Dickinson & Morris of Melton Mowbray, so you’ll find delicious local specialities like Melton Mowbray pork pies, artisan sausages, and freshly baked cakes among the offerings. They also serve sandwiches, paninis, and plenty of grab-and-go snacks, along with hot and cold drinks. This spot is especially handy if you’re near the gates and want to pick up one last bit of sustenance before boarding. (The unit has recently been refurbished to refresh the brand and add even more grab-and-go options.)
- Best for: Travellers looking for a taste of local Midlands fare or anyone in a hurry who needs a quality sandwich, pastry or coffee near the gates.
- Where: After security, in the Lower Departure Lounge (close to many of the departure gates).
Starbucks
Starbucks offers a familiar coffeehouse experience to fuel your journey. As one of the world’s most iconic coffee brands, the Starbucks at East Midlands Airport serves all your favourites: from expertly brewed espresso-based coffees and frothy lattes to chilled Frappuccino® blended drinks, made just the way you like. If you’re not in the mood for coffee, you can choose from a range of teas, hot chocolate, refreshing smoothies and more. Feeling peckish? There’s also a tempting array of paninis, sandwiches, cakes and pastries to enjoy with your drink. The café’s relaxed setting is perfect for a quick pit-stop to recharge. Take a moment to unwind with your cappuccino – you’re only steps away from the boarding gates, so you can relax until it’s time to fly.
- Best for: A quick caffeine fix or light snack in a familiar, cozy café setting – great for early morning flyers and coffee lovers.
- Where: After security, in the Departures area (just a stone’s throw from the gates).
Travel Tips: Add some luxury to your trip by booking an airport lounge to enjoy complimentary food and drinks in a quiet setting before your flight. If you have an early departure or a late arrival, consider booking an airport hotel nearby – it can significantly cut stress levels (and might be more affordable than you think). Both lounges and hotels at East Midlands Airport can be reserved in advance for the best deals.
Finally, remember that opening hours can vary during off-peak seasons. It’s always wise to double-check the latest information on what’s open (and when) on the day of your travel – East Midlands Airport’s official website and information boards will have up-to-date details. With the options above, you’ll be sure to stay well-fed and refreshed as you begin your journey. Bon appétit and happy travels!