SSP and Leeds Bradford Airport announce 14-year contract for food and beverage transformation

SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, will open a series of new and refreshed units as part of Leeds Bradford Airport’s transformative £100 million terminal extension and refurbishment.

The airport is adding a three-storey extension to its main terminal, scheduled for completion before the busy summer getaway, to meet growing demand and improve passenger experiences. With 75% more space for F&B and retail outlets, SSP is extending its operations through a new 14-year contract with a greater range of F&B outlets offering something for everyone.

SSP will operate a diverse portfolio from casual airport dining at its new American-style concept, Monty’s Diner, through to grab-and-go options at Upper Crust from its own brand portfolio alongside a Starbucks. It will also debut its first AMT Coffee at a UK airport and open a brand-new premium bar and kitchen concept. A new Burger King restaurant and SSP’s craft beer and kitchen concept, Tap and Brew, have already opened in the new terminal extension in the first phase of the airport’s F&B transformation.

“We have a long-standing partnership with Leeds Bradford Airport, and we’re excited to be growing our footprint with these new and refreshed units as part of the airport’s major redevelopment”, said Kari Daniels, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland. “Providing choice is one of our core goals to ensure that we meet the needs of every passenger. We have opened our first two outlets, and 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.”

The opening of the terminal extension is a significant milestone in the airport’s redevelopment plan, LBA: REGEN, and arrives at the perfect time to welcome passengers ahead of the peak summer trade. The airport will also bring a fresh look and feel to the existing main terminal with renovations expected to be complete by winter 2026.

John Cunliffe, Commercial and Strategy Director commented: “These new restaurants, cafes and eateries will be transformational for customers at LBA and help us deliver an experience of a lifetime when travelling through our airport. The customer journey will be completely unrecognisable; larger, faster, more streamlined security, an enhanced arrivals experience, exciting new shops and eateries, much more seating to relax and enjoy stunning panoramic views of our runway and better access for passengers with restricted mobility.”

Second Monty’s Diner lands

After launching Monty’s Diner in early 2025, SSP will expand its new casual airport dining concept to its second UK location, Leeds Bradford Airport. Monty’s serves up an American-inspired all-day menu featuring cooked breakfasts, waffles, pancakes, smashed patty burgers, and thick shakes.

The airport is the perfect location for Monty’s second restaurant with its relaxed and spacious environment enabling families and larger groups to kick off their trips with a tasty meal together.

Upper Crust and AMT enhance grab-and-go offer

Passengers from Leeds Bradford Airport will be able to grab a fresh baguette from SSP’s iconic travel companion, Upper Crust, which will land at the airport with its newly rebranded, contemporary look and feel. It will be complemented by AMT Coffee, part of SSP’s own brand portfolio, which will serve up a bespoke blend of Fairtrade coffee and freshly baked pastries for the first time in a UK airport.

Additionally, Starbucks and the new Burger King restaurant will ensure passengers have plenty of options when needing to quickly fuel up before flights.

Celebrating with a tipple before take-off

Passengers can start their holidays in style with a glass of fizz in the newly refurbished departure lounges. Alongside grabbing a cocktail or ‘hard shake’ from Monty’s, two new bar offers will provide relaxed settings to socialise and unwind before take-off.

A stylish new premium bar will become the focal point of the Departure Lounge, becoming the sixth outlet in SSP’s Juniper premium bar family to open at UK airports since 2021. Tap & Brew, SSP’s popular craft beer and kitchen concept, is now open within the terminal extension building and becomes the concept’s fifth outlet at UK travel hubs.