'We ate at Manchester Airport and I'm so glad I chose this place instead of the lounge'
26.06.2023 - 06:15
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The airport experience is a Marmite one isn't it, you either love it or hate it.
I've always embraced it to be honest and have nothing but fond memories of arriving there as a child eager to see what magazine I could pick up from WHSmith to keep me occupied on the plane.
Now, with children of my own, I still like to think that the holiday begins at the airport and that usually means choosing somewhere to eat before take-off.
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Unlike previous trips, where a super early flight meant breakfast all round, this time we had the luxury of an afternoon flight.
I toyed with the idea of booking a lounge, but while it seemed tempting, I wasn't convinced we'd get our money's worth at £30 plus per person.
I wasn't overwhelmed with the selection of food on offer either - it all seemed a little bit random when my colleague tried it for herself - plus the price clearly factors in the wines, beers and spirits available and it's not really worth paying the same for kids who aren't drinking.
With that in mind we headed to see what else Terminal 1 has to offer. The choice at the Food Quarter includes bar mcr, Upper Crust, Giraffe, Pizzaluxe, Burger King and The Grain Loft.
My 12-year-old obviously wanted his Burger King fix, but we decided The Grain Loft offered a better variety for the four of us.
On a Saturday lunchtime, it was busy, but it's so spacious so it didn't feel overcrowded and there were still lots of tables available, including a cosy side booth where we settled.
Apparently you can also plug your iPod into one of the booths with sound pods and enjoy your own tunes, but we didn't have that luxury. No doubt it would have sparked a row over what to listen to