The pub will be named The Belle Vue, in a nod to the city’s historic showground that housed a pub, zoological gardens, greyhound racing and speedway track.
It was a focal point for social life in the city from the Victorian period right up until 2020, when the final event was held at Belle Vue stadium.
The design of the 338sq m pub in the Terminal 2 Departures lounge, which will have more than 300 covers, is inspired by the history of Belle Vue and the sporting culture of the North West of England. Artistic impressions of the space show a clubhouse style design with a blend of classic and modern features, complete with sports memorabilia adorning the walls.
The Belle Vue will become the final major food and drink venue to open its doors as part of the airport’s decade-long, £1.3bn transformation of Terminal 2. The programme has seen the terminal more than double in size and win a prestigious UNESCO-backed architecture award, with a blend of high street names and Northern brands taking up residence in its departure lounge.
Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re very excited to be able to reveal more detail about Terminal 2’s new JD Wetherspoon pub The Belle Vue, which will encapsulate the spirit and traditions of sporting entertainment in Manchester. This will be the first JD Wetherspoon pub at Manchester Airport and it is fantastic to have yet another household name taking its place among those opening units in the terminal, as part of its £1.3bn transformation.”
Richard Jackson, Retail Director at the airport, added: “From the outset of the transformation programme, we were keen to ensure we had a varied food and drink offering in the terminal with a strong sense of place and the Belle Vue will complement the existing bars and pubs in Terminal 2, expanding the choice on offer to passengers, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Our new Boutique Mall in Terminal 2, featuring a number of fashion’s big names, will open this summer too – so it is shaping up to be an exciting few months.”
