Bristol Airport Signs Four Restaurants for Terminal Transformation in Bristol 2026

Key Points

• Four major food and beverage brands – Bill’s, Cosy Club, wagamama, and Tap + Brew – have been officially signed as part of the initial phase of Bristol Airport’s terminal transformation.
• £400m wider investment project, with more than £60m dedicated specifically to expanding and upgrading the departure lounge facilities.
• Cosy Club transport hub debut: Home-grown firm Loungers Group is opening its first-ever airport restaurant location.
• Bill’s airport expansion: Operated by Avolta, the venue marks only the second airport location for the popular dining chain in the UK.
• Opening timeline: Bill’s will open in early summer 2027, followed by Cosy Club, wagamama, and Tap + Brew opening in autumn 2027.
• Space and seating increase: The expansion will incorporate 17 new units and increase overall departure lounge seating by roughly 20 per cent.

Bristol (Bristol Express News) August 17, 2026 – Bristol Airport has formally signed four popular dining operators to open outlets within its departure lounge as part of a ongoing £400 million terminal transformation plan. The commercial expansion will almost double the number of retail and food outlets available to passengers, introducing popular high-street brands alongside bespoke local concepts.

What new restaurants are arriving at Bristol Airport in 2027?

As part of the initial phase of commercial announcements, the airport confirmed that Bill’s, Cosy Club, wagamama, and a new bar and kitchen called Tap + Brew will open their doors during 2027.

The first outlet scheduled to open in early summer 2027 is Bill’s, which is being operated by travel retail specialist Avolta. The venue will mark only the second airport branch for the Bill’s brand across the entire United Kingdom.

As reported by Beth Brewster, Senior Coordinating Director for Avolta F&B UK, Avolta expressed great enthusiasm regarding the partnership:

“We are really excited to bring Bill’s to Bristol Airport, marking the brand’s second airport location in the UK. Bill’s is a well-loved restaurant concept, and its arrival reflects Avolta’s focus on delivering relevant, high-quality food and beverage experiences in the airport environment. We look forward to opening in 2027 and welcoming passengers to a new dining option that will enhance their journey through Bristol.”

According to statements from Tom James, Managing Director at Bill’s, the company views the location as an ideal match:

“Bristol Airport is such an exciting project to be involved in. As a key travel hub with such a large catchment area, the development and growth of this fantastic Airport is something we are very proud to be part of. Bill’s is finding a great new home in the airport environment, and the opportunity to delight the thousands of passengers from families to solo travellers travelling from Bristol each week is something we are really looking forward to.”

The Bill’s location will offer all-day dining including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, featuring an extensive range of Coeliac UK-approved gluten-free menu choices.

How is local Bristol brand Cosy Club making transport history?

Shortly after the arrival of Bill’s, Bristol-born restaurant group Loungers will open its very first airport-based Cosy Club venue. The Loungers Group was originally founded in 2002 by three friends—Alex Reilley, Jake Bishop, and Dave Reid—who opened their first site, Lounge, on North Street in Bristol. The parent firm now operates 37 Cosy Club restaurants nationwide, alongside its wider portfolio of Lounge and Brightside locations.

As stated by Nick Collins, Chief Executive of Loungers:

“We are really excited about Cosy Club opening in Bristol Airport. We think our all-day menu will represent a real step-up in terms of choice for travellers, and we are really chuffed that Bristol Airport chose us as a local Bristol business to open here.”

The airport departure lounge venue will mirror the traditional high-street Cosy Club dining menu, serving breakfasts, small plates, and main courses. The outlet will also maintain its emphasis on regional West Country suppliers, sourcing ingredients directly from partners such as Baker Tom in Cornwall for daily-baked goods and Philip Warren Butchers for dry-aged, grass-fed beef burgers.

What additional dining choices will be available for travellers?

Joining the lineup will be international restaurant chain wagamama and a specialized concept named Tap + Brew.

The wagamama outlet, managed by operator TRG Concessions, will incorporate the brand’s signature layout featuring communal benches and an open kitchen layout. Its menu will offer customary dishes including ramen, curries, bao buns, breakfast menus, and a dedicated children’s selection.

As reported by Jonathan Knight, Chief Executive at TRG Concessions:

“We’re delighted to be bringing wagamama and the UK’s first airport Cosy Club to Bristol Airport.”

Opening in autumn 2027, Tap + Brew will be operated by travel catering enterprise SSP UK & Ireland. The bespoke pub and kitchen concept will feature craft beers produced by local Bristol brewery Wiper and True, alongside mainstream beer offerings, seasonal specials, and cocktails. The food service will focus on classic pub fare, including fish and chips, burgers, fully loaded nachos, and cooked breakfasts.

Commenting on the commercial strategy, Kate Gwyther, Head of Retail at Bristol Airport, outlined the airport’s wider objectives:

“We’re delighted to welcome these exciting and much-loved restaurants to Bristol Airport. We’re on a mission to offer our customers some really great options to suit their tastebuds, dietary requirements, time and pocket.”

Gwyther further noted in official communications:

“Bills is only at one other airport in the UK, and we know it’s going to be a massive hit with customers as will Cosy Club, as it’s such a popular independent restaurant group here in the South West.”

What is the background of the Bristol Airport terminal expansion?

The ongoing terminal transformation is part of a master plan backed by £400 million in capital investment aimed at modernizing infrastructure and expanding operational capacity to accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually.

Work on the departure lounge overhaul commenced in late 2025, supported by a specific £60 million project budget designed to upgrade customer experience facilities. This phase follows previous site enhancements completed in recent years, including an £11.5 million investment in next-generation security screening technology and a £60 million public transport interchange and car park structure that opened in summer 2025.

The current departure lounge works will introduce 17 new commercial spaces, approximately 20 per cent additional passenger seating, an enlarged assisted travel lounge, enhanced baby feeding amenities, and upgraded washroom facilities. Construction and fit-out activities across the terminal are scheduled to continue in phased releases through to completion in January 2029.

Airport management confirmed that further vendor announcements are scheduled for next year. Upcoming retail and food additions will include dedicated coffee outlets, quick-service fast food restaurants, grab-and-go points, premium bars, and a hidden speakeasy bar.

What is the prediction for how this development will affect passengers and the regional economy?

The introduction of major culinary brands and localized hospitality offerings at Bristol Airport is anticipated to directly alter passenger behaviour, commercial performance, and regional economic dynamics across several key stakeholder groups:

• Passengers and Travellers: The diversification of food offerings addresses long-standing customer demand for varied price points, dietary inclusivity (such as Coeliac UK-approved gluten-free dining at Bill’s and vegan options at Cosy Club), and sit-down dining options. The inclusion of familiar high-street brands and quick-service operations provides predictable quality, reducing pre-flight anxiety and improving dwell time satisfaction within an expanded departure lounge.
• Local Regional Suppliers and Producers: By integrating West Country producers like Baker Tom and Philip Warren Butchers into high-volume airport concession contracts, the expansion creates consistent, scaled demand for local supply chains. This offers small-to-medium regional agricultural and artisanal businesses predictable revenue streams tied directly to international transit growth.
• Regional Aviation and Tourism Competitiveness: By elevating its commercial and retail profile, Bristol Airport strengthens its position as the primary international gateway for the South West of England and South Wales. Enhancing passenger lounge comfort and dining choice allows the airport to compete more effectively with London hubs for outbound regional travellers and inbound international tourists.
• Concession Operators and Airport Employment: The creation of 17 new commercial units will drive long-term employment in hospitality, retail management, and logistics within North Somerset. Concession partners such as Avolta, TRG Concessions, and SSP UK & Ireland will benefit from high passenger throughput and extended trading windows, establishing high-revenue operational blueprints for airport dining formats.