Click image to view full size
Apiary is one of the most popular restaurants at Manchester Airport, located airside in Terminal 2's main departure lounge. This artisan bar and eatery serves seasonally inspired British and French cuisine throughout the day — from full English breakfasts and eggs Royale in the morning to cocktails and dinner plates in the evening. With its stylish décor, runway views, and locally sourced menu, Apiary has become a go-to spot for passengers looking to start their journey in style. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting, including the full menu with prices, how to find it, dietary options, and practical tips.
Where Is Apiary at Manchester Airport?
Apiary is located in Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport, on the airside (after security) level of the main departure lounge. This means you must pass through security screening before you can access the restaurant. It is positioned on the main floor of the lounge, near the Multi-Faith Prayer Room, and offers direct views across the airfield and runway from its seating area.
If you are arriving via train or tram, you will enter the airport through The Station and use the Skylink walkway to reach Terminal 2. After clearing security, follow the signs into the departure lounge — Apiary is on the main concourse level. It is one of the first sit-down dining options you will see after passing the duty-free shopping area.
Important: Apiary Is Airside Only
You cannot visit Apiary before passing through security. If you are meeting someone or dropping off a passenger, this restaurant will not be accessible to you. For landside dining options at Manchester Airport, see our full Terminal 2 guide. If you are a departing passenger, make sure you allow enough time to clear security and enjoy your meal — the airport recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a short-haul flight and 3 hours before long-haul.
Apiary Manchester Airport Menu & Prices
Apiary's menu changes seasonally, but it consistently features a strong British core with French influences. All ingredients are locally sourced where possible, and the restaurant uses RSPCA Assured eggs throughout. The menu is divided into breakfast plates, egg dishes, farm toasts, bakery items, and a lighter side. A full cocktail list and soft drinks menu is also available from opening.
Breakfast Menu — Morning Plates
The morning plates are the centrepiece of Apiary's breakfast offering. All dishes are cooked to order and use sustainably sourced British ingredients. The full English includes Blakemans sausages and Bury black pudding — both locally produced in Greater Manchester.
- Small English Breakfast (£9.50): Back bacon, Blakemans sausage, Bury black pudding, sourdough toast, and a fried or scrambled egg.
- Full English Breakfast (£13.50): Two back bacon, two Blakemans sausages, Bury black pudding, mixed mushrooms, roasted tomato, baked beans, potato tots, sourdough toast, and fried or scrambled eggs.
- Vegetarian Breakfast (£12.50): Havarti cheese, smashed avocado, mixed mushrooms, roasted tomato, baked beans, sourdough toast, and fried or scrambled eggs.
- Plant-Based Breakfast (£10.50): Black bean and tofu scramble with mixed herbs, roasted cherry tomatoes, and avocado on a soft corn tortilla. Gluten-free.
Egg Dishes
The egg section offers lighter breakfast options, all made with free-range eggs. Gluten-free toast is available as a substitute on any dish for a small supplement.
- Eggs Royale (£12.50): Oak smoked salmon with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on a toasted English breakfast muffin.
- Eggs Benedict (£9.50): Thick-cut ham with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin.
- Eggs Florentine (£9.00): Wilted spinach with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin. Vegetarian.
- Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Eggs (£12.50): Oak smoked salmon served with scrambled eggs on sourdough toast.
- Eggs on Toast (£8.50): Choose fried, scrambled, or poached eggs on classic sourdough. Add mushrooms or bacon for £1.50.
- Soft Herb Omelette (£8.50): White or whole egg omelette. Add spinach, ham, or Montgomery Cheddar for £1 each.
Farm Toasts & Bakery
Apiary's farm toasts bring a more contemporary touch to the breakfast menu, with open-faced sourdough dishes topped with seasonal ingredients. The bakery section is ideal for a quick bite if you are short on time before your flight.
- Avocado Smash on Sourdough (£10.00): Mixed tomatoes, nigella seeds, fresh coriander, pickled red onions, and basil oil. Plant-based. Add bacon or a poached egg for £1.50.
- Flaked Salmon Toast (£11.50): Flaked salmon, hard-boiled egg, homemade labne cheese, avocado, pickled red onion, and capers on sourdough.
- French Toast (£8.50): Served with blueberry compote and crème fraîche.
- Toasted Crumpets (£5.00): Served with Apiary's signature burnt honey butter. A popular light option.
- Pastries (from £3.00): Pain au chocolat, pain au raisin, and croissants with strawberry jam.
Cocktails & Drinks
Apiary's bar is a major draw for passengers who want to start their holiday with a pre-flight cocktail. The drinks menu features a dedicated "Made in Manchester" list that showcases local producers including Three Rivers Gin, Thomas Dakin, Didsbury Gin, Cloudwater, and Zymurgorium.
- Breakfast Martini (£13.00): Orange marmalade, Tanqueray gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
- Bloody Mary (£13.00): Ketel One vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, Worcester sauce, Tabasco, celery salt, and black pepper.
- Mimosa (£10.00): Cremant d'Alsace Dopff with Cointreau and fresh orange juice.
- Coffee (from £3.00): Union Coffee espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white, and more. Soya, coconut, almond, and decaf options are available.
- Tea (from £2.50): Yorkshire tea, fresh mint, Darjeeling Earl Grey, peppermint, chamomile, and green tea.
Dietary Options at Apiary
Apiary caters to a range of dietary requirements. The menu clearly marks dishes as vegetarian (v), gluten-free (gf), or plant-based (pb). However, it is important to note that Apiary does not have a dedicated preparation or cooking area for allergen-free food — all dishes are prepared in the same kitchen. Passengers with serious allergies should speak to a member of staff before ordering.
Gluten-free toast is available as a substitute on most toast-based dishes. Dairy-free milk alternatives — including soya, coconut, and almond — are available for all hot drinks. The plant-based breakfast (black bean and tofu scramble) is both vegan and gluten-free. Full allergen information can be found at restaurantallergens.com/apiary.
Runway Views & Atmosphere
One of the biggest draws of Apiary is its panoramic view of the airfield and runway. The restaurant's seating area faces out towards the apron and taxiways, giving diners a front-row seat to watch aircraft arriving and departing. This makes it particularly popular with families travelling with children and aviation enthusiasts. If a window-side table is important to you, it is worth arriving slightly earlier to secure one, especially during peak morning departure times.
The interior design is described by the airport as having an "aspirational, upbeat" feel with elegant décor, high-energy bar styling, and a relaxed-yet-polished atmosphere. It is one of the more upmarket dining options in Terminal 2, positioned between the casual grab-and-go outlets and the premium airport lounges. For more formal or exclusive pre-flight dining, see our guide to the airport lounges in Terminal 2.
How to Order at Apiary
Apiary offers two ways to order. You can order at the bar directly, or scan the QR code on your table to browse the menu and place your order digitally. Table service is available, and the restaurant accepts both card and cash payments. All major credit cards and currencies are accepted, with prices displayed in pounds sterling.
In a Hurry? 10-Minute Express Service
If your gate has been called or you are running short on time, let your server know when you order. Apiary offers a 10-minute express service guarantee — tell the staff you are in a hurry and they will prioritise your food so you are eating within 10 minutes. This is clearly advertised on the menu and is one of the features that reviewers praise most highly.
Apiary Manchester Airport Reviews
Apiary holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Google from nearly 1,000 reviews. Common praise includes the friendly and hardworking staff, the speed of service, the quality of the food (particularly the breakfast dishes), and the runway views. Several reviewers specifically mention staff members by name for exceptional service.
On TripAdvisor, the picture is more mixed, with a 2.7 out of 5 rating from around 100 reviews. Negative feedback tends to focus on pricing (typical for airport restaurants), occasional wait times during peak periods, and specific instances of food not matching expectations. However, many of the more recent reviews are positive, suggesting that service has improved since the restaurant's early days.
Overall, Apiary is considered one of the better sit-down dining options at Manchester Airport. If you are looking for a relaxed pre-flight meal with decent food, a strong drinks menu, and a view of the runway, it is well worth a visit. For a quicker and more budget-friendly option, the Great Northern Market street food hall in Terminal 2 is a newer alternative.
Other Restaurants Near Apiary in Terminal 2
Apiary is one of several dining options in Terminal 2's departure lounge. If it does not suit your tastes or budget, there are plenty of alternatives within a short walk. These include Wagamama for Japanese-inspired noodles and ramen, the Bridgewater Exchange for pub classics and craft beer, San Carlo Cicchetti for Italian small plates, Archie's for American-style burgers and shakes, and the Great Northern Market for multi-vendor street food. For a full list of options, see our Terminal 2 restaurants guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apiary Manchester Airport
Where is Apiary at Manchester Airport?
Apiary is located airside in Terminal 2's main departure lounge. It is on the main concourse level, near the Multi-Faith Prayer Room, and offers panoramic views of the runway and airfield. You must pass through security to access it.
What food does Apiary at Manchester Airport serve?
Apiary serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on seasonal British cuisine with French influences. The breakfast menu includes full English, eggs Benedict, eggs Royale, French toast, avocado on sourdough, and pastries. The bar serves cocktails, local Manchester gins, and a full range of hot drinks throughout the day.
How much does food cost at Apiary Manchester Airport?
Apiary is mid-range for an airport restaurant (££ price bracket). Pastries start from £3, lighter breakfast items from £5, and main breakfast plates from £8.50 to £13.50. Cocktails are priced between £10 and £13. Coffee starts at £3. Expect to spend around £10–£25 per person depending on what you order.
Does Apiary at Manchester Airport have gluten-free options?
Yes. Gluten-free toast is available as a swap on most dishes, and several items are naturally gluten-free, including the plant-based breakfast. The menu marks all dishes with dietary labels (gf, v, pb). Staff can provide detailed allergen information on request, and full details are at restaurantallergens.com/apiary.
What are the opening hours for Apiary at Manchester Airport?
Apiary opens daily in line with Terminal 2's operating schedule. It serves breakfast from early morning and continues through lunch and dinner until the terminal closes for the day. Exact hours may vary with the flight schedule, so check when you arrive in the departure lounge.
Can you see the runway from Apiary at Manchester Airport?
Yes. Apiary's seating area offers panoramic views of the airfield and runway. You can watch aircraft taxiing, taking off, and landing while you eat. For the best view, ask for a window-side table — arriving slightly earlier during peak times will improve your chances of securing one.