East Midlands Airport has one terminal, and almost all of its food, drink and shopping is after security, in the departure lounge. Before security there is a WHSmith for snacks and drinks, and not much else, so if you want a proper meal, go through first. The departure lounge is on two levels: the bars and restaurants are mostly on the upper level, and the lower level is closer to the gates.
Checked against East Midlands Airport's own listings in October 2026; outlets change, so check the airport's site for opening hours.
For drop-off, how early to arrive and parking, see our guide to flying from East Midlands Airport.
Before security
- WHSmith, in the check-in area, for drinks, snacks, sweets, books and magazines.
- Greggs, in the arrivals hall, for sausage rolls, bakes and breakfast. It is mainly there for people arriving or meeting a flight.
- ChangeGroup, for currency exchange, has a branch before security as well as one after.
There are cash machines around the terminal that give pounds, euros and US dollars.
After security: restaurants and bars
- Castle Rock, upper departure lounge: a full-service bar named after the Nottingham brewery, with its beers on tap. The food is pub classics and breakfasts, from bacon baps and full English breakfasts to sausage and mash, burgers, salads and curries, with a children's menu.
- Terracotta Italian Kitchen, departure lounge: a sit-down Italian with sourdough pizza, pasta, arancini and gelato, and a children's menu.
- Alembic, upper departure lounge: a bar serving Mediterranean small plates, with spirits from White Peak Distillery in Derbyshire, including its whisky, gin and rum. It has a menu that shows the dishes made without gluten-containing ingredients.
The airport picks out Castle Rock and Terracotta as the places for a sit-down meal with children. Restaurants do not take reservations; tell the staff about any allergies when you arrive.
After security: quicker food and coffee
- Burger King, upper departure lounge: flame-grilled burgers, fries and children's meals.
- Starbucks, close to the gates: coffee, paninis, sandwiches, cakes and pastries.
- Pork & Pickle, lower departure lounge, near the gates: local food from Dickinson & Morris of Melton Mowbray, including pork pies, sausages, cakes and other treats, to take away or eat there.
If your gate is called early, Pork & Pickle and Starbucks are the closest options to the gates.
After security: shops
- World Duty Free, straight in front of you as you leave security: fragrance, skincare, alcohol and watches. You can reserve items online up to 30 days before you travel and pay when you collect, with 10% off.
- WHSmith: two branches, one just after security and one further on, for books, magazines, snacks, drinks and children's activity packs.
- JD Sports: trainers and sportswear from brands such as Nike and adidas.
- Accessorize: jewellery, bags, flip-flops and swimwear.
- ChangeGroup, for currency, if you did not change money before security.
Airlines let you carry one bag of shopping on board alongside your hand luggage.
For children, and somewhere quieter
The Little Flyers Play Zone is opposite Gate 12. The airport also has quiet rooms and a sensory pod. If you would rather sit somewhere away from the main lounge, the Escape Lounge is on the lower level, towards Gates 8 to 23: compare it on our East Midlands Airport lounges page.
To get to the airport, see our directions to East Midlands Airport, and to compare parking for your dates, see East Midlands Airport parking.
Sorted before you fly.
