London City Airport has one terminal, and it is compact: the airport says it takes about 20 minutes from entry to gate. Most of the food, drink and shopping is in the departure lounge after security, with a few places to grab a coffee or a sandwich before you go through. This page lists what there is and where, so you can decide whether to eat before you fly.
Checked against London City Airport's own listings in October 2026; outlets change, so check the airport's site for opening hours.
Before security
The choice landside is small, so if you want to sit down for a meal, go through security first.
- Pret: on the ground floor, for hot and cold snacks, sandwiches and coffee.
- Soul & Grain: grab-and-go breakfasts, salads, sandwiches, baguettes and cakes made on site, with plenty of plant-based and gluten-free choices and coffee from Extract Coffee Roasters.
- WHSmith: in the check-in hall, for books, magazines, snacks, drinks and travel accessories.
- Cash machines: there are ATMs before security, which dispense pounds and euros.
After security: food and drink
- Juniper & Co: a sit-down bar and restaurant using locally sourced produce, including Paul Rhodes bakery bread, Forman's salmon and local cheeses, with local spirits, Jeroboams wines and craft beers. It has breakfast, all-day and children's menus.
- Hithes London Bar and Eatery: a bar and restaurant with dishes inspired by cuisines from across London, and breakfast, all-day and children's menus. The airport lists it as closed on Saturdays.
- Big Penny Brews: an independent café bar from Big Penny, a hospitality and beer business in Walthamstow. It serves local beers, organic coffee, wines and cocktails, with pastries, charcuterie boards and bagels, and gluten-free, vegan and low or no alcohol options.
- Caffè Nero: Italian coffee and food.
- Pret: a second branch, by Gate 3.
- Soul & Grain: also after security, with the same grab-and-go range.
After security: shops and services
- Aelia Duty Free: fragrance, cosmetics, drinks, confectionery, British products and souvenirs. The airport says it saves an average of up to 20% on perfume, skincare and cosmetics against high street prices.
- Boots: a compact store for sun care, medicines, travel essentials and beauty, plus sandwiches, drinks and snacks in the Boots Meal Deal.
- WHSmith: a second branch in the departure lounge.
- InMotion: headphones, speakers, tablets and phone accessories. The airport lists weekday opening only, from 05:00 to 16:00.
- AeroSpa: a treatment room for massages, manicures, waxing, blow dries and brow shaping, booked through AeroSpa.
- Cash machines: there are also ATMs after security.
In arrivals
Global Currency Exchange has two stores on the arrivals side: one on the right as you enter the international baggage reclaim, and one in the main concourse after domestic baggage reclaim. There are also ATMs in the arrivals hall. You can pre-order currency online and collect it at the airport.
Tips for eating and shopping at the airport
- Mind the weekend hours. The airport closes at 13:00 on Saturdays and opens at 10:30 on Sundays, and most outlets follow that pattern. On a Saturday, several close at around midday or 13:00, and Hithes does not open at all.
- Do not arrive too early. The airport asks you to arrive no more than two hours before your flight, so there is less time to fill than at a bigger airport.
- Pre-order duty free. Aelia's Click & Collect lets you shop online and collect in store, with 10% off pre-orders. On domestic routes, its free Shop & Collect service lets you leave purchases with staff and pick them up in arrivals when you return, except duty-free alcohol and tobacco.
- Need something from Boots? Boots Click & Collect lets you order from the full range online and pick it up after security.
Getting there? Our page on directions to London City Airport covers the DLR, the roads and the drop-off charge. To compare parking for your dates, see London City Airport parking.
Sorted before you fly.
