It’s the next step in Terminal 3’s multi-million pound transformation
The Lion and Antelope in Terminal 3 has now closed (Image: Manchester Family / MEN)
It’s the end of an era for one of Manchester Airport’s iconic bars as it closes for good – but a ‘brilliant’ replacement has taken its place.
For just over a decade passengers departing Terminal 3 have descended upon the Lion and Antelope, whether it’s for a hearty cooked breakfast, lunch or a cheeky pre-flight pint (or several). Located in the heart of Terminal 3 departures, the bar was hard to miss and was always a bustling hive of activity
But this much-loved bar has now seen its last orders as the airport makes way for a new food and drink spot. This week Terminal 3’s new sports bar, Sporting Chance, opened to passengers.
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It’s located in a section of the terminal which was previously occupied by private lounges and viewing areas. Sporting Chance features 470 seats and boasts 69 television screens, so passengers can catch that important match before they jet off.
The bar is located in the heart of Terminal 3 (Image: Federica Bedendo/Lancs Live)
The bar is part of the multi-million pound revamp of Terminal 3 which has seen it expanded using space gained from the closure of Terminal 1. It’s a result of the £1.3bn investment into Terminal 2, which has doubled in size and has now become the beating heart of the airport.
As part of the transformation airlines were moved from Terminal 1 to the larger Terminal 2, allowing Terminal 1 to close and leaving just Ryanair operating from Terminal 3. The opening of Sporting Chance is just one part of the work to improve Terminal 3; a new entrance and security hall that makes use of space from Terminal 1 has already opened and further new spaces and facilities will open in due course.
New sports bar Sporting Chance has now opened at Manchester Airport (Image: Manchester Airport)
The closure of the Lion and Antelope will free up more space in the centre of the terminal, increasing capacity for passengers. But many passengers will be sad to see it go.
Richard Jackson, retail director at Manchester Airport, said: “Everything we’re doing in Terminal 3 is focused on improving the passenger experience – our new bar, Sporting Chance, will be a great addition to the terminal and will provide more than 200 extra seats. But that doesn’t mean we’re not really sad to see last orders the Lion and Antelope.
It’s been here since 2015 and I know that it’s got a special place in a lot of people’s hearts; it’s been the starting point for people’s first holidays, a place for newlyweds to raise a toast before they go on honeymoon, it’s where business travellers have relaxed ahead of long trips and much more. So people can feel assured that we know how special it is – and we wouldn’t be closing it if we didn’t know that what we’re putting in its place will be brilliant.”
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