The Experience
Big Smoke is a sit-down taphouse-style restaurant made for the in-between moments of travel: early starts, delayed departures, and that “we deserve something better than crisps” feeling. It’s more restaurant-bar than grab-and-go, with a lively hum that works whether you’re solo at the bar or corralling a group around a table.
What travelers tend to love here is the proper pub energy—good drinks, an all-day menu, and service that feels geared to flight times. The official Gatwick listing calls out fresh beers, signature cocktails, and a menu “to suit all tastes,” which is exactly the point: it’s built to please mixed crowds, from breakfast hunters to pre-holiday toast-makers.
Location & Access
You’ll find Big Smoke in London Gatwick’s South Terminal, after security, handy for departing passengers who want to settle in once they’ve cleared the queues. If you’re scanning for it, aim for the main departures concourse where the larger sit-down venues cluster (and follow the flow toward the busier bar-and-dining stretch).
- Terminal: South Terminal
- Security: After security (post-security)
- Hours: 03:30–last flight (great for very early departures)
Seating is generally geared toward groups (think shared tables and bar seating), so it can absorb families and mixed parties better than smaller cafés. Wait times vary with the flight banks: expect the busiest moments in the early morning wave and again late afternoon into early evening.
Menu Highlights
The menu is positioned as all-day and crowd-pleasing—the kind of place where you can do breakfast, a hearty pre-flight meal, or just snacks with drinks. If you’re deciding what to order, these are smart bets for an airport taphouse:
- Breakfast plates if you’re flying early—more satisfying than a pastry-and-coffee sprint.
- Classic pub mains (burgers, grills, or similar comfort-food staples) when you want something filling before a longer flight.
- Fresh beer on tap or one of the signature cocktails if your trip starts the moment you sit down.
Specific dish pricing isn’t consistently published, but this venue is typically considered a higher-priced airport pub/restaurant compared with quick-service counters in the terminal. For dietary needs, most modern airport restaurants can accommodate at least vegetarian options, and often a couple of vegan and gluten-aware choices—ask the team for current allergen information. If halal is essential, it’s best to confirm on the day as pub-style kitchens vary.
Practical Info
- Mobile ordering: Not clearly advertised—assume standard table service and check signage on arrival.
- Reservations: Typically walk-in friendly in airports; groups should arrive early during peak waves.
- Best times to avoid crowds: Mid-morning after the early rush, or mid-afternoon before the evening departures.
- Power outlets: Some seating areas may have access, but it’s not guaranteed—charge up before you commit to a table.
Quick Verdict
- Best for: Groups, holiday starters, and anyone who wants a proper sit-down meal with a drink post-security—especially for early flights thanks to the 03:30 opening.
- Skip if: You’re in a tight connection window or watching costs closely—grab-and-go options will be faster and usually cheaper.
Location
South Terminal