Shorter queues than Costa or Starbucks is the whole Nero play
At Gatwick, Caffè Nero is the third-choice chain people walk to when the Costa and Starbucks lines snake 20–30 deep. You’ll find branches airside in both North and South terminals, usually slightly off the main walkway, which is why they stay calmer at peak 06:00–09:00 and 17:00–20:00 waves. Prices sit at standard UK chain levels: expect around £3 for an espresso-based drink and £2–£3 for pastries.
Coffee quality lands squarely “fine”: a flat white or cappuccino will do the job if you’ve just cleared security in North or South and want caffeine before an easyJet or BA departure. Regulars on Reddit say they treat Nero as a coffee stop only and skip the food. If you’re hungry, the panini and pastries cost roughly £4–£6 but draw complaints for being dry and not as fresh as high-street branches.
Because there are fewer Nero outlets than Costa or Starbucks at LGW, you may walk 5–7 minutes from some gates to reach one. Frequent flyers mention checking the departure boards near security, then backtracking to a Nero that’s within a short stroll instead of joining the closest Costa queue. Power outlets are hit‑or‑miss, but sitting down for 15–20 minutes with a £3 latte is usually possible, even on Friday evenings.
What regulars do:
- Use Nero for a quick double espresso, then grab a cheaper £1–£2 snack from WHSmith or a newsstand instead of Nero cakes.
- Head to Nero when Starbucks mobile orders are stacked and the line is 10+ deep; they report cutting wait time to under 5 minutes.
Watch out for: pastries that taste like they’ve sat for a few hours and branches slightly hidden behind duty‑free or side corridors, which can add a few minutes’ walk from far North and South pier gates.
Practical tip: check the line length at Costa or Starbucks by your gate; if it’s more than 8–10 people, turn around and aim for Nero instead.