Friska sits landside at Stansted, outside security by Departures
Friska operates in the main check-in area at London Stansted (STN), so you hit it before security rather than near a gate. That makes it useful if you’re meeting someone, arriving early from the Stansted Express, or grabbing food for the Ryanair scrum. Seating is limited and spills into the public concourse, so expect a quick turnover rather than a long sit-down meal.
The menu focuses on coffee, breakfast pots, wraps, and lighter lunches. Expect prices in the usual UK airport range, with most items landing under £10 and coffee somewhere in the £3–£4 bracket. Portions skew on the smaller side compared with a pub in Departures, but it’s quicker and less heavy than a full hot meal in the main airside food court upstairs.
Food is prepped for speed: breakfast rolls, porridge, granola pots, and wrap-style options that work as proper plane food. They usually have vegetarian and vegan choices in the main fridge, plus at least one chicken-based wrap or bowl so you’re not stuck with only pastries. It feels more “weekday office lunch” than “holiday fry-up,” which can be exactly what you want before a 07:00 departure on a Tuesday.
Because Friska is landside, the timing matters. Security at Stansted can easily run to 30–45 minutes during morning peaks, and gates often show as “go to gate” a full 40 minutes before departure. Don’t cut it close: grab your coffee and food here, then move upstairs to security as soon as you’re done.
Tip: if you want something to eat on board, ask for a takeaway bag and napkins, then head to security within 5–10 minutes of finishing your drink; everything else you need food-wise after that is airside only.