The three-person mission team stepped off the airplane from their overnight flight from Africa and walked into Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport. Having spent the last 10 days eating rice, beans and other African “delicacies” the team wanted some familiar food.
After clearing security, one of the guys asked the purple shirt-clad airport information representative where the closest McDonald’s was. “We don’t have McDonald’s or any fast-food chain here in Terminal 5,” the man replied. “This is a new terminal and it was designed to be upscale.”
If you fly through London from the U.S., you probably will spend time in Terminal 5. So that you are not too disappointed when you can’t find a Big Mac there, here are some tips to finding other food and shops in the terminal.
While you won’t find a McDonald’s in Heathrow’s Terminal 5, you will find a Starbucks (guess a coffee chain is in a different category) and some great specialty restaurants. There is a traditional British restaurant called Huxleys on the Departure (upper) level just past security on the north side. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has a food stop just south of the central waiting area, also on the upper level. Wagamama, which is a noodle bar restaurant, can be found near the north seating area.
Our favorite Terminal 5 restaurant, however, is Giraffe, which features international food accented by global music. The service is quick, the food is delicious and the prices are reasonable. It is located on the upper level near security and next to the London 2012 Store.
Speaking of the London 2012 Store, this shop just opened last month in advance of the Olympics which will be held in London next summer. The store features mostly Olympic apparel but also has a selection of gift items including Olympic trading pins.
Besides the typical airport bookstores, duty free shops and convenient markets, Terminal 5 also has a Harrods Department Store, luggage store, travel store and a large electronics shop. Most of those are located on the Gate (middle) Level.
If you have a long layover and decide to venture out of the Terminal and into the city, there is no need to take your carry-on bag. Just stop by the Left Luggage center in the arrivals area near the rail station entrance. For eight British Pounds they will securely store one piece of luggage for up to 24 hours.
No, you won’t find a McDonald’s at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 but you will discover some great food and unique shops.
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