Hithes, London City Airport Airside — Restaurant in London

First impressions are so important. As a Sunflower Lanyard wearer I thought I might have got some consideration but it shouldn’t matter if I wear one or not. The staff are so rude. I’m a single diner and asked for a seat somewhere quiet. The server ignored me and put me near the entrance. Ok she might not have heard me but she walked off. I tried to get her attention without luck so I called another man who was just standing there. He told me abruptly to wait. When he did respond he didn’t come close so I had to raise my voice. I asked if I could sit somewhere else as I had people literally waiting in the queue behind me. He said everywhere was busy. I pointed at a couple of empty tables but he said there will be people there too. I felt very uncomfortable as people turned to look at me. I explained it was just the people waiting behind me. Huffing he grabbed my menu and cutlery and took me to another table again saying loudly people would walk passed me here too. I wanted to cry. I tried to explain that I suffer from anxiety which is why I wear the lanyard and I said I thought he wasn’t very nice. He just ignored me. The waiter who served me was very nice but I already felt awful by the way the older man with the beard treated me.

The food was ok...

Great breakfast food (we had the naan and the avo toast - my partner saying that it was the best meal he’s ever had at an airport, I tend to agree) that tastes fresh and is served quickly (orders via QR code). Prices were roughly £14-16.

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I have often marvelled at the ever increasing mediocrity of the food served in airport outlets (how to they make it that bad, are they actually trying to make it so? I cannot fathom how it can be made to be that bad (and charged at eye watering prices) without it being somewhat intentional… you get my drift).

The new Hithes at City Airport only opened a month ago but it is, to my mind, a shining beacon of hope within a vast sea of truly terrible airport restaurants.

Highly recommend - it’s a relief that there is finally somewhere to have an enjoyable meal within an airport.

Only criticism, breakfast did arrive before the drinks (so order those first) + I still can’t get over charging £4.15 for a pot of tea with oat milk (50p up charge for oat milk, which is questionable in my view) - but can’t say that it’s vastly different to ordinary...

Our server was very nice and tried her hardest to help me find something to eat from the menu. I'm gluten intolerant (not a choice) and don't eat meat (personal choice of 50 years). The only thing I could have was a Soho Salad, without the croutons or caesar dressing. So without the nice bits that add texture and seasoning. What arrived was very disappointing. A bowl of chopped cos or romaine lettuce, with less than 1/2 a tomato , an egg (nicely soft boiled) and about 1/4 of an avocado (I'm being generous) with some olive oil to drizzle over. Oh and a light dusting of parmesan. Seriously disappointment especially as this was £13.95. Rough estimate (at retail prices) the ingredients would have cost £4. A four year old could have put it together, so I was paying £10 for the convenience of eating. Even at an airport I find this a bit much for a basic...