One piece of advice when flying out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): If you're hungry, don't…read moremake a dining decision until you go past the Duty Free shops.
The ride from the heart of downtown Liverpool is quickest by car (25 min ... not the long slog of London's Gatwick and Heathrow.) I love the entryway ... it's easy to make your way in without the usual bustle around an airport.
Liverpool does a much better job selling its favorite sons (The Beatles) than back the first time I was here in the 80s, and LPL is no exception. While the wife was buying booze in Duty Free, I spent just as much time and money in the "With Love from Liverpool", Beatles gift shop.
Don't forget to check out the statue of John Lennon in the airport (called "Above Us Only Sky" on the Lower Level), as well as the Yellow Submarine out front (like you can miss it!).
So, back to eating. Our first time at LPL, we're starving. We see a sign for Frankie and Benny's. Being American, we've never heard of it, looks like a great family restaurant. Well, cut to an hour later, and the worst Caesar Salads ever in our recent past, we get past the Duty Free, go down an escalator, and see (for the first time), The Estuary Bar & Grill, The Kissing Gate, Caffè Ritazza, The Beer House, a Starbucks, and even a Subway. ARGH!
So yeah, power through the Duty Free (you have to go through hit to get to the terminals) for better dining options.
Hey LPL: Make more clear signage about the restaurants you have!!!