Vagabond’s main unit within Gatwick’s South Terminal will be converted later this month to a Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen, which is the same concept ARE operates at both Heathrow Terminal 2 and Luton.
The Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen is positioned as contemporary British pub concept serving a range of house-branded beers brewed in Esher, Surrey, and a food menu featuring smoked meats, tacos and burgers.
Vagabond’s smaller South Downs wine bar, also located airside in Gatwick’s South Terminal, will be rebranded as Small Batch Social at the end of the month.
The concept will showcase premium spirits from local small batch suppliers, sparkling wines, and a range of premium sandwiches, bar snacks and light meals.
It was reported last week that ARE had bought Vagabond’s Gatwick operations out of administration after wine retailer Majestic acquired the bulk beleaguered bar group’s estate back in April.
The deal was overseen by Andrew Andronikou and Brian Burke, managing directors of business advisory firm Quantuma, who were appointed as joint administrators of Vagabond Wines on 15 March 2024 and traded the business, which operated from 12 sites across London, the Southeast and Birmingham, whilst they negotiated a sale.
