Avolta’s HMSHost UK introduces Alembic F&B concept to East Midlands Airport
At the Alembic opening (from left to right): EMA’s Customer Services & Planning Director Mike Grimes; HMSHost UK’s Head of Business Development and Brand Relationships, F&B, Heidi Barlow; EMA’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths;
Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur; Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire (and former EMA MD) Penny Coates and EMA’s Commercial Director Chris Lane
HMSHost UK, which is leading Avolta’s food & beverage concepts in the UK, has kickstarted a year of exciting openings with the launch of Alembic in East Midlands Airport, part of Manchester Airports Group Limited (MAG).
Alembic is a new restaurant experience providing Mediterranean-inspired light bites alongside premium, locally sourced spirits that are produced by the White Peak Distillery located in Derbyshire. White Peak are makers of the award-winning Wire Works Whisky, best-selling Shining Cliff Gin, and Cask Aged White Peak Rum – all of which are featured on Alembic’s extensive drink’s menu.
Along with the locally sourced drinks, customers will be able to enjoy a wide selection of freshly crafted dishes throughout the day, which are made using the best seasonal produce.
The official opening of Alembic took place as part of the wider 60th Anniversary celebrations being held by the airport to mark the significant role EMA has played to the local community and economy over its six decades. Alembic’s guests were welcomed with a specially created Anniversary mocktail, alongside other celebratory treats.
Beth Brewster, Senior Coordinating Director for Avolta F&B & Essentials, said, “We’re really excited about our Alembic concept, which taps into what we do brilliantly: creating amazing dishes using locally sourced products, and complementing them with locally sourced spirits.
“2025 is a really exciting year for the F&B part of Avolta’s business in the UK, with even more exciting news coming soon. Alongside our duty-free business, we’re focused on creating a great experience for both our partners and our customers.”
East Midlands Airport’s Customer & Planning Director Mike Grimes, commented, “We are absolutely delighted that this new restaurant concept has been kicked off at East Midlands Airport as part of our 60th anniversary celebrations. I’m sure our customers are going to love the locally sourced dishes and drinks available at Alembic, which is part of a whole range of new improvements to enhance the customer experience at the airport.”
