Southampton Airport has marked the 74th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire with the completion of a new airport restaurant. In recognition of the airport’s famous aviation history, the restaurant has been aptly named ‘Mitchell’s Bar & Kitchen’ after the local aircraft designer who built and test flew the legendary Spitfire aircraft. The prototype aircraft took its first test flight from Southampton Airport on 5th March 1936, and by the end of WWII over 22,000 Spitfires had been produced, demonstrating the crucial role of the Eastleigh airfield during the war. 

The brasserie-style restaurant provides a fresh new feel with bespoke menus from all-day breakfasts to hearty comfort food to light tapas style dishes. It has been specifically designed with the time-conscious traveller in mind, meaning the dishes are created and delivered in under 10 minutes, using the freshest ingredients.  Mitchell’s also has a full bar including a range of continental beers, wines and premium spirits. 

Next to Mitchell’s is a brand new Costa Coffee, providing a large area for passengers to sit and relax with comfy sofas and soft seating. In addition to Costa’s high quality coffees, this high street favourite also has a large range of fresh sandwiches, Panini’s and pastries to cater for both the awaiting arrivals and departure travellers.

The restaurant is the first project to be completed as part of the £7 million investment programme throughout this year. The improvements will continue in 2010, with a second new restaurant opening in the Departure Lounge this summer.

David Mitchell, grandson of Spitfire designer RJ Mitchell, said: "My grandfather would certainly have been honoured to have this new development named in his memory, especially as Southampton witnessed the maiden flight of his creation, the Spitfire, and he also lived and is buried here."

Kevin Brown, Southampton Airport Managing Director, commented: “The new Mitchell’s Bar & Kitchen was developed using passenger feedback, and offers a much wider range of products to passengers, whether they are wanting to grab some quick refreshments, or sit and relax. Naming the facilities after RJ Mitchell is a fitting tribute to his work on this site some 74 years ago today. I think he would be proud to know that the grass airfield he tested his prototype aircraft on is now an internationally renowned award-winning regional airport celebrating 100 years of flight.”

A Century of Flight in South Hampshire
A series of events are planned to celebrate Hampshire’s rich and proud historical links to aviation over the last 100 years. Some of these include; a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast, a Gordon Keeble Car Rally (Hampshire’s only super-car built by aviation engineers at Southampton Airport), a dragon’s den style education programme for every school and college in south Hampshire themed on Southampton Airport, special aviation lectures, aviation art exhibitions, family fun days at Marwell, Swing Nights at The Point, and even a Girl Guides Sleepover at Southampton Airport. 

To find out more, or to get involved please visit www.centenary-of-flight.co.uk.