Southend Airport's staff on working at re-opened pub

The Navigator pub re-opened in May for the first time since the Covid pandemic as part of the airport’s ongoing efforts to return to pre-pandemic success and beyond. 

After the number of routes plummeted in the pandemic, business has picked up this summer and will be even busier next year once the easyJet base returns. 

The pub was designed by in-house teams (Image: George Pizani) The pub was planned and designed by the airport’s in-house teams and offers a range of drinks and dining options to flyers before they jet off on their holiday. 

Southend resident Millie Thornton, 18, is one of the food and beverage assistants at Southend Airport.

While she is trained at all of the airport’s outlets, she is confident the Navigator is her favourite place to work.

Millie Thornton has been at the pub since it opened (Image: George Pizani)

“I’ve been here since we opened the pub and customers love it. Most of them live locally and were really excited to see it open, as was I because I live in around here too,” said Millie.

“When you come into an airport, the first thing you want to do is have a drink and now our passengers can.”

An aviation theme runs throughout the pub (Image: George Pizani) For Millie, working at a departure lounge pub has come with a few surprises. Going through airport security before each shift took particular getting used to.

She also discussed the holiday-making clientele as a major difference between “normal” pub work.

“We only have one repeat customer and even though I don’t know his name, whenever he comes in we always have a little laugh. I tell him ‘You’re my only regular,’” said Millie.

Millie believes that the availability of a pub is crucial to the general passenger experience of any airport. She said: “It contributes massively to the experience of flying and our passengers were so delighted when we opened”.

Following the success of it’s first summer, The Navigator will be slowing down for winter schedules from the end of October. However, staff such as Millie are already looking forward to a busier next year:

“I plan to stay here until next summer because it will be even busier and more exciting,” she said.