London Heathrow Airport Allergy Guide

Overview

London Heathrow (LHR) is the United Kingdom's busiest airport, handling around 80 million passengers each year. It has four active terminals — Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Heathrow sits within the UK's strong food allergen labelling framework, meaning most sit-down restaurants and many grab-and-go outlets are required to provide allergen information under Natasha's Law and the Food Information Regulations.

For the official airport website, visit heathrow.com.

Official Resources

• Heathrow Official Website
• Terminal Maps
• Heathrow Dining & Shopping Directory

🍽️Key Food Directory

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Important

Chain restaurants often publish allergen menus and matrices online, which can make ordering easier. However, individual franchise locations may vary in their practices. Always confirm directly with staff before ordering.

Terminal 2

1. 1
   Pret A Manger — chain with published allergen matrix online; wide range of clearly labelled sandwiches, salads, and hot food
2. 2
   Leon — chain with full allergen menu available; known for gluten-free and dairy-free options
3. 3
   Wagamama — chain with detailed allergen information on their app and in-store; staff trained on allergen requests
4. 4
   The Gorgeous Kitchen — independent; ask staff for allergen information

Terminal 3

1. 1
   Pret A Manger — as above; published allergen matrix available
2. 2
   Eat. — chain with allergen information available on request
3. 3
   Heston's The Perfectionists' Cafe — staff can advise on allergen modifications

Terminal 4

1. 1
   Costa Coffee — chain with published allergen information on their website
2. 2
   Pret A Manger — as above
3. 3
   Upper Crust — chain; allergen information available on request

Terminal 5

1. 1
   Pret A Manger — as above
2. 2
   Leon — as above; full allergen menu
3. 3
   Gordon Ramsay Plane Food — staff can advise on allergen requirements; advance booking recommended
4. 4
   Fortnum & Mason — ask staff for allergen details on specific items
5. 5
   Starbucks — chain with published allergen information on their website

🏢Airport Lounges

Heathrow has numerous lounges accessible via Priority Pass, airline status, or day passes. Most lounges offer buffet-style dining.

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Tip

Lounge buffets can be tricky for allergy sufferers as dishes may not be individually labelled. Ask the lounge reception desk for allergen information — many lounges keep an allergen folder behind the desk.

• Plaza Premium Lounges (Terminals 2, 4, 5) — available via Priority Pass; food labelling varies
• No1 Lounges (Terminals 3, 4) — cooked-to-order options available; staff can accommodate requests
• British Airways Galleries Lounges (Terminals 3, 5) — allergen information available on request

🏢Allergy-Friendly Tips for This Airport

• UK allergen labelling law (Natasha's Law) requires pre-packaged food to list all 14 major allergens — look for labels on grab-and-go items
• Many chain outlets at Heathrow have allergen matrices available either on their website, app, or printed in-store — check before you queue
• Heathrow's sit-down restaurants are legally required to provide allergen information when asked — always ask your server
• Arrive early to give yourself time to find suitable food options without rushing
• If you have severe allergies, consider packing your own food — Heathrow security allows solid food items through in hand luggage
• Boots pharmacies in most terminals stock antihistamines and basic allergy medication without prescription

📋Before You Go

1. 1
   Check the Heathrow Dining Directory to identify restaurants in your terminal
2. 2
   Look up allergen menus for your preferred chains before arriving (Pret, Leon, and Wagamama all publish theirs online)
3. 3
   Download your free allergy translation card if flying to a non-English-speaking destination
4. 4
   Pack allergy-friendly snacks in your hand luggage as a backup
5. 5
   Carry your allergy medication in your hand luggage with a doctor's letter if needed