Having spent the last 12 months working on the delivery of the restaurant and café units across the terminal, I wanted to check that what was created was not a national disgrace, but in fact a vibrant and truly unique collection of retail fascias and food units.

Aside from the regular players like Costa, Caviar House and JD Wetherspoon, Terminal 5 has some new faces in airport foodservice: Gordon Ramsay, Itsu, Wagamama, Apostrophe, Huxleys and Carluccio's are all making their debut. And early indications suggest they're making an impact.

I fixed on a late lunch in Carluccio's, the only full service restaurant landside in the terminal, which is already proving extremely popular. The unit provides its familiar separate deli counter and retail offer, together with a casual dining restaurant. The manager explained that although the format is the same, its profile of use is different to the high street stores, with a steady flow of trade from early morning right through to late at night.

I chose a risotto flavoured with luganica sausage, a daily special, washed down with a glass of the house white wine. Risottos need careful preparation to perfect and this dish was spot on. Real food in an airport, and my bill came to just £12.90!

With the first two hours car parking free at Terminal 5, I might well be back for dinner!

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