Meeting a friend in Stansted airport?

Stansted airport is a small regional airport nothing like gatwick or heathrow. Most of the area around it is cheap (well, not cheap it is near london after all) but you're not going to find any "nice" places to relax within walking distance from the airport it would involve travelling out from the airport into a town or village. You're best bet is to head for one of the airport hotels, the Radisson for example, as they'll have a decent bar and comfortable seats in their lounge BUT if you've got some money you could get a taxi to Bishop's Stortford which is about 10 miles from the airport and ask to go to The Half Moon on North street or Baroosh on Old Cross street. Both pubs are relatively close to each other and in the same small town. A 20 minute taxi ride should easily get you to either pub.

baroosh.co.uk/locations/baroosh-bishop-s-stortford

stortfordhistory.co.uk/guide6/north-street-west-side/