News Ticker

NRB25 & lunch! North reveal speaker line-up for march shows

The organisers of Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) and the brand-new lunch! NORTH trade shows have revealed an impressive line-up of speakers for the co-located events running from March 11th-12th, including leaders from hospitality heavyweights such as Skof, GAIL’s Bakery, Mission Mars and Campari Academy UK.

Returning to Manchester Central, NRB continues its legacy of uniting hospitality operators and suppliers for two days of innovation, collaboration, and inspiration, offering a blend of expert talks, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, lunch! NORTH makes its debut as a dedicated platform for the café, coffee shop, and food-to-go industries.

NRB Chef Live

Joining this year’s NRB Chef Live line-up is Tom Barnes, the celebrated Cumbrian chef who recently opened Manchester’s much-anticipated restaurant, Skof. With former experience as Head Chef at Simon Rogan’s three-Michelin-Starred L’Enclume, Barnes will showcase his signature techniques and share expert tips on the event’s opening day.

Joining him are Ollie Bridgewater, Executive Chef at Michelin-starred The Gilpin in Windermere, and Ruth Hansom, owner of Hansom Restaurant & Wine Bar in North Yorkshire and the first female winner of the prestigious Roux Scholarship back in 2016. Together, the trio will provide inspiration and insights, showcasing their distinctive styles of cooking that celebrate local produce and highlight the North’s position as a global leader in fine-dining.

NRB Keynote Theatre

The NRB Keynote Theatre will feature prominent industry leaders sharing insights and success stories from building some of the country’s most recognisable brands, including Roy Ellis, CEO and Co-Founder of Mission Mars. Ellis will discuss how community-driven concepts, such as the group’s brands Albert’s Schloss and Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, can achieve impressive scalability and long-term success.

Laura Harper-Hinton, CEO and Co-Founder of Caravan Restaurants, will also feature and offer her expertise on sustainable practices and the value of all-day dining; that has taken the brand from nine successful London locations to its Northern debut in Manchester in August 2024.

Meanwhile, Simon Potts, CEO of The Alchemist, will take attendees behind the curtain of a brand synonymous with theatrical cocktails, striking design, and immersive experiences that has now expanded to 22 locations across the UK and sets the standard for bold, experiential hospitality.

NRB Pub and Bar Theatre

The Pub and Bar Theatre will play host to expert-led talks and tutored tastings from the top names in the wine, beer and spirits industry, including a one-on-one interview with acclaimed Manchester bartender and bar owner Joe Schofield of Schofield’s Bar.

Since opening in 2021, Schofield’s Bar has earned international acclaim, including a coveted spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Schofield will share his thoughts on elevating the northern cocktail scene and building a world-class bar rooted in Manchester’s heritage.

The program will also feature sessions from industry leaders, including London Essence, renowned for its premium mixers crafted with distilled botanicals, and Campari Academy UK, making NRB25 as its exclusive trade show appearance in 2025, with a focus on the Spritz category.

lunch! NORTH

This year’s NRB expands with the launch of lunch! NORTH, a dedicated show focused on the region’s thriving café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sectors, featuring an inspiring line-up of industry leaders.

The inaugural line-up includes Marta Pogroszewska, Managing Director of GAIL’s, who will discuss her journey in growing one of the UK’s most beloved bakery brands from a single site in London in 2005 to over 100 locations nationwide in 2024.

The Coffee Shop Leaders Panel will spotlight Claudio Ribeiro of Federal Cafe & Bar, a Manchester favourite renowned for its award-winning Australian-inspired brunch menus that has earned Federal both local and national acclaim.

While the Food-to-Go Leaders Panel will feature William Gordon-Harris, CEO of Knoops, known for its premium chocolate drinks. Gordon-Harris will share insights into how Knoops is leveraging its niche offering to compete in a booming northern market, where premium and experiential food-to-go options are increasingly in demand.

Siobhan Thompson, Event Manager for NRB25, said: “This year’s line-up of speakers across both shows reflects the energy, creativity, and resilience of our industry in the North. With hospitality leaders from some of the country’s most flourishing hospitality brands, these events promise to provide invaluable insights, inspiration, and a platform to celebrate the talent driving the Northern hospitality scene forward.

Together, NRB and lunch! NORTH promises to deliver a unique blend of networking, inspiration, and innovation for hospitality professionals. With over 350 exhibitors showcasing the latest in food, drink, and technology, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and discover the newest trends shaping the future of the sector.

The NRB and lunch! NORTH trade shows are scheduled for March 11th-12th at Manchester Central. These events serve as the premier hospitality showcase of the year. Free tickets for trade professionals working in hospitality are available here.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*


Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our email newsletter today to receive updates on the latest news, tutorials and special offers!
No Thanks
Thanks for signing up. You must confirm your email address before we can send you. Please check your email and follow the instructions.
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
Don't miss out. Subscribe today.
×
×
WordPress Popup