Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB), sponsored by Uber Eats, the leading hospitality trade show in the North, has unveiled an exceptional keynote and demo lineup for its 2025 edition.
Taking place on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th March, this year’s program promises thought-provoking discussions, exclusive interviews, and invaluable insights from some of the most influential leaders in the industry.
Day One: Tuesday 11th March
The event kicks off on Tuesday 11th March in the Keynote Theatre with an exclusive interview featuring Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive of UKHospitality. Kate will discuss the pressing challenges facing the hospitality industry and the opportunities available for operators in 2025 and beyond. Later in the day, Simon Potts, CEO of The Alchemist, will take the stage to share insights into his career journey, the growth of The Alchemist brand, and the challenges faced by the hospitality sector.
The Marketing Leaders Panel will feature Lucy Milne (Dishoom), James Newman (Mission Mars), and Kate Lister (New World Trading Company). They will explore the strategies they use to keep customers engaged and returning in an increasingly competitive market. Meanwhile, The Hospitality Leaders Panel, featuring Neal Bates (Rudy’s), Amber Wood (New World Trading Company), and Enrico Pireddu (Big Mamma Group), will provide an engaging discussion on topics such as innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in hospitality.
Tuesday’s Chef Live sessions will showcase live cooking demonstrations from some of the North’s top chefs, including Tom Barnes (Skof), Jamie Pickles (Stow), Ruth Hansom (Hansom Restaurant and Wine Bar), and Scott John-Hodgson (Solstice). Skof has just been awarded a Michelin star less than a year after opening, and this will be Tom Barnes’ first trade show since achieving this prestigious accolade—making his session a must-see. These culinary experts will showcase their unique techniques and the inspirations behind their highly acclaimed dishes.
Meanwhile, in the Pub & Bar Theatre, discussions will range from leadership insights with William Lees-Jones (JW Lees) and Christian Townsley (North Bars) to brewing innovations with Matthew Tiplady and Michael Lees-Jones also of JW Lees. The Cocktail Bar Leaders Panel will feature Fran Cruse (Stray), Chris Edwards (Sister Ray), and Cressida Lawlor (Ego Death), exploring trends and innovations in the world of mixology.
Closing the first day of the trade show, the much-anticipated Kuits NRB Top Fifty will be unveiled. This prestigious list recognises the most influential operators in the Northern hospitality industry, celebrating those who have demonstrated exceptional commercial and critical success over the past year. Winners will be selected by a panel of top hospitality experts, with special achievement awards also being presented.
Day Two: Wednesday 12th March
On Wednesday 12th March, the Keynote Theatre will feature an exclusive interview with Roy Ellis, CEO & Co-Founder of Mission Mars, who will provide insights into the evolution of his multi-brand business. Laura Harper-Hinton, Founder of Caravan, will also take the stage to discuss how she has mastered the art of all-day dining and how Caravan continues to expand. Later, Brian Trollip, CEO of Dishoom, will share insights into the continuous evolution of the brand and its future vision.
The Operations Leaders Panel will bring together Maria McCann (Blacklock), Ben Rushworth (Hickory’s Smokehouse), and Lucy Worth (Mowgli) to discuss the vital role of operations in ensuring the smooth running of hospitality businesses.
The New Openings Panel featuring Éadaoin McDonagh (Lina Stores), Sam Grainger (COS Hospo/OG Hospo), and Jamie Duffield (Pilgrim) will dive into the excitement and challenges of launching new hospitality ventures, including discussions on location strategies and business growth.
Wednesday’s Chef Live sessions will continue to impress with top chefs such as Ruby Jary (Medlock Canteen), Ollie Bridgewater (SOURCE at The Gilpin Hotel), Rosie Maguire (Higher Ground), and Danielle Heron (OSMA) demonstrating their expertise.
In the Pub & Bar Theatre, the focus will shift to understanding Gen Z’s engagement with pubs and bars in a session led by Reuben Pullan and Danielle Rowlands from CGA by NIQ. Additionally, an exclusive one-on-one interview with award-winning mixologist Joe Schofield (SCHOFIELD’S BAR) will delve into his career, creative process, and inspirations. The final session, Drinks Trends: What’s Driving Drinks?, hosted by Campari Academy UK’s Loris Contro, will explore the latest trends shaping the drinks industry.
NRB promises to deliver a unique blend of networking, inspiration, and innovation for hospitality professionals. With over 400 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.
NRB opens on March 11th-12th at Manchester Central and serves as the premier hospitality showcase of the year. Free tickets for trade professionals working in hospitality are available here.
