The North of England’s thriving hospitality industry is poised to take center stage once again this March as Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB25) returns to Manchester Central. Taking place on 11-12th March 2025, this year’s event promises to be the ultimate celebration of northern hospitality excellence, talent, and innovation.
For the first time ever, NRB25 will co-locate with the inaugural lunch! NORTH, a brand-new show dedicated to the café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sectors. Together, these two events will create an unmissable opportunity for hospitality professionals across the North.
Exhibitors
NRB25 will feature 400 exhibitors, making it the essential event to discover the latest in food, drink, equipment, furniture, interior design, technology, and services. Confirmed exhibitors for 2025 include Coca-Cola, Uber Eats, Nespresso, Fever-Tree, AU Vodka, Greene King and Joseph Holt. In an exclusive appearance, Campari Group UK will showcase its latest innovations in the Spritz category, offering attendees a first look at exciting trends for 2025.
Keynote Theatre, Panels and Live Demonstrations
As always, NRB25 will offer a dynamic schedule of keynotes, panel discussions, and live demonstrations, highlighting some of the most respected names in the hospitality industry.
Chef Live
The Chef Live Theatre will showcase the talents of the North’s top chefs, including 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 Bridgwater, Executive Chef at Michelin-starred SOURCE at the Gilpin Hotel, and Ruth Hansom, owner of Hansom Restaurant & Wine Bar. Together, the trio will showcase their distinctive styles of cooking that celebrate local produce and highlight the North’s position as a global leader in fine-dining.
Keynote Theatre
In the Keynote Theatre, prominent industry leaders will share 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, Founder of Caravan, 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.
Pub & Bar Theatre
Also, 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.
Secure Your Trade Tickets Now
Northern Restaurant & Bar 25, co-located with lunch! NORTH, takes place on 11–12th March 2025 at Manchester Central. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the North’s largest and most dynamic hospitality event of the year.
Register now for your free trade tickets and join the celebration of the North’s hospitality excellence. Visit www.northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk for more information and tickets.
