NRB25 & DEBUT LUNCH! NORTH REPORT RECORD ATTENDANCE
The co-located trade show reports a 13.4% increase in visitor numbers, with industry-leading exhibitors and speakers drawing in the crowds
Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB), and the newly launched lunch! NORTH, both sponsored by Uber Eats, have set new attendance records, marking a 13.4% increase compared to last year and cementing its credentials for being the biggest trade show in the North.
12,187 visitors attended the two day trade event in Manchester, which took place on 11th and 12th March at Manchester Central, with over 400 food, drink, tech and equipment suppliers showcasing the very best innovation across the sector.
Northern Restaurant & Bar 2025 saw a jam-packed line up of interviews with some of the industry’s most influential leaders, sharing insight and discussion on the sector’s key trends and challenges.
In a keynote interview, Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, addressed the mounting cost pressures faced by operators, the severe impact of the recent budget—particularly the halving of the NIC threshold and regressive tax measures—and UK Hospitality’s efforts to professionalise more roles within the sector.
Other standout moments included Simon Potts, CEO of The Alchemist, sharing his perspective on leadership in hospitality, managing nationwide sites, and the brand’s potential international expansion. Meanwhile, Roy Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Mission Mars, discussed the growth of Albert’s Schloss and Rudy’s, the evolving staff mindset, and hinted at an exciting new concept in the works from the Mission Mars team.
Chef Live witnessed the culinary delights from the likes of Michelin star recipient Tom Barnes (Skof), Ruth Hansom (Hansom Restaurant & Wine Bar), and Danielle Heron (OSMA), each showcasing their signature techniques and innovations. The Pub & Bar Theatre hosted an exclusive interview with award-winning mixologist Joe Schofield (SCHOFIELD’S BAR), who shared insights into the challenges of launching a bartender-owned bar during COVID and offered invaluable advice to aspiring bar owners. The theatre also featured engaging panels on brewing innovations and the ever-evolving art of mixology.
The prestigious Kuits NRB Top Fifty returned for its twelfth year, celebrating fifty outstanding Northern hospitality operators recognised for their commercial and critical success over the past year. Special achievement awards were presented to Archie’s, The Inn Collection Group, and Daniel Schofield, Joe Schofield & James Brandwood.
At the same time, lunch! NORTH made its debut at Manchester Central, catering to the North’s thriving café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sector. As a northern counterpart to the award-winning lunch! trade show, it was a resounding success in its inaugural year.
Key highlights included an exclusive interview with Marta Pogroszewska, Managing Director of GAIL’s, who provided valuable insights into the brand’s rapid expansion, the long-term retention of team members, and GAIL’s vision for building a lasting legacy. Additionally, industry leaders such as Christian Binney (Burger King UK), Dimeji Sadiq (Vegan Shack), and William Gordon-Harris (Knoops) took the stage to share their perspectives on brand growth, operational strategies, and business ethos.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Siobhan Thompson, Event Manager for NRB25, stated: “We’ve had an absolutely brilliant show, with over 12,000 visitors through the doors. The quality of exhibitors and speakers this year was exceptional, and Northern Restaurant & Bar continues to be a must-attend event for industry professionals. It’s inspiring to see so many operators come together, demonstrating their dedication and passion for northern hospitality. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Katie Tyler, Event Director for lunch! NORTH, also commented: “We are so proud of the incredible success of the first-ever lunch! NORTH show, with outstanding feedback from exhibitors and buyers alike. It was two days filled with inspiration, insights, and networking, bringing together the very best from the café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sector in the North. We are already excited to make next year’s event even bigger and better!”
Christian Townsley, Founder of North Bar and speaker at the event, remarked, “NRB is a must-attend event, a unique annual occasion that showcases the strength and diversity of the northern hospitality industry. It brings together industry friends from across the north under one roof, where we share insights, challenges, and successes, all while inspiring each other.”
Sam Grainger, Co-founder of COS Hospo / OG Hospo and panellist at the show, also shared his thoughts: “NRB is one of the most important dates in the year, not only to see new products, equipment, and services on offer but for all the fantastic minds of restaurants in the North to come together, socialise, and put their heads together to keep pushing the amazing hospitality businesses we have here.”
Andy Howitt, On Trade Controller at Ellers Farm Distillery / Dutch Barn Vodka and NRB25 exhibitor, added: “We’ll never miss NRB – it’s simply the best trade show, hands down.”
Matt Crocker, founder of Re-Water and exhibitor at the inaugural lunch! NORTH, shared his enthusiasm: “lunch! NORTH is our new favourite trade show – the attendees were really high-quality and we’ve already booked for 2026.”
The date for next year’s even bigger lunch! NORTH has already been set and will take place on 10th-11th March 2026, at the same time as Northern Restaurant & Bar. To register your interest in attending or to book a stand, head to: https://www.lunchnorth.co.uk/
