Northern Restaurant & Bar returns to Manchester in March – and this time they’re bringing lunch!
Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB), sponsored by Uber Eats, has revealed an impressive line-up of speakers for its upcoming trade show this March, including leaders from hospitality heavyweights such as Skof, 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.
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.
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. With hospitality leaders from businesses like Mission Mars, GAIL’s and Caravan Restaurants, these events promise to provide invaluable insights, inspiration, and a platform to celebrate the talent driving the Northern hospitality scene forward.”
This year’s event expands with the launch of lunch! NORTH, a sister event to NRB25, held side-by-side at Manchester Central. Brought north by the team behind NRB and after 16 successful years in London with lunch!, lunch! NORTH will focus on the region’s thriving café, coffee shop, and food-to-go sectors, featuring an inspiring line-up of industry leaders.
The NRB and lunch! NORTH events promise 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.