Visitors were queuing out of the doors of Manchester Central as they came to visit Northern Restaurant & Bar over the past two days. Visitor numbers increased by 20% with 6,851 people coming to the biggest hospitality show for the North of England.
“It was incredible” said managing director Thom Hetherington. “This has, by popular consent, been our best year yet. With more than 250 exhibitors, over 50 demos, a cocktail competition, the launch of the NRB Debate and the announcement of the NRB Top 50 for the third year, we couldn’t have packed much more in.”
The first ever NRB Debate featuring Tim Bacon of Living Ventures and Marcello Distefano of San Carlo Group took place with standing room only and rave reviews as both guests opened up honestly about the secrets of their success and expansion plans for the future.
Paul Askew of The London Carriageworks, Marc Wilkinson of Restaurant Fraiche and Tim Bacon and Jeremy Roberts of Living Ventures were the recipients of this year’s NRB Top 50 Special Achievement Awards, chosen out of the Powerlist of 50 of the best Northern operators.
The line up of chefs was one of the most prestigious yet with five Michelin stars and TV names from a list that started with Michael Caines and included James Martin, Simon Rogan and Aiden Byrne. The popular Chef’s Table raised money for Hospitality Action as visitors enjoyed tasting the dishes.
NRB was also delighted to support NW Young Chef of the Year, Daniel Akrigg of Rogan & Co in his first demo to a packed theatre. Over in Drinks Live, The Chairman’s Reserve Cocktail competition was won by Adam Binnersley of Under New Management in Salford and he will be heading off on his prize of a trip to St Lucia.
Northern Restaurant & Bar with the NRB Debate and the NRB Top 50 will return to Manchester Central on 17-18 March 2015.
For further information about exhibiting at or visiting NRB 2015 click here