It’s the 30th anniversary year for The Restaurant Show and the event is shaping up to be a real celebration of the hospitality industry, with big names, exciting culinary battles and insight-packed live sessions. On top of that, there’s the chance to immerse yourself in the latest new products and services from over 450 suppliers across The Restaurant Show, Bar & Pub and Catering Equipment Expo. Here’s a first look at what’s in store for 2018.
Top tips from trail-blazers
The live stage will see some well-known industry names at the top of their game talking through their journey so far. This includes the opportunity to hear from trail-blazing chef Tom Kerridge, who’s currently out to crack the capital with his new restaurant dedicated to outstanding British cuisine. In this live interview he’ll be sharing his plans and passing on tips from his stellar career.
There will be another fantastic opportunity to pick up some valuable industry insights when Daniel Clifford, Chef Patron of Midsummer House takes to the stage at the show. Don’t miss the chance to discover the real story behind the dishes that made Midsummer House as Daniel Clifford discusses his tell-all book about making it to the top, Out of My Tree. This exciting session will see him cook up a signature classic live on stage and afterwards he’ll be signing copies of his book too.
These are just two of the leading lights who’ll be taking to the show’s main stage, there are more to be announced soon.
Business boosting insights
This year’s show will offer a range of discussions and panel sessions aimed at helping you take your business to the next level. Open Table will be joined by a series of expert panellists throughout the show to answer your burning questions and debate the issues that matter.
There’s a chance to get to grips with the global market and find out how to secure more bookings with out-of-town diners from another city or even another country.
Plus, learn how to cut through the noise to help new diners discover what makes your cuisine different. An expert panel will be on hand to offer practical ways to capitalise on the best communication channels to boost loyalty and bring new customers direct to you.
As always, The Restaurant Show is the place to find out about the latest trends to hit the hospitality market. If you want to get ahead of the curve, the Trend Watching sessions from MCA Foodservice, the industry’s leading intelligence and insight provider, are not to be missed. Executive Director Simon Stenning will talk you through the emerging trends and how they apply to your business.
This year there are so many expert panels covering all aspects of running a hospitality business, including guidance on how to choose music that creates the right ambience for your venue.
Taste sensations
What would The Restaurant Show be without a little food and drink to try, taste and discover? There will be plenty to whet your appetite from sake tastings and Japanese food pairings, to wine tastings with Master of Wine, Peter McCombie.
There’s also a masterclass in cheese to enjoy, with cheese writer Patrick McGuigan and Matthew Carver from The Cheese Restaurant in Camden. This session goes beyond simply choosing cheeses. In it you’ll learn how to cut wastage, boost margins and increase sales with informative case studies and samples of the best of British new wave cheeses, plus cutting-edge accompaniments.
Don’t forget to save room to sample the best from the many food & drink producers and suppliers exhibiting at the show too. Here you’ll find everything from charcuterie to chocolate, coffee to craft beer – all under one roof.
See the best put to the test
Seeing the industry’s rising stars and talented professionals battle it out in the kitchen has always played a key part of The Restaurant Show’s electric atmosphere.
One to watch is The Copa Jerez final on Monday 1st October. This high-profile international competition sees teams of chefs and sommeliers from restaurants in seven countries meet to create the perfect marriage between modern cooking and centuries-old wine.
The heat is really on in the kitchen as talented chefs compete to become the new National Chef of the Year and passionate newcomers cook up a storm for the chance to be crowned Young National Chef of the Year. The show sees all the intense action in the kitchen as well as the special ceremony announcing the winners of this prestigious competition.
There will be several other top culinary competitions taking place during the show too, including The Kikkoman Masters and Compass Chef of The Year.
More to be revealed
Listen out for further announcements from The Restaurant Show as more industry names, innovative sessions and interesting suppliers are revealed. Keep up with all the latest news about the event on Twitter by following @restaurantshow. For more information and to register for free click here.
