The North’s flagship hospitality trade exhibitions will return on 10–11 March 2026, with complimentary trade passes now available for industry professionals.
Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) 2026, recognised as the premier hospitality trade gathering in the North, is set to take place once again at Manchester Central, with registration for attendees officially underway.
Scheduled for Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March, NRB26 (supported by headline sponsor Uber Eats) will bring hospitality buyers, decision-makers, and suppliers together for two days of insights, product showcases, and networking at its long-established venue. Free trade passes for operators are now open for registration.
Following the strong reception in 2025, NRB will once more run concurrently with lunch! NORTH, the dedicated event for cafés, coffee shops, and food-to-go operators. Now entering its second edition, lunch! NORTH offers a focused platform for this expanding sector, with participating brands already including Illy, Welbilt, Carrs Pasties, Vita Coco, Lindt, Pip Organic, Hip Pop, One Plus Two, Re:Water, Tiffin Sandwiches, and Blendsmiths. Those wishing to exhibit at lunch! NORTH26 can enquire via the Stand Enquiry page.
Continuing its mission to connect hospitality operators with leading suppliers and innovators, NRB26 builds on the impressive turnout of last year’s combined shows, which hosted more than 12,000 visitors — a 13.4% rise from 2024 — and over 400 exhibitors presenting developments in food, drink, technology, and equipment.
The 2026 edition will deliver another programme of expert presentations, interactive sessions, demonstrations, and panel discussions, aimed at equipping operators with practical knowledge to navigate the current market landscape.
Exhibitors already confirmed for NRB26 include Uber Eats, Budweiser, Lightspeed HQ, Nisbets, Steelite International, La Tua Pasta, Frobishers Juices, Monin, Martins Craft Bakery, Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners, Worldpay, Cambrook Foods Ltd, Catering Equipment, and Stephensons. Information for prospective NRB exhibitors can be found at: https://northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk/enquiry-now
Chris Brazier, Group Event Director for NRB and lunch! NORTH, remarked: “NRB has always been about championing Northern hospitality and the people behind it. With the challenges the industry continues to face, NRB feels more vital than ever to bring the sector together. It’s our chance to share ideas, create new opportunities and celebrate the innovation and resilience that define hospitality in the North.”
Katie Tyler, Event Director for lunch! NORTH, said: “We’re so excited to bring lunch! NORTH back for its second year. The response to its launch was incredible, and it’s clear the café and food-to-go community in the North was ready for a show of its own. We’ve got an amazing line-up planned for 2026…it’s going to be another brilliant two days of discovery, connection and inspiration.”
Reflecting on last year’s event, Sam Grainger, Co-founder of COS Hospo / OG Hospo and a 2025 panellist, added: “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 operators in the North to come together and to keep pushing the amazing hospitality businesses we have here.”
Industry figure Marta Pogroszewska, NED at Bread Holdings Ltd (GAIL’s Bakery), commented: “lunch! NORTH is a fantastic event to see what’s new in the industry. I loved seeing so much innovation and celebrating vibrancy in the North.”
Registration for the North’s leading hospitality exhibitions is now available, with attendees invited to secure their place at the 2026 showcases.