Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) returned to ExCeL London on 20-22 March to connect hospitality business owners and operators with a wide range of innovative suppliers, from design & décor brands to food & drink products to suppliers of professional kitchen equipment.  

Together with co-located trade shows IFE, International Food & Drink Event and IFE Manufacturing, HRC welcomed over 27,000 industry professionals across three days to learn, network and streamline their product sourcing.  

This year’s event saw a range of new features including Chef HQ, curated by Chef Publishing, a demo kitchen stage and networking area showcasing the latest culinary innovations and a line-up of leading British and European chefs.  

Chefs including National Chef of the Year Ben Murphy, Next Level Chef UK winner Jade Greenhalgh, Restaurant A.Wong Chef Patron Andrew Wong and Number 6 in Padstow Chef Patron Paul Ainsworth took to the stage to discuss their careers and culinary inspirations.  

Elsewhere at the show, the Networking Hub, in partnership with VisitEngland and AA Media, hosted guided networking events hosted by organisations including the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the Foodservice Equipment Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping, the Institute of Hospitality and many more.  

Visitors to the show applauded the success of both HRC and co-located chef competition International Salon Culinaire, with Andrew Aston, Head of Wellness & Nutrition at BaxterStorey, commenting: “I absolutely loved the atmosphere at the show: it felt positive, energetic and vibrant. I caught up with friends, met new friends, connected with some wonderful producers and manufacturers all while experiencing some fantastic ingredients from all over the world.  

“The culinary competitions and the skills theatre delivered a great platform for all ages of chefs and what a place to test themselves in front of a large, curious audience. Very well done to every single person who brought the show to life and thank you for leaving me inspired.” 

James Page, Managing Director at Wentbridge House Hotel, added: “I’ve been attending HRC now for many years and it’s always a fixture on my calendar. To find the vast range of products and services, innovation and heavy equipment under one roof is hard to equal at any other exhibition.  

“I would certainly encourage anyone in the industry to visit – it is well worth the time, and you will come away with real value to add to your business.” 

The latest trends in hospitality and foodservice 

HRC’s Vision Stage, designed by Harp Design, and Tech X stage saw sessions covering a wide range of important trends and topics in the world of hospitality and foodservice, with actionable takeaways and insights for visitors to the show.  

Day one kicked off with an industry update from Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality, followed by a hospitality 2023 global view from IGD.  

Nicola Knight, Insight Manager, Food-to-Go and Eating Out, at IGD, who presented the session, commented: “It is always a delight to be invited to speak at HRC. The show has a real energy and buzz and, combined with IFE, is a must-attend event in the retail and foodservice calendar. 

This was followed on day two by a keynote session from HRC Chef Ambassador Monica Galetti, who discussed the growing role of tech in the kitchen, the industry’s transformation over the course of her career and inspiring the next generation of talented chefs. Chef Daniel Ayton, President of the Disciples Escoffier UK, later welcomed Galetti as a red ribbon member of the prestigious culinary group. 

On the Tech X stage, a panel including Fiona Jarvis, CEO of Blue Badge Style, discussed the role of tech in making hospitality more accessible to those with disabilities.  

Jarvis pointed out that “disability doesn’t just mean a wheelchair. Only 10% of the disabled population uses a wheelchair. You’ve got to deal with neurodiversity, partial hearing, partial sight and people who have small problems with their mobility.” 

Day three saw Steve Alton, CEO of the BII, discussing transformative tech for the pub & bar sector before the show concluded with a must-attend session on prioritising retention, not just recruitment, when it comes to hospitality staffing challenges.  

HRC will return to ExCeL London alongside The Pub Show @ HRC, International Salon Culinaire, IFE, International Food & Drink Event and IFE Manufacturing on 25-27 March 2024. To keep up to date with the latest news, interviews and industry trends, subscribe to our newsletter.