Stonegate Group, Hawksmoor, NWTC, Caravan, Prezzo Italian, Greene King, Wahaca, The Alchemist, Pizza Pilgrims & more take centre stage at The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show

On 24-25 September, the UK’s most respected voices in restaurants, pubs, and bars will converge in London for The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show 2025. With the full 2025 speaker programme now confirmed, this is a must-attend event for senior hospitality professionals looking for inspiration, insights and tools to future proof their business.    From exclusive interviews to interactive panels, this year’s speaker line-up features some of the biggest names in hospitality – including Hawksmoor, Stonegate Group, Caravan, Greene King, Prezzo Italian, Wahaca, NWTC, The Alchemist, Jamie Oliver Restaurants, Pizza Pilgrims, Zizzi, Bill’s, Mowgli and many more. You’ll find…

NEW innovations to see at The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show 2025

The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show has unveiled an exclusive preview of innovative new products to see at Excel London on 24–25 September.  The trade show will bring together senior decision-makers from leading restaurant groups, independent eateries, pub chains, and bar operators from across the UK. Attendees will discover the latest food and drink, breakthrough technologies, and the key trends driving the future of the sector.  A major draw for visiting operators is the show’s acclaimed Innovation Challenge – a dynamic showcase celebrating creativity and excellence across the industry. It highlights the most exciting and impactful new products launched…

Don’t Get Left Behind: the smartest operators will be sourcing new foodservice products at The National, Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show

In the fast-moving world of foodservice, staying relevant to your customers is essential. As expectations change and taste buds evolve, gone are the days where a restaurant, pub or bar could rely on a consistent menu and convenience. The modern foodservice landscape is faster, smarter, healthier, and more sustainable than ever before. Operators who collaborate with innovative foodservice suppliers are the ones turning casual customers into loyal fans. So, what are operators doing in foodservice to keep customers coming back? Experience over meals   Firstly, today’s diners crave more than just a good meal – they’re looking for immersive, Instagrammable experiences…

Top industry leaders announced as first speakers for The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show 

The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show (previously known as Casual Dining) has revealed its first wave of Keynote Speakers for this year’s highly anticipated trade event, which will return to Excel London on 24-25 September 2025.    Leading the line-up are some of the most influential names in hospitality: Will Beckett, Co-Founder and CEO of Hawksmoor; Amber Wood, Managing Director of New World Trading Company (NWTC); and James Brown, CEO of Prezzo Italian.  These experts will bring their unique insights to the show (across three theatres) offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear firsthand about the strategies driving some of…

The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show & lunch! open visitor registration

Visitor registration is now officially open for the 2025 edition of The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show (the new name for Casual Dining) and lunch! Taking place on 24–25 September at Excel London, these two co-located trade shows will bring together the best in food, drink, equipment, and technology for the hospitality and food-to-go sectors.  Recognised as industry-leading events, The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show and lunch! attract thousands of senior decision-makers from across the UK’s foodservice, retail, and hospitality landscape. Last year the show had an impressive 8042 attendees – despite a robust approve and deny system…

Casual Dining Awards announced the UK’s best restaurants, pubs & bars

The UK’s best pub, bar, and restaurant operators were announced at the prestigious Casual Dining Awards, which took place last night at the London Marriott Hotel, in Grosvenor Square.  Nando’s, Pizza Pilgrims, Albert’s Schloss, wagamama, Loungers, Mowgli, Bills, Wahaca,  and PizzaExpress were among the leading brands who took home prestigious awards – covering everything from best family dining experience, and menu innovation to restaurant brand of the year.    Laura Harper-Hinton, Co-Founder & CEO of Caravan won the coveted Trailblazer of the Year Award, and the Legendary Brand Award went to PizzaExpress.  The Special Award went to well-known Chair, Portfolio NED…

Comedian Hugh Dennis to host Casual Dining Awards 2025

Comedian and actor Hugh Dennis will host this years Casual Dining Awards. The annual celebration for the best operators in the industry will take place on 24 April at the 5* London Marriott, Grosvenor Square.   “We are thrilled to have Hugh Dennis as our host for the Casual Dining Awards 2025,” says Event Manager Stephen Herring. “His quick wit and charisma will undoubtedly elevate the evening and provide an entertaining backdrop for honoring the outstanding achievements of our finalists.”  Hugh Dennis is best known for his standout roles in hit TV shows such as Outnumbered, Not Going Out, and Mock…

Top Restaurants, Pubs & Bars Shortlisted for Prestigious 2025 Casual Dining Awards

The Shortlist for the 2025 Casual Dining Awards has been announced. These esteemed awards recognise excellence in multi-site restaurants, pubs & bars and highlight their outstanding achievements in areas such as menu innovation, marketing, sustainability and more. Leading brands and operators including wagamama, Nando’s, Fullers, Hawksmoor, Young’s, Dishoom, Caravan, Loungers (and others) have made the shortlist. The Casual Dining Awards in association with The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show (the new name for Casual Dining) is organised by Diversified and will be held at the lavish 5-star London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square on 24 April 2025. The 2025…

Innovation Challenge 2024 – the results

Discover new innovations before your competitors with the Innovation Challenge winners. New innovations were showcased from across the show floor including food, drink, technology and equipment products, the Innovation Challenge was the first port of call for visitors looking for products to differentiate their customer offering. The shortlisted companies pitched their products live on stage on day 2, the products were then tested by a panel of judges who determined whether it deserved a gold, silver of bronze award. The winners: Biff’s Plant Shack Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak The judges said: “Bang on trend. Natural, healthy and agree that this is the steakiest vegetable…

Robust Approve and Deny System Drives Success at Casual Dining and lunch! 2024 

Casual Dining (now The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show) and lunch! celebrated their best ever shows at ExCeL London last week. The premier events in the hospitality, foodservice and food retail sector welcomed an impressive 8042 attendees – despite a robust approve and deny system put in place ahead of the show.    The implementation of the new vetting system, in response to exhibitor feedback expressing concerns about suppliers attending primarily to sell to exhibitors at industry trade shows, led to the rejection of 20% of visitor applications. Despite this rigorous screening process, the total event audience experienced only a marginal 8%…