Pizza Pilgrims & BrewDog join the Casual Dining Keynote line-up

Full keynote speaker programme revealed   Some of the biggest names in the restaurant, pub and bar industry are on the Keynote menu at Casual Dining 2023, which takes place on 27-28 September at ExCeL London.   James Elliot and Thom Elliot, Co-Founders of Pizza Pilgrims have been confirmed to speak at the show. They will discuss how they have been rolling out the Pizza Pilgrim brand so successfully and offering thoughts on the future of the sector. Brewdog Bar’s CEO James Brown will also join the line-up. He’ll be sharing key insights on the meteoric rise of this huge brand.  …

Pub operators gear up for Casual Dining 2018

Already a magnet for top buyers from across the casual dining sector, Casual Dining 2018 is expecting to see a record number of UK pub and bar operators among its attendees later this month — when doors open at the Business Design Centre in London on 21-22 February. Event organiser Diversified UK says the number of pub and bar buyers at Casual Dining has swelled year on year (it was up 10% in 2017 and a massive 25% in 2016) – reflecting the growing importance of food sales as a crucial revenue stream for many.

Pub & restaurant leaders to deliver Keynotes at Casual Dining 2018

Casual Dining has unveiled more new speakers for 2018, including MDs and senior directors from PizzaExpress, Mitchells & Butlers, Casual Dining Group, Loungers and Pho. Returning to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 21-22 February next year, the show’s free Keynote line-up now includes Susan Chappell, divisional director, exec committee, at Mitchells & Butlers; Mark Smith, MD of Vietnamese restaurant chain Pho; Nick Collins, CEO of Loungers; James Spragg, chief operating officer of Casual Dining Group (CDG); and Zoe Bowley, UK & Ireland MD at PizzaExpress. Representing some of the UK’s biggest and most well-known casual dining chains,…

CEO of Jamie’s Italian confirmed for headline Keynote at Casual Dining 2018

Jon Knight, the new CEO of Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, is the first big name Keynote speaker to be announced for Casual Dining 2018.  The multi-award winning trade event for the UK’s restaurant and pub operators returns to the Business Design Centre in London, next year, on 21-22 February. Today’s announcement follows the opening of the show’s online visitor registration for 2018, and comes just weeks after Knight’s appointment as CEO.  He was formerly the managing director of Jamie Oliver’s international restaurant portfolio. Knight is the latest exclusive speaker signing for the show, which – since its launch in 2014…

Casual Dining crowns two Kings of Craft

In a first for the show, two exhibitors were named ‘King of Craft’ at Casual Dining 2017.  Thistly Cross Cider’s Whisky Cask Cider and Freedom Brewery’s Organic Helles Lager both received top marks from the judges, who included selected VIP visitors. The competition was open to all Craft Beer & Cider Pavilion exhibitors. “Being voted King Of Craft at the 2017 Casual Dining Show is fantastic for Thistly Cross,” says head cidermaker Peter Stuart. “As a truly independent craft cider company, we’re continuing the proud tradition of hand-pressing real fruit for cider made on our farm.  So to have our…

Casual Dining 2017 opens today!

Casual Dining opens for business at 10am today at Business Design Centre in London.  Over 4,500 attendees (representing multiple and independent pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, wholesalers, distributors, and contract caterers from across the UK) are expected to pack the aisles over two days (Wednesday and Thursday, 22-23 February). Today’s highlights include: Peter Backman, MD of Horizons: Delivery – The big disrupter Exclusive interview with Martin Robinson, chairman of Casual Dining Group (hosted by Peter Martin, VP of CGA Peach) Kate Nicholls, CEO of ALMR: Brexit & four other bumps to prepare for Exclusive interview with Neil Rankin, director of Temper…

Market-leading drinks brands to exhibit at Casual Dining 2017

Carlsberg UK, Budweiser Budvar UK, World Beers, Global Brands, Morgenrot, Britvic, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Perrier & S.Pellegrino, Fever-Tree, Fentimans, Monin UK, and Brita Vivreau, are among the big name drinks brands preparing to exhibit at Casual Dining show, later this month. The multi-award winning event for the UK’s casual dining operators, including restaurants, pubs and bars, returns to the Business Design Centre, in London, on 22-23 February. Flexible, convenient, and affordable, casual dining is one of the fastest growing parts of the UK’s eating out market.  To accommodate rising demand for a high quality, yet good value, dining experience (nearly…

Casual Dining previews its exhibitor show highlights

Casual Dining – the multi-award winning trade event for the UK’s casual dining sector, has released its exhibitor show highlights for 2017. Returning to the Business Design Centre in London next month, on 22-23 February, visiting buyers will be among the first to see a host of new products, catering equipment and services from 200 leading suppliers. The following is just a taste of what’s new at Casual Dining 2017: Whitby Seafoods is reinvigorating scampi with its new ancient grains crumb.  Being previewed for the first time at the show, it’s made using 100% British caught wild langoustine.  These little…

Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards 2017 announces finalists

Brands including Pho, Las Iguanas, wagamama, ASK Italian, Burger & Lobster, Carluccio’s, GBK, MEATliquor, Nando’s, Pizza Express, Revolution, Giggling Squid, and La Tasca, have made the shortlists for this year’s Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards. They’re among 67 casual dining pub and restaurant operators nominated for awards across 14 categories, which cover everything from new concepts, menu innovation and employee engagement to marketing and design, as well as recognising the outstanding brands of the year.  Due to popular demand and a long waiting list of attendees and sponsors in 2016, these important awards are now moving to a new,…

M&B, Marston’s, Hippo Inns, Geronimo Inns, Young’s, Fuller’s & Living Ventures to speak at Casual Dining 2017

Boosting pub menu innovation and profitability is a key theme at next month’s Casual Dining trade show, which returns to the Business Design Centre in London, on 22-23 February. Big names from Marston’s, Young’s, Geronimo Inns, Hippo Inns, Fuller’s, and Living Ventures are the latest and final additions to this year’s expert free Keynote line-up; which already includes Bob Ivell, non-exec chairman of Mitchells & Butlers.  They’ll be appearing at the event, alongside over 200 exhibitors (across three floors) showcasing a host of new products, equipment and services for the on-trade. From snacks, sharing platters and sides, to all day…

Casual Dining previews its 2017 exhibitors

Casual Dining has released its initial exhibitor list for 2017.  The UK’s multi-award winning trade event for casual dining restaurant and pub operators will now feature over 200 exhibiting companies when it returns to the Business Design Centre in London on 22-23 February. The exhibitor list, now available online at www.casualdiningshow.co.uk, offers an exclusive first look at some of the companies – from big brand names to emerging start-ups – who will be helping to shape the future of the casual dining sector over the next twelve months. Building on the success of Casual Dining 2016, which enjoyed a significant…

Big name speakers confirmed for Casual Dining 2017

Leading casual dining operators – including TGI Friday’s, Mitchells & Butlers, Casual Dining Group, Bill’s, Wahaca, and Côte Restaurants, are preparing to host Keynotes at Casual Dining 2017. Returning to the Business Design Centre in London next year, on 22-23 February, the multi-award winning event for the casual dining sector (including multiple and independent pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, and contract caterers) has lined-up exclusive, free Keynotes and interviews with some of the biggest names in the business. Among them are Martin Robinson, non-executive chairman of CDG, Karen Forrester, CEO of TGI Friday’s, Mark Fox, CEO of Bill’s Restaurants, Jo Fleet,…

Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards 2017: entries are open

The Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards, organised by Diversified Communications UK, is now accepting entries for 2017. Launched in 2016, the awards recognise and celebrate the standout restaurant and pub operators of the year across the growing multi-billion pound casual dining sector.  Due to unanimously positive feedback, and a long waiting list of attendees and sponsors, these important awards are moving to a new, bigger venue – Marriot London Grosvenor Square – for 2017. “We were delighted with the response to the first Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards.  It really was a highlight of the year for many…

Casual Dining shortlisted for its third Best Trade Show Award!

Casual Dining – the UK’s only dedicated trade event for casual dining operators (including multiple and independent pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels), has been nominated for ‘Best UK Tradeshow Exhibition under 2,000sq.m’ for the third time in its first three years of business. Having won the same award at the exhibition industry’s annual AEO Excellence Awards for the last two years running, Casual Dining (organised by Diversified Communications UK) will now have the chance to defend its title again. Casual Dining was the first launch show in over five years to triumph in the Association of Event Organisers’ hotly contested…

Casual Dining 2016 reports significant 22% increase in attendees

170 exhibitors, 20 Keynote speakers and 4,402 attendees – that’s the top line figures from this year’s Casual Dining show, which won rave reviews from across the casual dining sector last week. Called an “essential forum for sharing new ideas, innovations and insights” by Carluccio’s co-founder and chairman Simon Kossoff, the multi-award winning two day show took place at the Business Design Centre in London on 24-25 February. Its third edition enjoyed a 22% increase in unique attendees for 2016, with top buyers and decision makers from many of UK’s biggest restaurant, pub and bar groups packing the aisles.  Notably,…

Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards 2016: Winners announced

The UK’s best casual dining operators were revealed last night at the launch of the first Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards 2016, organised by Diversified Communications UK. JD Wetherspoon, Côte Restaurants, wagamama, Zizzi, and Gourmet Burger Kitchen all took home awards, while Loungers’ Alex Reilley was named ‘Champion of the year’ by the founding judges. The 2016 winners were presented their awards by BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern at a prestigious ceremony on Wednesday 24 February at The Grange St. Paul’s Hotel in London, following the first day of the Casual Dining show. Over 300 industry professionals, including John Hutson,…

Today’s Keynotes: Thursday 25 February

If you weren’t able to attend Casual Dining yesterday, there’s still plenty of great content to enjoy today – including ‘in conversation’ sessions with David Campbell, chief executive of wagamama, and Luke Johnson, chairman of Riskcapital Partners, plus the results of the Innovation Challenge Awards. Today’s highlights include: Jamie Campbell, account director, CGA Peach: View from the top Steve Richards, chief executive officer, The Casual Dining Group: Refreshing a brand An exclusive interview with Luke Johnson, chairman, Riskcapital Partners: Interviewed by Paul Charity, managing director, Propel Info The Casual Dining Innovation Challenge Live 2016 – the pitches: Hosted by Chris Brazier,…

Opening day photo gallery

Today’s Keynotes: Wednesday 24 February

Casual Dining opens for business at 10am today at Business Design Centre in London.  Over 4,000 attendees (representing multiple and independent pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, wholesalers, distributers, and contract caterers from across the UK) are expected to pack the aisles over two days (Wednesday and Thursday, 24-25 February). Today’s highlights include: Peter Backman, MD, Horizons: Casual dining – where next? An exclusive interview with Simon Kossoff, co-founder & chairman, Carluccio’s: Interviewed by Peter Martin, Vice President, CGA Peach David McDowall, MD of Bars, BrewDog: The Brewdog charter and our retail strategy Mark McCulloch, founder & group CEO, WE ARE Spectacular:…

Casual Dining 2016 opens in London tomorrow

With 170 exhibitors competing for business across three floors – restaurant, pub and bar operators looking to strengthen their food and drinks menu will find a host of new ideas at Casual Dining 2016, which opens at Business Design Centre in London at 10am tomorrow. Confirmed exhibitors include AAK Foodservice, Henson Foods, The Foodfellas, Capreolus Fine Foods, Kent Frozen Foods, Lamb Western, Reynolds, Handmade Cheesecake Company, Moy Park Foodservice, Ornua Ingredients, McCain Foodservice, Pidy, Fresh Direct, Disotto, General Mills, Golden Foods, Nestle Professional, Gourmet Island, and Destiny Foods. Vivreau, Bleep UK, Ascentia Foodservice Equipment, rexmartins, Eden Furniture, Gram UK, MAJIsign,…

Casual Dining: “the two days a year when our sector gets together”

Launched in 2014, Casual Dining – the UK’s first and only dedicated trade event for the casual dining sector has enjoyed strong industry support from the outset. Looking ahead to Casual Dining 2016, we thought we’d share some of the great testimonials the show’s received from its speakers and visitors so far: “The Casual Dining show is the two days a year when our sector gets together.  It’s an essential forum for sharing new ideas, innovations and insights,” says Simon Kossoff, co-founder and chairman of Carluccio’s. “A chance to debate and consider the big issues driving change in the casual…

Casual Dining 2016 opens next week

The casual dining sector is big business in the UK and next week it’s set to get even bigger, when Casual Dining returns to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 24-25 February. The multi-award winning two day trade show is expected to attract over four thousand key buyers and decision makers from many of the country’s biggest casual dining pub groups and restaurant chains, hotels, contract caterers, and independent operators.  Over 170 leading industry suppliers – showcasing an innovative choice of food and drink, equipment, table top, POS technology and services, will be there to meet them. “The…

Competition hots up at Casual Dining 2016

McCain Foodservice, Nestlé Professional, New York Bakery Company, Southern Wine Roads, The FoodFellas, Twinings, UCC Coffee, and Young’s Seafood are just some of exhibitors competing for Innovation Challenge Awards at this year’s sold out Casual Dining show, which returns to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 24-25 February. All products and services entered into the 2016 Innovation Challenge – designed to promote the best new casual dining innovations over the last twelve months – will have to win over the show’s visitors (including key buyers and decision makers from across the casual dining restaurant and pub sector) before…

Drinks: Exhibitor Show Highlights Picture Gallery

The following is just a taste of the drink products on show at this year’s Casual Dining.  To read the full exhibitor show highlights, please visit; www.casualdiningshow.co.uk/casual-dining-previews-new-innovations-for-2016.

Pub operators gear up for Casual Dining 2016

Many of the UK’s biggest pub and bar groups, including Whitbread, Mitchells & Butlers, Marston’s, Enterprise Inns, Punch Taverns, Greene King, and JD Wetherspoon, have confirmed their attendance at Casual Dining 2016. The multi-award winning trade event for the UK’s casual dining sector returns to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, in three weeks’ time on 24-25 February. Reflecting the show’s broad appeal, representatives from Beds & Bars, British Country Inns, Charles Wells, Cirrus Inns, Daniel Thwaites, Dorbiere Pub Company, Eclectic Bar Group, Epic Pub Company, ETM Group, Fuller Smith & Turner, Hall & Woodhouse, Lifeboat Pub Co., Market…

Food: exhibitor show highlights picture gallery

The following is just a taste of the food products on show at this year’s Casual Dining.  To read the full exhibitor show highlights, please visit; www.casualdiningshow.co.uk/casual-dining-previews-new-innovations-for-2016. AAK Foodservice is showing its recently launched Prep Premium’s Flavour House.  Stand G21 Karimix UK is launching its new range of heritage Korean and Indo China products.  Stand M427   The FoodFellas is showcasing a selection of new products from around the world.  Stand U205     Moy Park Foodservice (stand G9) is introducing its new casual dining range at the show including: British Chicken Ballotine Tomato and Mozzarella Chicken Melt Buttermilk Wings Mexican Koftas  …

Casual Dining previews new innovations for 2016

Casual Dining – the multi-award winning trade event for the UK’s casual dining sector, has released its first preview of some of the new products being showcased this year. Returning to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 24-25 February, the show has firmly established itself as an essential visit for casual dining operators (including multiple and independent pubs, bars, and restaurants) looking to keep up with the latest innovations, developments, and trends. The following is just a selection of some of the new launches that will be on show from 170 exhibitors showcasing a comprehensive choice of food…

Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards 2016 announces finalists

Brands including JD Wetherspoon, Young’s, Revolution, ASK Italian, Jamie’s Italian, Carluccio’s, Côte Restaurants, wagamama, Nando’s, Ed’s Easy Diner, GBK, and Pizza Hut, have made the shortlists for this year’s first ever Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards. They’re among 48 casual dining pub and restaurant operators competing for awards across 12 categories, which cover everything from new concepts, social responsibility and employee engagement to marketing and design, as well as recognising the outstanding brands of the year.  The awards – launched to celebrate excellence within the growing multi-billion pound casual dining sector – will be presented at a prestigious awards…

Wagamama, GBK, Punch Taverns and Revolution Bars to host Keynotes at Casual Dining 2016

With its full Keynote seminar line-up now confirmed, a raft of high-profile brands and industry leaders are preparing to share their expertise with over 4,000 visitors from across the UK’s multiple restaurant and pub group sector at next month’s Casual Dining show. Returning to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 24-25 February, the multi-award winning trade event will feature an exclusive interview with Wagamama’s chief executive David Campbell.  He’ll be discussing his experiences in the UK casual dining sector, overseas expansion, site selection, staff retention and their plans for the future with Peter Martin, VP of CGA Peach.…

Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards 2016: Last call for entries

Casual dining operators have until 27 November to submit their entries for the first ever Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards, organised by Diversified Communications UK. These important new awards for the multi-billion pound casual dining sector will enjoy a prominent showcase at the Casual Dining trade show, which takes place next year on 24-25 February at the Business Design Centre in London. Numerous multiple and independent casual dining restaurants, pubs and bars have already submitted their entries across the 11 categories, which cover operational excellence and performance, leadership, employee engagement, marketing, social responsibility, and design.  There are also two…

Luke Johnson, Simon Kossoff and Steve Richards lead Casual Dining’s 2016 Keynote line-up

With visitor registration now open, Casual Dining – the UK’s multi-award winning trade event for the multiple restaurant and pub group sector, has announced its initial Keynote line-up for 2016. Returning to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 24-25 February next year, the show’s extensive Keynote programme will feature an exclusive interview with Luke Johnson, chairman of private equity firm Risk Capital Partners.  Johnson, one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs, is well-known for his involvement in growing the Pizza Express, Giraffe, Strada, and Patisserie Valerie brands.  He’ll be discussing his experiences in the UK casual dining sector –…

Casual Dining wins Best Trade Show Award for a second year!

Diversified Communications UK’s Casual Dining show – the award winning trade event for the UK’s multiple restaurant and pub group sector, has won ‘Best Tradeshow Exhibition under 2,000sq.m’ at the AEO Awards for a second time in its first two years of business. The Association of Event Organisers’ Excellence awards ceremony, widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ for the live events and exhibition industry, hosted over 1000 event industry professionals at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair on 26 June. Facing tough competition, Casual Dining defended its title for a second consecutive year over fellow finalists, including The Surface Design…

Casual Dining shortlisted for Best Trade Show Award!

Casual Dining – the UK’s dedicated trade event for the multiple restaurant and pub group sector, has been nominated for ‘Best UK Tradeshow Exhibition under 2,000sq.m’ for a second time in its first two years of business.  Following on from its big win of the same award at the exhibition industry’s annual AEO Excellence Awards last year, Casual Dining (organised by Diversified Communications UK) will now have the chance to defend its title. Casual Dining was the first launch show in over five years to triumph in the Association of Event Organisers’ hotly contested ‘Best Tradeshow Exhibition under 2,000sq.m’ category;…

Casual Dining 2015 ticks all the right boxes

The second edition of Casual Dining – the award winning trade event for the UK’s pub, restaurant and bar sector – has been hailed a big success. Brilliant, lively, informative, refreshing, and relevant – is just some of the feedback received from visitors so far; with Paul Pavli, operations director at Punch Taverns calling it “a must attend event”. The show, which took place at the Business Design Centre in London last month, on 25-26 February, featured over 150 exhibitors and welcomed 3,608 attendees (from nearly 2,000 companies).  Notably, over 30% of visitors cited a corporate spend of over £500k…

Casual Dining launches major new industry awards

Casual Dining, the award winning trade show, which ran its second edition at the Business Design Centre in London last week, has today announced the launch of The Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards, in response to industry feedback. The awards will take place on the evening of 24 February 2016.  Not only will they form an important highlight of next year’s event, but aim to become the leading celebration of the growing £7 billion casual dining sector. The launch of this prestigious industry awards dinner follows the launch of the highly successful Casual Dining Design Awards last year –…

The Lynx Purchasing Casual Dining Report 2015

Bringing together data from a wide range of sources, the Lynx Purchasing Casual Dining Report includes at-a-glance information on consumer spending and eating out habits, as well as trends in everything from US dishes to craft beer. The report is a snapshot of the latest trends, in a user-friendly graphic format, and is an invaluable tool for operators as they work their way around the market and talk to the many different suppliers hoping to win their business. Click here to view: Casual Dining Report 2015 web version    

Casual Dining 2015: Opening day photo gallery

Today’s Keynotes at Casual Dining 2015: Thursday 26 February

If you weren’t able to attend Casual Dining yesterday, there’s still plenty of great content to enjoy today – including Keynotes from the CEOs of TGI Friday’s and GBK, industry icon Ian Neill in conversation with CGA Peach’s Peter Martin, plus the results of the Innovation Challenge Awards. Today’s Keynotes (in order of sessions): Jamie Campbell, Account Director, CGA Peach: Mind the Gap: Life Beyond the Capital Karen Forrester, CEO of T.G.I Friday’s: Theories, Philosophies, Values and Traditions The Propel Info Panel – How Pub Operators are Diversifying: Chaired by Paul Charity, MD of Propel Info, featuring James Nye (Anglian Country…

Today’s Keynotes at Casual Dining 2015: Wednesday 25 February

Casual Dining opens for business at 10am today at Business Design Centre in London.  Over 4,000 attendees (representing multiple and independent pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, wholesalers, distributers, and contract caterers from across the UK) are expected to pack the aisles over two days (Wednesday and Thursday, 25-26 February). Today’s highlights include Keynotes from: Peter Backman, MD of Horizons: Who is setting the casual dining pace? And where are they going? Anthony Pender, chairman of The BII & MD of Yummy Pub Co: How we’ll raise standards in licensed retail together The CGA Peach Pioneer Panel: Chaired by Peter Martin, VP of…

Casual Dining 2015 opens in London tomorrow

Casual Dining – the award winning trade event for the UK’s pub, restaurant and bar sector – is set to take casual dining to new heights as it takes over three floors of the Business Design Centre in London this week. Already an essential date on many hospitality buyers calendars, Casual Dining opens for business at 10am on Wednesday 25 February.  Over 4,000 attendees (representing multiple and independent pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, wholesalers, distributers, and contract caterers from across the UK) are expected to pack the aisles over two days. Casual Dining will feature over 150 sector leading exhibitors showcasing…

Buyers to decide Innovation Challenge finalists at Casual Dining 2015

Casual Dining is putting its visitors in the driving seat of the Innovation Challenge Awards this year, with the finalists to be determined by popular vote. The award winning two day trade event for casual dining restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels, returns to the Business Design Centre in London next week on 25-26 February. All products and services entered into the 2015 Innovation Challenge Showcase – including food, drink, packaging, equipment and technology – will have to win over the show’s visitors (including key buyers and decision makers from across the hospitality sector) before making it through to the exciting…

Casual Dining show up for Rising Star award

Casual Dining – which returns to the Business Design Centre in London next week – has been shortlisted for Exhibition News’ prestigious Rising Star Award. The recently announced nominations see Casual Dining up for its second industry award, having already won ‘Best Tradeshow Exhibition (UK & International) under 2,000sq.m’ at the Association of Event Organisers’ AEO Excellence Awards last July. Diversified Communications UK (organiser of Casual Dining) has been shortlisted for six awards in all, with its lunch! food-to-go show also recognised in the Best Trade Show, Best Trade Show Marketing Campaign and Best Organiser Salesperson (Derek MacHale) categories. The Exhibition News awards, which celebrates talent and achievement across the exhibition industry, will…

Casual Dining gets crafty with new Drinks Innovation Theatre tastings

Pub, bar and restaurant buyers looking to refresh their drinks menus are set to enjoy a tastings extravaganza at next week’s Casual Dining trade show, which opens at the Business Design Centre, in London, on 25-26 February. Thanks to 140% increase in exhibitors offering alcoholic beverages for 2015, on-trade buyers will be able to see and sample the show’s biggest choice of beer, wines, ciders, spirits and mixers yet. Official tasting sessions are scheduled to run throughout the show in the new Drinks Innovation Theatre on the upper feature level, with the programme split equally between wine and craft beer/cider…

Sold out Casual Dining show confirms full exhibitor line-up for 2015

With all stand space now sold, Casual Dining 2015 – the award winning trade event for the UK’s £7bn casual dining pub, bar and restaurant market – will feature over 150 sector leading exhibitors when it returns to the Business Design Centre, in London, next week on 25-26 February. Showcasing a vibrant choice of food and drink, equipment, interior design, furniture, technology and table top supplies, the most recent additions to the eclectic line-up include Belvoir Fruit Farms; World Beers, Bear Brewery; frying oil filter machine specialists VITO UK; MAJIsign – leading manufacturers of A-Boards, chalkboards and menu holders; and Venue10, previewing…

Casual Dining Design Awards 2015

Over forty casual dining pubs and restaurants from across the UK competed for prestigious design awards at Casual Dining 2015. Now in their second year, the Casual Dining Design Awards includes three categories – Best Designed Independent Restaurant, Best Designed Multiple Restaurant, and Best Designed Casual Dining Pub.  The 2015 shortlist included high street names like ASK Italian, Nando’s, wagamama, and Pizza Hut Restaurants, plus a range of entries from scalable independents ready for rapid expansion to historic pubs that have been given a new lease of life. “Consumers are becoming more discerning where design and branding is concerned.  There’s more…

Press Invite: Reserve your press pass to Casual Dining 2015

Welcome to Casual Dining, the award-winning trade show for the UK’s £7bn casual dining sector, taking place later this month at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on Wednesday and Thursday 25-26 February. The free Keynote programme includes sessions by Karen Forrester (TGI Friday’s), Stephen Holmes (ASK Italian and Zizzi), Alasdair Murdoch (GBK), Scott Macdonald (Bill’s), Kate Nicholls (The ALMR), and Ian Neill (in conversation with CGA Peach’s Peter Martin).  Martin is also hosting a casual dining pioneer panel debate featuring Martin Morales (Ceviche), Harald Samuelsson (Côte), Brandon Stephens (Tortilla).  Whilst this year’s Propel Info Panel will feature four leading multi-site…

Exhibitor Show Highlights: Equipment, Business Services & Technology

The following is just a taste of what’s on show at this year’s Casual Dining. Glen Dimplex Professional Appliances is launching Burco’s new Convection Oven range. Featuring a countertop model, a large single phase model, and a powerful three phase unit, the range is fully gastronorm compatible, has a 60°-260°c working temperature, and a robust design to cope with the demands of a busy kitchen. (Stand M423) Buying specialist Lynx Purchasing is launching the 2015 edition of its Casual Dining Report. Building on the success of the 2014 edition, the 2015 report will spotlight the latest trends in the eating…

Exhibitor Show Highlights: Drink

The following is just a taste of what’s on show at this year’s Casual Dining. innocent drinks, typically known for its juices and smoothies, is showcasing a completely new offering for 2015. innocent bubbles is a brand new, refreshing, carbonated drink using spring water and fruit, and in true innocent style, absolutely nothing else. (Stand U115) Coca-Cola Enterprises is offering great deals on Appletiser, both their classic Apple and their new Apple & Pomegranate 275ml variants.  Following the recent press announcement of their 3 year partnership to become the Official Soft Drink of Ascot Racecourse, Appletiser will also be offering up…

Exhibitor Show Highlights: Food

The following is just a taste of what’s on show at this year’s Casual Dining. Potts Partnership is launching its new food service range consisting of bestselling classic sauce recipes in practical foodservice packaging. Sauces include Hollandaise, Three Peppercorn with Brandy, Mushroom, White Wine and Garlic, Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Steak Sauce, Bravas Sauce, as well as sauces for Bolognese, Stroganoff, Chasseur, Fish Pie, and Coq au Vin. (Stand U404) Lamb Weston/Meijer is launching its new Connoisseur fries at the show. They’re created from a selected variety to make sure consumers get the best tasting fries, which are authentic in…

Casual Dining previews new innovations for 2015

Casual Dining – the award winning trade event for the UK’s casual dining sector, has released its first preview of some of the new products being showcased this year. Returning to the Business Design Centre in London on 25-26 February, the award winning show caters specifically to the business needs of casual dining operators (including multiple and independent pubs, bars, and restaurants).  Thanks to a 45% increase in space for 2015, taking the show up to the venue’s upper feature level for the first time, there will now be over 170 exhibiting companies showcasing an innovative choice of food and…

Casual Dining Design Awards 2015 opens call for entries

Casual Dining, the award winning trade event for the UK’s flourishing casual dining sector, is now accepting submissions for its prestigious 2015 Design Awards. Reflecting the importance of design to successful casual dining operators – from conveying brand identity to creating ambiance and attracting/retaining custom – the awards will enjoy a prominent showcase at Casual Dining 2015, which returns to Business Design Centre in London next month on 25-26 February. The deadline for award entries is 24 January, with selected design projects competing for the top spot in the following three categories: Best Designed Independent Restaurant, Best Designed Multiple Restaurant,…

CEOs of TGI Friday’s, ASK and GBK to host Keynotes at Casual Dining 2015

Karen Forrester, CEO of T.G.I Friday’s UK, Stephen Holmes, CEO of ASK Italian and Zizzi, and Alasdair Murdoch, CEO of Gourmet Burger Kitchen, are among the big name Keynote speakers now confirmed for Casual Dining 2015. Catering specifically to the business needs of casual dining operators (including multiple and independent pubs, bars, and restaurants), the free Keynote Theatre programme, running throughout the two day show on 25-26 February at the Business Design Centre in London, will also include sessions by Anthony Pender, the new chairman of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and managing director of The Yummy Pub Company,…

Visitor registration now open for Casual Dining 2015

With nearly a thousand visitors already pre-registered and 85% of its three-floor exhibition space sold, the second edition of the award-winning Casual Dining show looks set to reach new heights of success when it returns to the Business Design Centre in London next year on 25-26 February. The UK’s first dedicated trade event for the Casual Dining sector (including multiple and independent pubs, bars, and restaurants), Casual Dining has enjoyed strong industry support from the outset.  Its launch event, just nine months ago, attracted 3,655 industry professionals and went on to win a best trade show award at the Association…

Casual Dining wins Best Trade Show Award

Casual Dining’s organiser Diversified Communications UK is celebrating a big win at the exhibition industry’s annual AEO Excellence Awards, just four months after the show first made its debut at the Business Design Centre in London. Over 1,000 events industry professionals attended the awards ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair on 4 July. Casual Dining – the UK’s first dedicated trade event for the multiple and independent pub and restaurant sector – is the first launch show (UK and international) in over five years to triumph in the AEO’s hotly…

Casual Dining show shortlisted for two industry awards

Following its highly successful launch in London earlier this year, Casual Dining has been shortlisted for ‘Best Trade Launch Show’ and ‘Best Tradeshow Exhibition under 2,000sq.m’ by the Association of Event Organisers in its annual Excellence Awards. Casual Dining – the first dedicated trade show for the UK’s £6.9bn casual dining sector – is the first event in years to have been shortlisted by the AEO as a finalist in both categories. The exhibition industry’s equivalent to the Oscars, the double award nomination reflects the show’s broad appeal.  Attracting 3,655 attendees to its launch event, including many of the country’s…

New Casual Dining show serves up 3,655 attendees

Casual Dining – one of the year’s most hotly-anticipated trade event launches – proved a big hit with buyers last week.  The two day show, which opened at the Business Design Centre in London on 26-27 February, attracted 3,655 attendees (excluding revisits) from across the casual dining sector. Combining a bustling central trade exhibition with a packed programme of standing-room only Keynotes, Casual Dining delivered on its promise to be the dedicated event that this dynamic sector had been waiting for.  Offering established and new casual dining operators the opportunity to meet up with existing and potential suppliers, to network,…

Casual Dining opens in London on Wednesday 26 February

Casual dining is big business in the UK – and this week it’s about to get even bigger.  That’s the word from Diversified Communications UK – organiser of the new Casual Dining trade show, which opens at the Business Design Centre in London at 10am on Wednesday 26 February. The two-day event is set to welcome thousands of top buyers and senior decision makers from across the £6.7bn casual dining sector.  Many of the country’s biggest pub groups and branded restaurant chains will be in attendance, and nearly a third of all pre-registered visitors to date (30%) represent companies whose…

New Casual Dining show now sold out

Having sold out of all exhibition space last week, Casual Dining’s organiser Diversified Communications UK says its new trade event for the casual dining sector is well on track to being its most successful launch ever. Demonstrating the show’s enormous breadth of appeal to the UK’s pub and restaurant operators, visitor pre-registrations for Casual Dining have been averaging a hundred per day since the beginning of February.  In the past 24 hours alone, over 210 buyers and senior decision makers from 87 towns and cities across the country have added their details.  Over two thousand are expected to attend when…

Casual Dining Interior Design Awards finalists announced

Set up to recognise the ground breaking interior design work going on across the casual dining sector, the Casual Dining Design Awards has named its inaugural finalists for 2014. Reflecting the importance of design in conveying brand identity and enhancing a consumers’ dining experience, these important new awards for casual dining operators will enjoy a prominent showcase at the new Casual Dining trade event, which launches later this month on 26-27 February at the Business Design Centre, London. Selected interior design projects from forty finalists (listed below) will compete for the top spot in one of the following three award…

Equipment brands announce new products for Casual Dining 2014

Launching in just three weeks’ time, final preparations are well underway for Casual Dining – the new trade event for the UK’s £6.7bn casual dining sector.  With exhibition space on the verge of selling out and thousands of buyers already pre-registered, the show is all set for a successful first edition at the Business Design Centre in London on 26-27 February. Catering specifically to the business needs of casual dining operators, the event will feature 120 founding exhibitors showcasing an innovative choice of food and drink, equipment, interior design, furniture, technology and table top.  The following is just a selection…

New Food & Drink launches at Casual Dining 2014

Catering specifically to the business needs of casual dining operators, Casual Dining – the new trade event for the UK’s £6.7bn casual dining sector – will feature 120 founding exhibitors.  The following is just a selection of some of the latest food and drink innovations that will be on show at the Business Design Centre in London on 26-27 February. Food Quality Cuisine will be introducing its new product range – The Longini.  So light that they melt in the mouth, the long puff pastry bases are topped with a choice of five mouthwatering flavour combinations.  Simple to prepare from frozen,…

Casual Dining 2014: Exhibitor show highlights

Launching in just three weeks’ time, final preparations are well underway for Casual Dining – the new trade event for the UK’s £6.7bn casual dining sector.  With exhibition space on the verge of selling out and thousands of buyers already pre-registered, the show is all set for a successful first edition at the Business Design Centre in London on 26-27 February. Catering specifically to the business needs of casual dining operators, the event will feature 120 founding exhibitors showcasing an innovative choice of food and drink, equipment, interior design, furniture, technology and table top.  The following is just a selection…

New Casual Dining show targets food-led pub operators

With food sales becoming an increasingly important income stream for the UK’s pub and bar sector, operators looking to expand their menu offering will find a host of new ideas at next month’s Casual Dining trade show.  Taking place at the Business Design Centre in London, on 26-27 February, the new launch is now just five stands away from selling out of all exhibition space. Catering specifically to the business needs of casual dining operators (including food-led pubs and bars), the event will feature 120 companies showcasing an innovative choice of food and drink, equipment, interior design, furniture, technology and…

Casual Dining secures stellar Keynote line-up for launch next month

All eyes will be on London next month as Casual Dining, the UK’s first dedicated trade event for the casual dining sector, launches into action on 26-27 February at the Business Design Centre in Islington.  Already supported by a host of industry big hitters, the latest names to lend their expertise to speaker duties are Robin Rowland, chief executive of Yo! Sushi, Simon Kossoff, chief executive of Italian restaurant and food shop chain Carluccio’s, Tim Bacon, co-founder and MD of restaurant and bar group Living Ventures, and Ian Neill, chairman of Las Iguanas and a non-executive director at Jamie’s Italian. Rowland, Kossoff,…

Casual Dining Keynotes to feature who’s who of the sector

Jens Hofma, CEO of Pizza Hut UK, Alex Reilly, MD of Loungers, Andrew Guy, CEO of Ed’s Easy Diner, and Peter Martin, vice president of CGA Peach, are just some of the big name speakers already confirmed to host Keynotes at Diversified Communications UK’s new Casual Dining trade show next February. Hofma, Reilly, Guy and Martin, who all feature on Allegra Strategies’ Top 100 Restaurant Who’s Who List 2013[1], will be sharing their observations and expertise on the highly competitive Casual Dining market over the course of the two day show, which takes place on 26-27 February 2014 at the…

Casual Dining launches 2014 Interior Design Awards

Diversified Communications UK – organisers of the ground breaking new Casual Dining trade event at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London – has today announced the launch of the 2014 Casual Dining Interior Design Awards. Forming a central part of the show, the awards will celebrate the best designed restaurants and pubs from across the UK.  The entries will be judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts, which will be headed up by David Worthington, chairman of Designersblock and H&M Group and one of the leading design commentators in the UK. The casual dining market is the fastest…

Visitor registration opens for Casual Dining launch

Casual Dining – the highly-anticipated new trade event from lunch! organiser Diversified Communications UK – has kicked off its visitor marketing campaign with a bang having already secured nearly one thousand pre-registrations in just the first few weeks. Launching next year at the Business Design Centre, Islington, in London, on 26-27 February 2014, the event has already garnered industry-wide support from across the UK.  And with visitor registration now open a ‘who’s who’ of big name buyers from across the Casual Dining sector have been quick to signal their intention to attend. Among them are representatives from 3663, Amber Taverns,…

“The right idea at the right time” – industry leaders voice their support for new Casual Dining show

With exhibition space filling up fast and several key seminar spots already confirmed, Casual Dining – the new trade event for the UK’s world leading casual dining sector, is well on track for a successful inaugural event when it launches next year, at the Business Design Centre, Islington, in London, on 26-27 February 2014. Diversified Communications UK, which has a growing portfolio of market-leading events in the food sector, including the award-winning lunch! exhibition and The Natural Food Show, says it’s delighted with the industry-wide support Casual Dining is receiving. “It really is fantastic to see the way that the…

Key brands commit to new Casual Dining trade show

Momentum continues to build for Casual Dining – the first dedicated trade exhibition for the UK’s £6.6 billion casual dining market – as a host of leading industry suppliers add their names to the show’s inaugural exhibitor list.  A major new event from Diversified Communications, the organisers behind the award-winning lunch! brand, Casual Dining will launch next year at London’s Business Design Centre on the 26-27 February 2014. Casual Dining’s group event manager Chris Brazier believes the strong exhibitor uptake – which already includes confirmed bookings by big names like Kimbo UK, Unox UK, Cheese Cellar, Disotto Foods, Magrini, Catering…

Casual Dining trade show to launch in London in 2014

Diversified Communications UK, organisers of the highly successful, award-winning lunch! exhibition, has today announced the launch of a major new trade show, Casual Dining, to take place at the Business Design Centre in London on the 26-27 February 2014. The launch follows an extensive consultation process with leading industry operators and suppliers, which concluded that there was a significant gap for a dedicated trade show aimed at the highly successful casual dining market, in which the UK is rapidly becoming a world leader.  The UK’s high streets are dominated by well-known casual dining brands, such as Carluccio’s, PizzaExpress, wagamama, Strada,…