Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) and lunch! NORTH recorded a combined attendance of 10,120 visitors during its 2026 edition, held at Manchester Central on 10–11 March.
The co-located events, organised by Diversified, brought together more than 300 suppliers from across the food, drink, technology and equipment sectors. Attendees included operators, buyers and other decision-makers from across the hospitality industry.
The programme included interviews, panel discussions and live demonstrations focused on current issues in hospitality.
Across the exhibition, the Chef Live Theatre hosted demonstrations from chefs including Shaun Moffat, Nina Matsunaga, Ahmed Abdalla and Jamie Pickles. The Pub & Bar Theatre featured sessions on leadership, drinks trends and operational issues.
The Kuits NRB Top Fifty list was also announced, recognising 50 hospitality operators across the North. Awards were presented to Nell’s Pizza, Cheshire Cat Pub & Bars, and Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms.
lunch! NORTH returned for its second year alongside NRB, focusing on the café, coffee shop and food-to-go sectors. Sessions covered business growth, site expansion and menu development.
The next editions of NRB and lunch! NORTH are scheduled to take place on 9–10 March 2027 at Manchester Central, marking the 25th anniversary of NRB.
Chris Brazier, group event director for NRB, said: “NRB26 proved once again why this show is the heartbeat of northern hospitality. The conversations happening on the show floor and in the theatres this year felt particularly charged – operators are navigating real challenges, and yet the energy, ambition and innovation on display was remarkable. We can’t wait to do it all again in March 2027.”
