NRB Speakers Revealed Including Michelin-Starred Chef Kenny Atkinson, Caravan CEO & Hawksmoor CEO

Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) has revealed the first names of its speaker line-up for the upcoming March show, showcasing some of the biggest names in hospitality

Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB), sponsored by Uber Eats, has announced the first names in its speaker programme for its upcoming trade show this March, including leaders from hospitality heavyweights such as Caravan, Hawksmoor and House of Tides & Solstice, with further speakers set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Returning to Manchester Central on March 10th-11th, NRB26 follows a record-breaking 2025 event that welcomed over 12,000 visitors and featured more than 350 exhibitors across food, drink, technology, and equipment. The show continues to bring together hospitality operators and suppliers for two days of insight, collaboration, and inspiration, with live demonstrations, expert talks, and networking opportunities.

Joining this year’s NRB Chef Live programme is Kenny Atkinson, one of the UK’s most respected chefs. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Atkinson is Chef Patron of Newcastle’s Michelin-starred House of Tides and Solstice by Kenny Atkinson and is the only chef to hold Michelin stars for two restaurants in the city.

Kenny will take to the live stage to share insight into his career and current projects, including the opening of his new restaurant in London and the continued success of his Newcastle restaurants. Drawing on nearly three decades at the top of the industry, and his experience on Great British Menu, his session will explore leadership, growth and maintaining excellence across multiple sites. Further chefs and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

The NRB Keynote Theatre will host senior leaders from some of the UK’s most recognisable hospitality brands, sharing their experiences of building resilient, long-lasting businesses.

Laura Harper Hinton, Co-Founder & CEO of Caravan will discuss the brand’s journey, from its London roots to its Northern debut in Manchester in 2024, with a focus on sustainable practices, all-day dining and long-term growth.

Also joining the line-up is Will Beckett, Co-Founder and CEO of Hawksmoor, who will share insights into building a nationally recognised restaurant group, maintaining brand integrity at scale and navigating the challenges of modern hospitality. Hawksmoor has expanded internationally while earning widespread acclaim and multiple industry awards.

Chris Brazier, Group Event Director for NRB26, said: “We’re excited to share this first wave of speakers for NRB26, which reflects the calibre of talent and leadership within the hospitality industry right now. With more names still to come, this year’s programme is shaping up to offer honest insight, practical learning and inspiration for operators navigating an evolving landscape.” 

NRB26 will once again be co-located with lunch! NORTH, its sister event focused on the café, coffee shop and food-to-go sectors. Held side-by-side at Manchester Central, lunch! NORTH will feature its own programme of industry leaders, insights and suppliers relevant to the fast-growing daytime and convenience market.

Northern Restaurant & Bar and lunch! NORTH trade shows will take place on March 10th-11th at Manchester Central. Free tickets for trade professionals working in hospitality are available here.

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High-res images of the speakers and the show here.

For more information, please contact bethan@scoopagency.co.uk 

Notes to Editors:

Press registration for NRB & lunch! North 2026 is now open and available here. 

Press badges at the event are restricted to publishers, editors, photographers, broadcasters and web bloggers associated with the relevant industries.

About NRB:

NRB brings together operators and suppliers, promoting, representing and leading the sector in the North. NRB provides an opportunity for leading operators, suppliers and industry figures to meet, speak and do business. From Liverpool to Leeds, the North East to North West and the Lake District to the Peak District, NRB brings the cream of the hospitality industry to Manchester Central every year. 

About lunch! NORTH:

lunch! NORTH is the North’s new café, coffee shop and food-to-go trade event. With hand-picked exhibitors, exclusive interviews, inspiring panel debates and thousands of new products, lunch! NORTH is a must-attend for operators looking to, or already doing business in the North.

Contact: 

PR and press enquiries: Bethan Clarke bethan@scoopagency.co.uk 

Event enquiries: Amy Walker AWalker@divcom.co.uk 

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