The highly successful Casual Dining has opened its 10th anniversary show today at ExCeL London with the announcement that the show will change its name to the National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show. This important name change, made possible with support from the industry, will better reflect the full range of hospitality operators who regularly attend the event.
Chris Brazier, Group Event Director for the show says “This is big news and follows feedback from the industry, with both operators and exhibitors feeling that a more inclusive name will attract even more operators to the industry’s favourite event, which is already famous for its focused atmosphere, our industry leading seminar programme, and the high quality of operators attracted to the event.
Casual Dining will still very much continue to be part of the show’s DNA, with a dedicated Casual Dining Theatre, and of course, we will continue to host the successful Casual Dining Awards in the spring, but changing the name will appeal to an even bigger audience. The new name also reflects the strong link with our incredibly successful Northern Restaurant & Bar Show in Manchester, and sets the tone as the country’s leading restaurant, pub, and bar event. Everyone is buzzing about the name change on the show floor here at ExCeL. We are so excited to be able to continue to build on Casual Dining’s success and reputation.”
The name change has been welcomed by the industry, who see it as a positive move for the show.
Laura Harper-Hinton, Co-Founder & CEO of Caravan comments “The idea to evolve Casual Dining and make it even more inclusive is a brilliant one. It will lead to even more amazing hospitality business getting involved – which should be our common goal! Looking forward to attending the show for many years to come.”
“It’s great to see the evolution of the show as something we’ve always known it to be – a supportive, inspiring event for all of hospitality,” says Will Beckett, Co-Founder & CEO, Hawksmoor.
“Having attended Casual Dining for many years, I think the new name encompasses the broad church it represents. The National Restaurant, Pub & Bar Show really encapsulates this breadth, making sure everyone who loves providing great hospitality has a place to meet, learn and discuss ideas,” says Thom Elliot, Co-founder, Pizza Pilgrims.
“Taking Casual Dining, which is already an exceptional hospitality event, to new heights is super exciting. Bringing more great people together is a win win for us all!” says Scott Duncan, General Manager, UNOX UK.
“It’s clear that this new era will bring even more benefits for both exhibitors and operators. We fully support the name change and look forward to this exciting next chapter for the show,” says Samuel Cresswell, Senior Enterprise Manager, Uber Eats.
For anyone wanting to visit this year’s Casual Dining, it is not too late. We have another brilliant day lined up tomorrow, with over 65 speakers including; Justin Carter, Group MD, Loungers PLC; James Elliot, Co-Founder, Pizza Pilgrims; Jo Fleet, MD, Caravan; Tom James, MD, Bill’s; Alice Bowyer, Director Food, Liberation Group; Mayur Patel; Co-Founder, Bundobust; Libby Andrews, Marketing Director, Pho; Lucy Worth, COO, Mowgli Street Food; Chad Crooks, Global Director of Food, Brewdog and many more.
The name change will take effect immediately after this year’s show ends.
Casual Dining 2024 takes place today at 10am
Free online registration has now closed. But buyers can still register at the event for a £50 charge if they can produce valid photo ID plus two or more items to validate their trade status and industry relevance. All registrations will be verified and must meet the show’s T&Cs. Doors open from 10am-5pm. Last entry is 4pm.
The event takes place alongside the equally successful lunch! show, the definitive event for the café and food-to-go sector.
For more information visit www.casualdiningshow.co.uk.
