THE biggest regional hospitality trade show, Northern Restaurant and Bar, has been postponed on the eve of its two day occupancy of Manchester Central (March 17 and 18).
NRB20 was due to welcome thousands of hospitality professionals and host events featuring top chefs such as Simon Martin of Mana and Tom Kerridge.
Just hours after event organisers, Holden Media, had assured the public that the event would go ahead and hundreds of stalls were being constructed across the vast site cam the bombshell announcement to exhibitors from across the North of England.
A post on the website said the decision had been taken in light of 'the escalating situation regarding COVID-19'.
The statement, from Holden Media CEO Thom Hetherington, read: "Understandably anticipated government updates change everything, and we must react immediately and decisively. The welfare of all remains our utmost priority.
"These are incredibly challenging times for the region's hospitality industry, and NRB has been a part of it, through good times and bad, for 20 years. We exist to inform, support and inspire the North's leading operators, so feel a responsibility that our next edition of NRB will be our most vital yet. We will not let the industry down.
"Right now, our thoughts are with you and your teams, and all of those working within the hospitality industry. We all stand together in these incredibly uncertain and challenging times.”
Discussions are underway with the venue to arrange a new date.