TO say Tom Kerridge has made a big impression on Manchester is an understatement, so it comes as no surprise that he will be headlining the high profile NRB Debate at this year’s Northern Restaurant & Bar at Manchester Central on Tuesday, March 17.
Sponsored by property developers Bruntwood, this is one of the UK’s leading hospitality forums for discussion, insight and inspiration. The past list of participants is a roll call of catering greats.
On the evidence of his arrival in Manchester to launch his latest catering project, the Bull & Bear at the Stock Exchange Hotel (below) he belongs in that company. We gave it five stars. It’s the latest in a series of successes for a chef who has also carved out a telly career.
His current operations include the two Michelin starred Hand & Flowers, the one Michelin starred Coach, and The Butcher’s Tap, all in Marlow, as well as Kerridge’s Bar & Grill at the Corinthia Hotel, London. Tom also launched Pub in the Park, which is now the biggest food and music festival tour in the UK.
In the Debate host Thom Hetherington, the NRB CEO, will explore how Tom Kerridge has achieved his success to date, what values and philosophies still drive him, what structure and systems allows his business to thrive, and why Manchester is the right place for him to further his ambitions.
Lucy Noone Blake returns to chair a panel discussion with some of food & drink’s most agile operators. This year’s topic is ‘The Human Capital of Restaurants’, which will explore the art of recruiting, retaining, inspiring and training to create a successful and empowering culture. Panellists are Kate Nicholls, CEO of trade association UK Hospitality, James Bates, director and co-founder of innovative Liverpool-based operator Maray, Nick Clarke, founder of Hop Training who has worked with Wahaca, Polpo and Flat Iron, and restaurant consultant Sebastian Fogg from Montana Fogg, who have worked with Richard Caring, Corbin & King and Mark Hix.
The Bruntwood NRB Debate starts at 11:45 and includes a buffet lunch. Tickets are priced £55+VAT (£66). Book tickets now and save 20% online at nrbdebate.co.uk using EARLYBIRD. 2020 is the 20th edition of Northern Restaurant & Bar, taking place March 17-18. Free trade only tickets are available on the website.
