MARCH 17 and 18 at Manchester Central is already pencilled in by the northern food industry and its fans as the big event of the year – the NRB. It seems the world is starting to agree.
Among the chefs flocking in for this major hospitality show is one Nacho Manzano (above) , who holds a total of three Michelin stars at his two restaurants in his native Northern Spain. He’s also about to open his first Iberica restaurant outside London (where he has four, already mightilly acclaimed) in Manchester on the Spinningfields site which formerly housed All Saints,
Closer to home other chefs coming to give demos include Simon Shaw (above), who is transferring his own take on Spanish cuisine, El Gato Negro, to the city centre this year, the flamboyant Michael O’Hare, whose Man Behind The Curtain restaurant has taken Leeds by storm (pictured below with his menu) and faces familiar from the Great British Menu – Kenny Atkinson and Michael Wignall. The latter, who holds two Michein stars at Latymer Park is consultant chef at the upcoming Hotel Football at Old Trafford.
More star names are due to be confirmed shortly with Thom Hetherington, CEO of the NRB, saying: “The North has always punched above its weight in terms of food and drink, but this seems to have been the year that the rest of the world has woken up to its strength and potential.
“Northern operators are thriving, and big names are rushing to embrace the region. Our job is to make sure Northern Restaurant & Bar reflects this surge of commercial and creative vibrancy.”
Of course with an exhibition that is 15 per cent bigger this year, including over 250 exhibitions and more than 50 tastings, talks and demos, Northern Restaurant & Bar is about much more than just chef demos. Expected to be hugely popular are theSpirit Room and Drinks Live to Market Kitchen and a new Craft Beer Quarter, as well as q clutch of industry networking events and the announcement of the coveted NRB Awards.
For more information visit www.northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk
