Aiden Byrne and Ben Spalding lead line-up at Northern Restaurant & Bar

The Church Green’s Aiden Byrne will be joined on stage for Chef Live at the Manchester Central event by Roganic’s Ben Spalding and Tim Bilton of the Butchers Arms in Holmfirth.

The two day show will also feature trade only exhibitors and displays as well as tastings and cocktail masterclasses.

Success in the region​

The event director for Northern Restaurant & Bar, Andy Clayfield, said the show was designed for industry professionals in the area to develop their skills.

“This year’s show is all about celebrating success in the region and showcasing the achievements, skills and innovations of those taking part. From tutored tastings and cooking demonstrations to one-to-one support and advice from our experts, exhibitors and visitors alike will have the opportunity to grow and develop their trade,” he said.

NRB Top 50​

A new addition to the Northern Restaurant & Bar line-up for 2012 is the announcement of the NRB Top 50 list of successful industry professionals from the region who have had a positive impact on the hospitality sector in the North. The 50 winners will be decided by a panel of industry experts and will all be invited to a reception on the Monday of the show.

Also joining Spalding and Byrne on stage at the event will be Dave Mooney of the Lord Binning Pub & Kitchen in Kelsall, Cheshire. In January BigHospitality reported The New Moon Pub Company, run by Mooney and former Living Ventures chairman Paul Newman, will expand this year beyond their first Cheshire site.​

In September a report in BigHospitality’s sister publication Restaurant magazine said most operators remained confident that northern cities still offered growth potential​, despite the economic crisis.

Northern Restaurant & Bar will be held at Manchester Central for the 11th year from 12 – 13 March.