5 reasons for chefs to visit HRC 2024

HRC, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, is the ultimate business event for the UK's hospitality and foodservice industry, taking place alongside International Salon Culinaire on 25-27 March 2024.

This year's edition of HRC is divided into four key sections for hospitality and foodservice professionals to easily source and meet with quality suppliers - Professional Kitchen, Furniture, Interiors & Tableware, Foodservice, and Hospitality Tech.

Click here to register for HRC 2024.

Here are just five reasons for chefs to attend HRC 2024:

1. Network with the chef community at Chef HQ

A dynamic lineup of UK and European chefs has been revealed for Chef HQ, curated by Chef Publishing, a large area consisting at HRC fo a special guest demo kitchen, an ‘in conversation’ stage and networking area. It sits at the heart of HRC, and showcases deep dives into the latest trends, ingredients, flavours and popular cuisines from a wide range of inspiring chefs.

Claire Bosi, Editor of Chef & Restaurant Magazine, comments: “Chef Publishing are thrilled and excited to bring back Chef HQ to HRC this March. Expect some incredible demos from some of the UK’s most exciting chefs, some brilliant ‘in conversation’ pieces on our discussion stage and a very lively social networking celebration at the end of each day from 3.30pm.

“We have several surprises in store during the three days, so please don’t forget to register for your ticket and come join in on the fun. Chef HQ is your space!”

Highlights of this year’s programme include a live demo from celebrity chef Glynn Purnell, a session with HRC Chef Ambassador Lisa Goodwin-Allen and 2023 Young National Chef of the Year Sam Dixon, a revealing session with Great British Menu contestant, Adam Smith, discussing what it’s really like to get in front of the cameras, and a must-attend ‘in conversation’ with industry legendary Pierre Koffmann as he reflects on a career spanning over 55 years.

2. Be inspired by well-known UK chefs and hospitality leaders

HRC's Vision Stage, designed by Harp Design, will be home to a number of insightful discussions and debates at this year's event, diving deep into the latest trends and opportunities in the world of hospitality and foodservice.

Julian George (pictured), Founder & Director of The Future Plate will be hosting a session on the future of African & Caribbean culture and cuisine, Chet Sharma, Chef-Patron of BiBi will be joining a discussion on 'Social Sustainability: Putting the 'S' in ESG', and Emma Osbourne, Founder of Citizen Kind will be hosting a panel on 'Mastering Your Menu'.

Osbourne comments: “HRC offers a fantastic opportunity for collaboration across UK hospitality and so I am delighted to be able to be joining the discussion on the positive steps we can all take to lower our environmental impact whilst continuing to delight and surprise diners.”

3. Hear from 2024 HRC Chef Ambassador Lisa Goodwin-Allen

Earlier this year, HRC announced that Lisa Goodwin-Allen will be the show’s Chef Ambassador for 2024.?

Leading the kitchen brigade at Northcote since the age of 23 and a regular face on Britain’s TV screens, she draws inspiration from the beautiful Ribble Valley landscape in Lancashire to produce stunning dishes that showcase the wide range of incredible produce the region has to offer.?

Beyond the kitchen, Lisa has become a familiar face on British television, impressing audiences and judges alike with her skills on shows like the Great British Menu and James Martin's Saturday Morning. In a memorable Snackmasters episode, she was also crowned "Burger Queen" for her masterful recreation of the iconic Burger King Whopper in a head-to-head battle with Chef Claude Bosi.??

Lisa is also a passionate advocate for charities and social causes, working tirelessly to support organisations including Springboard, Hospitality Action and Action Against Hunger. In addition to her role as Chair of Judges for Craft Guild of Chefs Young National Chef of the Year, she has been a guest judge for NHS National Chef of the Year and is Chef Ambassador for Slow Food in the UK and Taste Lancashire.?

4. Be inspired by culinary competition

International Salon Culinaire takes place alongside HRC throughout 25-27 March, with over 1,000 competitors and more than 100 esteemed industry judges including John Williams MBE, Executive Chef at The Ritz London, Will Torrent, Senior Brand Development Chef at Waitrose & Partners, Michelin-starred chef and consultant Daniel Galmiche and international pastry consultant Cherish Finden.

Finden says: "I am honoured to be a part of the 2024 International Salon Culinaire judging panel. Live competitions provide chefs with a remarkable opportunity to test their skills, showcase their culinary creativity, and expand their professional network. I wholeheartedly encourage chefs, regardless of their skill level, to participate and elevate their careers."?

Entering Salon Culinaire this year? Entries close at 5pm on 23 February so click here to enter before it's too late!

The competition is once again supported by Compass Group UK & Ireland as headline partner.??

Nick Vadis, Culinary Director and Compass Group comments: “International Salon Culinaire is an incredibly valuable chance for chefs to expand their skillset, demonstrate their creativity and resourcefulness, and connect with industry peers.

"The competition has been fantastic for chefs across Compass Group who have been able to stand out from the crowd and embrace new opportunities within the business. I can’t wait to see what this year’s competitors bring to the table.”?

5. Sample thousands of food & drink products at IFE

IFE, International Food & Drink Event, takes place alongside HRC and showcases innovative food & drink products from the UK and around the world.

Head to the Startup Market to discover completely new-to-market food & drink products, visit the New Products Pitching Theatre to hear directly from founders and sample products in one of 14 dedicated show sections including new 2024 edition the Fresh Produce Section, in partnership with the Fresh Produce Consortium.

In addition to delicious products from around the UK, IFE also hosts suppliers from more than 50 countries and provides unparalleled access to international inspiration and cuisines.

Discover more about Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, and register for your free trade ticket, at fooddrinkandhospitalityweek.co.uk. See you on 25-27 March for the UK's biggest celebration of industry innovation!