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    Dates

    5–7 Apr 2027

    City / country

    London, United Kingdom

    Venue

    ExCeL London

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The Hotel, Restaurant & Catering event brings together industry leaders and innovators to explore the latest trends and solutions in the hospitality sector.

    This year's edition will feature a dynamic seminar programme, showcasing influential speakers and engaging discussions on key topics affecting the industry.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Edition Dates: HRC 2027 runs 5-7 April 2027 in London, United Kingdom.
    2. 2Venue Setting: The show takes place at ExCeL London, the capital's principal exhibition and convention centre.
    3. 3Sector Hook: HRC showcases the latest trends and products across the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors.
    4. 4Programme Scope: A dynamic seminar programme features industry leaders across more than 100 sessions.
    5. 5Speaker Reach: Over 200 speakers are scheduled to share insight across the three show days.

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry experts, discover innovative products and services, and network with key players in the hospitality sector. Edition Dates: HRC 2027 runs 5-7 April 2027 in London, United Kingdom. Venue Setting: The show takes place at ExCeL London, the capital's principal exhibition and convention centre.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering event provides unparalleled access to a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers in the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives. The Hotel, Restaurant & Catering event serves as a crucial platform for industry professionals to connect, share knowledge, and navigate these.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Hospitality professionals seeking new products and solutions
    Chefs and culinary experts looking for inspiration
    Hotel and restaurant owners and operators
    Suppliers and manufacturers in the food and beverage sector
    Marketing and branding specialists in hospitality
    Technology providers for the hospitality industry

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Food and beverage suppliers
    Kitchen equipment manufacturers
    Interior design and furniture providers
    Technology solutions for hospitality
    Service providers in hospitality management
    Sustainability-focused brands

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Commercial kitchen equipment and appliances
    Food and beverage products for restaurants and hotels
    Interior design solutions for hospitality venues
    Technology solutions for operational efficiency
    Sustainable products and services for the hospitality industry
    Marketing and branding services for hospitality businesses

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    ExCeL London

    London, United Kingdom

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Montgomery Group

    What's on

    Programme

    Speakers

    Jo Lynch

    Jo Lynch

    Account Director @ KAM

    Dining with kids: The good, the bad and the meltdowns

    Alice Bowyer

    Alice Bowyer

    Director of Food and Drink @ Butcombe Group

    Dining with kids: The good, the bad and the meltdowns

    Hilary Ansell

    Hilary Ansell

    Marketing Consultant @ Add Sizzle

    Dining with kids: The good, the bad and the meltdowns

    Urvashi Misra

    Urvashi Misra

    Head of Brand @ Bistrot Pierre and Gusto

    Dining with kids: The good, the bad and the meltdowns

    Alex Hyde

    Alex Hyde

    Directing Food Scientist/Nutritionist @ Flourish Food Science

    The alternative future: Are chefs prepped for sustainable substitutes?

    Andrea Zick

    Andrea Zick

    Researcher and ESG expert @ UK Food Systems Centre for Doctoral Training

    The alternative future: Are chefs prepped for sustainable substitutes?

    Denise Charles

    Denise Charles

    Head of Curriculum for Service Industries @ West London College

    The alternative future: Are chefs prepped for sustainable substitutes?

    Ximena Schmidt

    Ximena Schmidt

    Independent sustainability consultant, Director and Founder @ Emission Insights Ltd UK and ClearPrint

    The alternative future: Are chefs prepped for sustainable substitutes?

    Katie Deem

    Katie Deem

    Director @ 4C Associates

    Hospitality 2035: Rethinking the operating model for a new era

    Greg Bramwell

    Greg Bramwell

    Director of Food @ BaxterStorey

    Hospitality 2035: Rethinking the operating model for a new era

    Adam Handling MBE

    Adam Handling MBE

    British Chef and Owner @ Adam Handling Restaurant Collection

    In the chef's corner: An interview with HRC Chef Ambassador Adam Handling MBE

    Michael Kill

    Michael Kill

    Chief Executive Officer @ NTIA (Night Time Industries Association)

    Building a city after dark

    Austen Bushrod

    Austen Bushrod

    Director of Procurement @ Splendid Hospitality Group

    Are weight loss jabs the knockout punch for hospitality?

    Bruce Isaacs

    Bruce Isaacs

    Co-founder @ Smart-Training Ai

    Are weight loss jabs the knockout punch for hospitality?

    Keith Bird

    Keith Bird

    Independent Industry Advisor

    Are weight loss jabs the knockout punch for hospitality?

    Kelly Dowson

    Kelly Dowson

    Managing Director @ FIS Group

    Are weight loss jabs the knockout punch for hospitality?

    Simon Stenning

    Simon Stenning

    Founder & Strategic Advisor @ FutureFoodsevice.com

    Are weight loss jabs the knockout punch for hospitality?

    Justine Murphy

    Justine Murphy

    Founder, CEO, Podcast Host and Author @ Justine Murphy Talent Management and mymuybueno

    On a knife edge: Why women’s futures in hospitality matter

    Gemma Evans- Hurley

    Gemma Evans- Hurley

    Head of Culinary @ Compass

    On a knife edge: Why women’s futures in hospitality matter

    Odette Schwartz

    Odette Schwartz

    Chief People Officer @ Ottolenghi Group

    On a knife edge: Why women’s futures in hospitality matter

    Sally Abé

    Sally Abé

    Chef, Author and Owner @ Teal

    On a knife edge: Why women’s futures in hospitality matter

    Will Beckett

    Will Beckett

    Co-Founder and CEO @ Hawksmoor

    On a knife edge: Why women’s futures in hospitality matter

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2027

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    25,000

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The Hotel, Restaurant & Catering event brings together industry leaders and innovators to explore the latest trends and solutions in the hospitality sector. This year's edition will feature a dynamic seminar programme, showcasing influential speakers and engaging discussions on key topics affecting the industry. The hospitality industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives. The Hotel, Restaurant & Catering.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Hospitality professionals seeking new products and solutions, Chefs and culinary experts looking for inspiration, Hotel and restaurant owners and operators, Suppliers and manufacturers in the food and beverage sector. Event dates: April 5-7, 2027. Location: ExCeL London, UK. Dynamic seminar programme featuring industry leaders. Explore the latest trends in hospitality. Hotel, Restaurant & Catering attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibiting at the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering event provides unparalleled access to a targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers in the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives. The Hotel, Restaurant & Catering event serves as a crucial platform for industry professionals to connect, share knowledge, and navigate these.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    London, United Kingdom - ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock (UK and Ireland hospitality and foodservice market)

    Why it matters

    HRC is one of the UK's largest hospitality and foodservice trade events, bringing hotel, restaurant, pub, cafe, QSR and contract-catering buyers together with equipment, food, drink and technology suppliers. Its early-April timing sits just ahead of the UK summer trading season, so many operators use it to lock in suppliers, menu changes and capital equipment before peak. Running at ExCeL London alongside co-located food and drink shows, it concentrates national distributors, buying groups and multi-site operators in one venue, making it an efficient single trip for both sourcing and market entry into the UK and Ireland.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    Peer hospitality and foodservice events

    Plan 3-6 months ahead: space and hotel bookings 4-6 months out, UK entry permission (ETA or Standard Visitor visa) at least 3 weeks before travel.

    HRC sits in a global circuit of hospitality, foodservice and equipment trade shows. Operators and suppliers often plan a two- or three-event year covering the UK, continental Europe and North America to compare product ranges and distributor coverage.

    March

    Internorga

    January (biennial)

    Sirha Lyon

    October (biennial)

    HostMilano

    May

    National Restaurant Association Show

    May/June

    The Hotel Show Dubai

    Peer event names, cities and websites are drawn from published industry calendars; confirm each edition's dates on the organiser's own site.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · GBP

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    LHR

    London Heathrow

    Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.

    to venue

    45–75 min off-peak

    by car

    LGW

    London Gatwick

    Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Tube to the venue district.

    to venue

    50–80 min

    by car

    LCY

    London City

    Gateway airport for London.

    to venue

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Royal Victoria Dock / Custom House - 5-15 min walk or one DLR stop to ExCeL

    Not yet confirmed

    Limited-service rooms on the ExCeL campus side of the dock; rates spike during large co-located shows, so book 3-4 months out.

    Mid-range
    Royal Victoria Dock and Canning Town/Docklands - 10-20 min walk or short DLR ride

    Not yet confirmed

    Full-service options closest to the venue, with meeting space useful for supplier or distributor meetings.

    Premium
    Royal Victoria Dock and North Greenwich/Canary Wharf - 10-20 min taxi or DLR/Jubilee line

    Not yet confirmed

    Best for client entertaining and premium hosting; central London premium hotels add 30-45 min of travel to ExCeL.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 60–90 (taxi to ExCeL or Olympia)
    Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to ExCeL London

    Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 70–100 (taxi to central London venues)
    Best forLondon Gatwick (LGW) to ExCeL London

    Gatwick Express to Victoria, then Tube to the venue district.

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forLondon Stansted (STN) to ExCeL London

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forLondon Luton (LTN) to ExCeL London

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forLondon City (LCY) to ExCeL London

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forLondon Southend (SEN) to ExCeL London

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)Visa-exempt nationals travelling to the UK for up to 6 months, including US, EU, Canadian, Australian and Gulf Cooperation Council passport holders$20.00Usually decided within 3 working days; apply before booking non-refundable travel
    Standard Visitor VisaNationals of visa-required countries attending, exhibiting or doing business meetings at the show for up to 6 months$160.00Typically around 3 weeks from biometrics appointment; apply up to 3 months before travel

    British and Irish citizens need no permission to enter. Other nationalities should check the UK government visa checker before booking, as rules and ETA coverage change periodically.

    The UK accepts ATA carnets for the temporary import of exhibition goods, samples and professional equipment. Confirm documentation requirements and deadlines in the organiser's exhibitor manual before shipping.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    April in London is mild but changeable, with daytime highs around 13-15 C (55-59 F) and night-time lows of 5-7 C (41-45 F), plus occasional warmer spells near 18 C. Expect showery days - roughly 10-12 rain days and 40-45 mm of rain across the month - so pack layers and a waterproof jacket for the outdoor walk between ExCeL halls, the DLR and dock-side hotels.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies — confirm with the organiser.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping

    A discretionary service charge of 10-12.5% is common in London restaurants, bars and hotel dining and is usually already added to the bill - check before adding a further tip. Taxi and rideshare tips are optional.

    Business dress

    Smart casual is typical at UK trade shows: suits are not required for floor meetings, but exhibitors and sales teams usually wear branded shirts or polos with smart trousers. Bring a light jacket for the dock-side walk between halls.

    Payments and currency

    The currency is pounds sterling (GBP). Contactless card and mobile payment are accepted almost everywhere at ExCeL and on London transport, where you tap in and out with a contactless card or phone rather than buying paper tickets.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: LHR

    Book flights to LHR when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare LGW only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Most international visitors need advance permission to enter the UK. Visa-exempt nationals (US, EU, Canada, Australia, Gulf states and others) must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, GBP 16, usually decided within 3 working days) before travel; visa-required nationals need a Standard Visitor visa (GBP 127, apply at least 3 weeks ahead). British and Irish citizens need no permission. Attending, exhibiting, networking and negotiating contracts at a trade show are permitted business-visitor activities under both routes.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    GBP 16 per person, valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. Digital permission linked to your passport - no visa in the passport and no separate sticker. GBP 127 application fee. Permitted business-visitor activities include attending conferences and trade shows, exhibiting at a one-off event and negotiating contracts - but not taking paid employment in the UK.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Royal Victoria Dock / Custom House - 5-15 min walk or one DLR stop to ExCeL · Royal Victoria Dock and Canning Town/Docklands - 10-20 min walk or short DLR ride · Royal Victoria Dock and North Greenwich/Canary Wharf - 10-20 min taxi or DLR/Jubilee line

    budget

    Not yet confirmed

    mid range

    Not yet confirmed

    premium

    Not yet confirmed

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: LHR/LGW/STN/LCY: Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express, or Gatwick Express then Tube to venue district.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near ExCeL London: Royal Victoria Dock / Custom House - 5-15 min walk or one DLR stop to ExCeL: Ibis London ExCeL-Docklands, Travelodge London Excel, Premier Inn London Docklands (ExCeL); Royal Victoria Dock and Canning Town/Docklands - 10-20 min walk or short DLR ride: Aloft London Excel, Novotel London ExCeL, Crowne Plaza London Docklands; Royal Victoria Dock and North Greenwich/Canary Wharf - 10-20 min taxi or DLR/Jubilee line: Sunborn London Yacht Hotel (Royal Victoria Dock),

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in London; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Tube and Elizabeth line serve ExCeL (Custom House), Olympia (District), and Business Design Centre.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at ExCeL London; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: April 2027

    Temperature: Daytime highs typically 13-15 C (55-59 F), night-time lows 5-7 C (41-45 F); occasional warm spells to around 18 C

    Seasonality: April is one of London's showery months - around 10-12 rain days and 40-45 mm of rain - with bright spells between showers. Pack a waterproof layer, an umbrella and warm layers, as the ExCeL campus involves outdoor walking between halls, the DLR and dock-side hotels.

    Packing: April is one of London's showery months - around 10-12 rain days and 40-45 mm of rain - with bright spells between showers. Pack a waterproof layer, an umbrella and warm layers, as the ExCeL campus involves outdoor walking between halls, the DLR and dock-side hotels.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Tuesday 6 April 2027 (day two)

    Day two typically carries the densest programme and the fullest exhibitor presence once stands are fully staffed: the confirmed speaker sessions on sustainable substitutes and family dining sit in the middle of the run, so a day-two visit lets you cover the floor on day one and return for the sessions, follow-up supplier meetings and networking on day two. Day three is quieter for closing deals but thinner on new content.

    1

    Confirm passport validity and UK entry requirements — Check passport validity and any UK visa or electronic travel authorisation needed for your nationality well before travel.

    2

    Book flights into a London airport — Compare fares early for April 2027 travel and choose an arrival day that allows time before the 5 April opening.

    3

    Reserve a hotel near ExCeL London — Accommodation close to the venue fills quickly around show dates, so book refundable options early.

    4

    Complete visitor registration for HRC 2027 via hrc.co.uk — Registering in advance secures your badge and speeds up entry at ExCeL London.

    5

    Download the hall plan and seminar programme — Map the halls and sessions you want to cover across the 5-7 April show days.

    6

    Request B2B meetings with target exhibitors — Contact exhibitors and suppliers ahead of the show to lock in stand meetings.

    7

    Shortlist seminars and keynote sessions to attend — The programme runs across all three days; block calendar time for priority sessions.

    8

    Plan your local transport to ExCeL London — Confirm your route from your hotel and allow extra time during busy show mornings.

    9

    Prepare business cards, brochures and a meeting-notes template — Bring enough printed materials for three days of networking and supplier discussions.

    10

    Check the London forecast for early April and pack accordingly — London spring weather is changeable, so pack layers and comfortable walking shoes for the halls.

    11

    Confirm travel documents, tickets and hotel booking — Keep both digital and printed copies of your registration confirmation and travel bookings.

    12

    Travel to London and collect your badge on arrival — Collect your badge at ExCeL London and orient yourself with the hall layout before the opening day.

    Side trips

    2

    Greenwich and Cutty Sark

     

    Maritime heritage, Greenwich Market street food and riverside restaurants - an easy half-day after the show closes.

     

    Central London (Westminster and Soho)

     

    Landmarks, West End dining and late-evening hospitality venues for client entertaining and post-show meetings.

     

    Networking spots

    3

    Show-floor networking and bar areas

     

     

     

    ExCeL Boulevard cafes between halls

     

     

     

    Royal Victoria Dock waterfront venues

     

     

     

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · trade

    Not yet confirmed

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

    GBP 16 / per person (2-year ETA)

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Standard Visitor visa

    GBP 127 / per person (6-month visa)

    official

    hotel_night

    visitor · Budget

    USD 95–150 / per room per night

    estimate

    hotel_night

    visitor · Mid-range

    USD 170–260 / per room per night

    estimate

    hotel_night

    visitor · Premium

    USD 280–450 / per room per night

    estimate

    per_diem

    visitor · standard

    USD 60–90 / per person per day (meals and local transport)

    estimate

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You have a live sourcing need, a menu or refit project, or want to research the UK and Ireland hospitality market in one trip.

    Best for

    Operators, chefs, buyers and specifiers sourcing food, drink, equipment and hospitality tech, or benchmarking suppliers before a refurbishment or menu relaunch.

    Min. budget

    $570.00

    Timeline

    6-10 weeks (free trade registration, hotel and flights; ETA usually decided within 3 working days)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals - confirm live rates.

    ExCeL sits in the Royal Docks, so allow 45-60 min from central London hotels.

    Popular seminar sessions are first-come; arrive early on day two for the busiest programme.

    exhibit

    You want UK and Ireland distribution, distributor or buying-group meetings, or a product launch into hospitality.

    Best for

    Suppliers of food, drink, kitchen equipment, hospitality tech and services targeting UK hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes and contract caterers.

    Min. budget

    $2,770.00

    Timeline

    4-6 months (space booking, stand build, travel and visas)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals - confirm live rates.

    Stand space, build and staff costs come on top of the travel budget shown here.

    Visa-required nationals should start applications 3+ weeks before travel.

    skip

    Your target market sits outside the UK and Ireland, or a co-located event covers the same buyer groups closer to home.

    Best for

    Suppliers with no UK or EU route to market, and operators with no near-term sourcing or specification project.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    UK Visas and Immigration

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from Hotel, Restaurant & Catering
    Official imagery from Hotel, Restaurant & Catering

    Trust footer

    Sources

    9

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Montgomery Group

    2

    London travel reference

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