I have not received my Trade Drinks Expo ticket via email. What should I do?

The first thing to do is check your spam/junk filters and inboxes. Your Trade Drinks Expo tickets were sent as an attachment and can be thought of as spam by some email services. Alternatively, you can always find your Trade Drinks Expo tickets in your Billetto account that you can access in the browser or the dedicated Billetto app

I wish to cancel my Trade Drinks Expo ticket and receive a refund. What should I do?

The approval of refunds is entirely at the event organiser's discretion, and you should get in contact with the event organiser to discuss what options are available to you. To get in touch with the event organiser, simply reply to your order confirmation email or use the 'Contact organiser' form on the organiser's profile

I have registered on the Trade Drinks Expo waiting list, what happens now?

If more tickets become available you will be notified (by email) amongst others who have joined the list. Purchasing is on a first-come first-serve basis

Where do I find a link to an online event?

Check your order confirmation page or order confirmation email. Usually, the organiser of the event provides the details in the order confirmation email or they might send you a follow-up email with a link to their online event

Trade Drinks Expo | TradeShowIntel

Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at Trade Drinks Expo include 3S POS, Adams, All G, AppDate and AquAngel Drinks.

3S POS
Adams
All G
AppDate
AquAngel Drinks

Event overview

Overview

Trade Drinks Expo is the UK's leading event dedicated to maximising on- and off-trade drinks. This is where you can explore new products, smarter solutions, and the ideas shaping the future of beverages.

Whether you're on the lookout for new suppliers, fresh partnerships, or inspiration to elevate your drinks offering, this is the place for you to turn genuine conversations into real opportunities. The event is described as the UK's premier trade exhibition for the drinks industry, where you can meet exhibitors, hear from industry speakers, and discover innovations

TL;DR

1Trade Drinks Expo is the UK's leading event dedicated to maximising on- and off-trade
2It takes place on 29-30 September 2026 at ExCeL London
3The event is a platform to explore new products, smarter solutions, and ideas shaping
4It offers opportunities to connect with new suppliers, form fresh partnerships, and find inspiration
5Registration for the event is free

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Pub, Bar, and Nightclub Owners, General Managers, and Head Bartenders

Restaurant and Hotel Group Food & Beverage (F&B) Directors

Independent Off-License Retailers and Supermarket Beverage Buyers

Sommeliers, Mixologists, and Beverage Innovation Consultants

Wholesale Drinks Distributors and On-Trade Sourcing Directors

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Craft Distilleries and Artisan Spirits Producers (Gin, Rum, Whisky, Tequila)

Specialty Craft Breweries and Cider Makers

Low and No-Alcohol Beverage Innovators and Premium RTD Brands

Commercial Bar Equipment, Glassware, and Draft Dispense Systems

Sustainable Beverage Packaging, Bottling, and Labeling Suppliers

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Trade Drinks Expo Core Equipment & Solutions

Trade Drinks Expo Emerging Technologies & Digital Tools

Trade Drinks Expo Sustainable Materials & Supply Chain

Trade Drinks Expo Service Providers & Engineering Consulting

Trade Drinks Expo Safety, Compliance & Testing Services

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

ExCeL London

One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL London, United Kingdom

Entrances & gates

West Entrance

Nearest to Custom House Station (Elizabeth line and DLR); approximately 200m from Custom House Station. Nearest entrance for visitors arriving via Custom House

East Entrance

Nearest to Prince Regent Station (DLR); approximately 200m from Prince Regent Station

Facilities

Parking

On-site car park has 1,867 spaces across three colour-coded zones with a 1.9m height limit in the standard area. Pre-booked rate is £27.50 per calendar day (book at least 12 hours ahead at excellondon.aeroparker.com); on-the-day rate is £30. Coach and minibus parking is £50 per day (pre-book only). Blue Badge holders pay the same standard rate; there is no free disabled parking. Motorcycle parking is free with no pre-booking required. Multi-entry within the booked period is included. Payment is by card, contactless, Apple Pay or Google Pay — no cash is accepted. The car park operates 24/7 with ANPR barriers

1,867 spaces · £27.50/day

Accessibility

ExCeL London is fully accessible for wheelchair users. All public entrances allow wheelchair access via low gradient ramps and automatic opening doors. Most floors are level with unobstructed access. There are 40 accessible toilets located throughout the building, including a Changing Places facility at the east of the venue on level 1 with a toilet, sink and hoist (RADAR key operated). Free wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available (subject to availability). There are 80 Blue Badge parking bays in the Orange car park, located underneath the venue. Both Custom House and Prince Regent stations are step-free. All stairs have non-visual indicators for those with impaired vision, and door vision panels are on all public access doors

Prayer rooms

There is a multi-faith prayer room available for attendee use, accessible through the grey door next to the S9 hall entrance on the boulevard. A breastfeeding room is also available

Cloakroom

Cloakrooms are located on level 0 (down the stairs near N4 & S4). Items cannot be stored overnight, and cameras, laptop equipment, or any other electronic devices cannot be stored in the cloakroom at any time. A free cloakroom service is available at some events. There is very limited space for luggage

Luggage storage

ExCeL London does not operate a permanent public left luggage facility. Cloakroom services appear at some events, run by individual event organisers, but these are not consistently available and cannot be booked in advance. Nearby luggage storage options start from approximately £1.99 per bag per day via third-party providers such as Stasher

Charging points

Portable power banks (Joos) are available along the boulevard (next to Venue Services and at the entrance of exhibition halls N4, N7 and S9). Cost is £2.00 for the first hour. There is no EV charging in the venue car park as of 2026; the nearest public EV charging is at the DoubleTree by Hilton ExCeL (Pod Point, four devices, 5-minute walk east)

On-site shuttle

ExCeL London does not operate a general on-site shuttle service for visitors. The venue is served by three DLR stations and the Elizabeth line, with both Custom House and Prince Regent stations within a two-minute walk of the venue entrances. Some event organisers may arrange shuttle services for specific events, but none is advertised for Trade Drinks Expo 2026

Food options

Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar, The Bridge Restaurant, Diner & Bar, E16 Artisan Coffee Shop, The Fox Excel, Zero Sette @ Excel

On-site dining

Parking: On-site parking is available at ExCeL London. Parking costs £20 for up to 24 hours and can be booked in advance at www.excel.london or paid at pay and display machines in the car parks. For satellite navigation, use postcode E16 1XL. Please note the road running across the campus, Sandstone Lane and Seagull Lane, is closed. Access to the car park under the venue and the lorryway for deliveries is only via Royal Victoria Dock Road or the A112. ExCeL London falls within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ); check whether your vehicle is subject to the ULEZ charge

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Tuesday 29th September:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday 30th September:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Visitor Pass
Free to register

Ticket info

Ticket notes

The 2025 registration page stated: 'Please note that the show is a trade only event, no under 18s or students will be allowed into the event.' (2025 data)

Who runs the show

Organisers

Fortem Food And Drink Ltd

Organiser

Website

Fortem International Ltd

Trade show organiser

Website

George Brophy

Event Contact

Email Website

Fortem International

General Enquiries

Email Call Website

What's on

Programme

Speakers

Hani Taleb

UK Director @ EL&N Cafe

Adam Cozens

Co-Founder @ Perky Blenders Coffee Roasters

Andrew Thomas

Founder and CEO @ BetterYou

Ben Warren

Commercial Director @ Professionals At Play

Elliot Ball

Director/Bartender @ The Cocktail Trading Co

Fabio Ferreira

Co-Founder @ Notes Coffee Roasters

Gyte Mankute

Head of Purchasing @ Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Joel Mitchell

Marketing Director @ Professionals At Play

Josh Barton

CEO @ Brose Oat Milk

Laura Willoughby

Founder @ Club Soda

Oliver Holton-Johnson

Director / Japanese Sake and Shōchū Specialist @ Tengu Sake

Professor David Nutt

Chief Scientific Officer @ SENTIA & GABA Labs

Roland Horne

Founder and CEO @ Watch House Coffee

Stephanie McCaffrey

Head of UK @ Wild Bean Café

Vanessa Pearson

Trading Manager BWS @ Ocado Retail

Will Corby

Director of Coffee and Social Impact @ Pact Coffee

William Gordon-Harris

CEO @ Knoops

Co-located events

The Food Service Industry Expo

Separate ticket

Awards

Drinks Innovation of the Year Award

Annual

Trade Drinks Expo hosts an Innovation Awards ceremony during the show to celebrate the most groundbreaking alcoholic and low-to-no drinks of the year. Recognising excellence and creativity in flavour and marketability, these awards highlight industry game-changers offering a glimpse into the future of trade drinks. Wine That's Fruit won the Drinks Innovation of the Year Award at a previous edition

Alcoholic DrinksLow-to-No Drinks

source

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 15,000 visitors · 600 exhibitors

Organiser-published forecast for the 2026 edition: 15,000+ hospitality buyers, 600 exhibitors, 200 seminars and 60+ hours of content. These are forecast figures, not actual post-show counts

Forecast — not final

Visitors

15,000

Exhibitors

380

Floor area (sqm)

20,000

Exhibitor countries

Visitor countries

Growth over time

Edition recap

Trade Drinks Expo 2025 — Post-Show Recap

Trade Drinks Expo 2025 took place on 30 September and 1 October 2025 at ExCeL London. The event brought together professionals from across hospitality, retail, and distribution to explore innovations and strategies shaping the drinks sector.

According to third-party trade listings, the 2025 edition featured approximately 380 exhibitors and drew around 15,000 visitors, covering 20,000 sqm of exhibition space. Exhibitors came from 18 countries and territories, while visitors came from 27 countries. The event featured 200+ expert-led seminars and a Product Showcase Zone with 100 innovative suppliers.

Organiser-published metrics from the event showed that 79% of attendees had decision-making power and 84% of exhibitors rebooked on the day. The 2025 edition also featured the Innovation Awards, recognising groundbreaking alcoholic and low-to-no drinks.

The event was co-located with. The Food Service Industry Expo cluster of Fortem Events hospitality shows at ExCeL London.

Note: The organiser has not published a formal post-show report for the 2025 edition with independently verified figures. Statistics above are compiled from third-party trade listings and event partner sites.

New this edition

1
Product Innovation Showcase
A dedicated showcase area highlighting the most groundbreaking alcoholic and low-to-no drinks of the year. Time is set aside at the show to celebrate Innovation Award winners in an awards ceremony. Launched as a brand-new feature at the 2023 edition
Source
2
Trail on Tap
A curated trail partnered with Flightcase Bars allowing attendees to network while tasting products across the show floor. Introduced as a brand-new feature at the 2023 edition
Source
3
Innovation Drinks Lab (2026)
A new feature area for the 2026 edition dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge drink formulations, including products using AI-assisted recipe optimisation. Designed to bridge production-side technology and consumer-facing marketing innovation
Source
4
Sustainable Packaging Solutions Zone (2026)
A dedicated zone introduced for the 2026 edition focused on sustainable packaging for the drinks industry, including compostable bagasse containers, degradable paper-plastic packaging, recyclable formats and eco-friendly packaging solutions
Source

Photos

Trade Drinks Expo 2025 3D floor plan at ExCeL London

Testimonials

Wow, what a buzz! The Trade Drinks Expo was an unforgettable few days for the Spark Drinks team, and we're still riding the wave of excitement! From the moment doors opened, people were stopping by our stand, trying Spark, and sharing incredible feedback. Hearing 'this tastes amazing' and 'we've been waiting for something like this!' over and over reminded us why we do what we do
Spark Drinks Team · Exhibitor · Spark Drinks · 2025

We're delighted to be exhibiting at the Trade Drinks Expo on 30th September & 1st October: Europe's leading event for on & off-trade drinks! Make sure to come & visit us at Stand TD316, meet the team & sample our great-tasting, electrolyte-rich & refreshingly still Magnesium Waters
Andrew Thomas · Founder & Chief Executive · BetterYou Ltd · 2025

Next edition outlook

2026

confirmed

Trade Drinks Expo 2026 will take place on 29-30 September 2026 at ExCeL London. The organiser is forecasting approximately 600 exhibitors and 15,000 hospitality buyers, with 200 seminars and 60+ hours of content. The 2026 edition introduces two new feature areas: the Innovation Drinks Lab, focused on cutting-edge drink formulations including AI-assisted recipe optimisation, and the Sustainable Packaging Solutions Zone, addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging across the drinks supply chain. The show continues to be co-located within the Hospitality B2B Portfolio of Fortem Events hospitality expos

Introduction of the Innovation Drinks Lab feature area for cutting-edge drink formulations Introduction of the Sustainable Packaging Solutions Zone for eco-friendly packaging solutions Organiser forecasts growth to approximately 600 exhibitors from 380 in 2025 Continued co-location within the Hospitality B2B Portfolio of hospitality trade shows

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Trade Drinks Expo is Europe's leading event for on-trade and off-trade drinks, serving as the UK's most comprehensive platform dedicated to innovation, growth, and connection in the drinks space. The 2025 edition, held on 30 September and 1 October at ExCeL London, brought together professionals from across hospitality, retail, and distribution. The event featured 200+ expert-led seminars, a Product Showcase Zone with 100 innovative suppliers, and the Innovation Awards ceremony recognising groundbreaking alcoholic and low-to-no drinks. Trade Drinks Expo is co-located within the Hospitality B2B Portfolio, a collective of seven sector-defining shows that gives attendees access to thousands of products and services across drinks, food service, hospitality technology, packaging, and more under one roof

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Trade Drinks Expo draws a high-quality, trade-only audience of hospitality and retail decision-makers. Organiser-published metrics from the 2025 event show that 79% of attendees have decision-making power, making the show an efficient environment for suppliers to engage with buyers who can act on commercial decisions. The event attracts 15,000 hospitality buyers across both on-trade and off-trade channels, including pub and bar operators, restaurant groups, independent retailers, distributors, hoteliers, and hospitality technology buyers. Visitors represent a wide spectrum of hospitality and retail businesses searching for solutions to boost sales and streamline operations, with many attending as a yearly checkpoint to evaluate what is working and what should be improved. The co-location with six other hospitality shows within the Hospitality B2B Portfolio further broadens audience reach across food service, packaging, technology, and guest experience

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitor satisfaction at Trade Drinks Expo is high, with organiser-published metrics showing that 84% of exhibitors rebooked on the day during the 2025 edition. This figure reflects strong commercial outcomes for suppliers who use the show to connect with hospitality decision-makers actively sourcing new products and solutions. The event gives suppliers a chance to connect with the hospitality sector's most ambitious and forward-thinking professionals, and exhibiting offers a powerful opportunity to get in front of buyers from across the UK and Europe. Exhibitor feedback has highlighted the show's ability to generate tangible commercial interest and industry connections. For the 2026 edition, the organiser is forecasting around 600 exhibitors, reflecting continued growth in exhibitor demand. The co-location within the Hospitality B2B Portfolio means exhibitors also benefit from cross-traffic from six adjacent shows covering restaurant operations, hotels, street food, cafes, packaging, and hospitality technology

Intelligence

Market context

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

United Kingdom & Europe

Why it matters

Trade Drinks Expo 2026 sits at the intersection of three forces reshaping the UK drinks market: the mainstreaming of moderation, the premiumisation of what people do drink, and severe cost pressure across hospitality. The UK no- and low-alcohol beer market alone is expected to be worth £800m by 2028, while non-alcoholic cocktails are the fastest-growing sub-category. For buyers, the show condenses a fragmented supplier landscape into two days of sourcing across wine, spirits, beer, cider, coffee, soft drinks and no- and low-alcohol alternatives, plus the packaging, processing and technology that support them. For exhibitors, it is one of the few UK trade events that brings on-trade and off-trade buyers into the same room. The show's co-location within the Food Service Industry Expo cluster, bringing eight specialist hospitality events together, further amplifies buyer reach. With 161 pubs closing in Q1 2026 and duty rising across all alcohol categories, the commercial value of finding differentiated, margin-supporting products has rarely been higher

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Premiumisation accelerates across all drinks categories

UK drinkers are prioritising quality over quantity, with premium-plus segments growing around 11% year-on-year in the on-trade. Consumers are going out less often but spending more per occasion, and premium brands now account for two-thirds of all no- and low-alcohol lager volumes. In cider, the 2026 Cider Report shows the no and low segment has grown 37.3% in the off-trade, driven by increased purchase frequency and larger basket sizes

Source

Moderation becomes a year-round behaviour, not a January fad

Alcohol moderation is now embedded across all age groups and all occasions. Drinkaware's 2026 Monitor found 91% of UK drinkers say they are moderating their alcohol intake, up from 87% in 2025. A Greene King survey of 1,200 consumers found 44% were moderating across the year rather than only during Dry January. In London, 23% of people want to drink less throughout 2026 and 70% have tried to moderate their intake

Source

Non-alcoholic cocktails and RTDs drive the biggest category growth

Non-alcoholic cocktails are the fastest-growing low and no sub-category, with demand up 19% on 2024 at Greene King and the category now the second largest within low and no. Ready-to-drink cocktails are booming, with British consumers buying more than three times as many pre-mixed cocktails as in 2020. The RTD category is worth more than £735m in Great Britain and is forecast to grow 4% annually between 2026 and 2028

Source

Flavour and sophistication redefine the no- and low-alcohol category

Flavour has become a decisive factor in alcohol purchasing, with UK drinkers increasingly prioritising taste over price. The no- and low-alcohol category is premiumising, with strong growth in fruit-forward and beer-based products. Hedgerow flavours are proving popular across beer and cider, while sophisticated profiles like peach and cardamom are appearing in wheat beers. Functional soft drinks outshone low- and no-alcohol during Dry January 2026

Source

On-trade must offer experience and value to survive cost pressures

UK hospitality operators face severe cost pressures, with 161 British pubs closing in Q1 2026 alone, nearly two a day and 26% more than a year earlier. The average on-trade pint price approaches £7, with London menus showing £10 pints and operators left with as little as 13p profit per pint. Asahi UK notes that consumers are looking for experiences, whether sport or competitive socialising, rather than alcohol being centre stage

Source

Sustainability shifts from marketing message to procurement requirement

UK consumers and operators increasingly treat sustainability as a purchasing criterion. 72% of UK consumers consider sustainability practices when choosing a bar or pub. Packaging innovation is accelerating, with compostable bagasse containers, degradable paper-plastic packaging and recyclable formats appearing across the drinks supply chain. Trade Drinks Expo 2026 introduces a dedicated Sustainable Packaging Solutions Zone in response to this shift

Source

Hospitality cost pressures reshape the route to market

UK hospitality operators are under intense cost pressure. 161 British pubs closed in the first quarter of 2026 alone, nearly two a day and 26% more than a year earlier, while the average on-trade pint price approaches £7 and London menus already show £10 pints. Duty rates for all alcohol categories rose on 1 February 2026. With venues left with as little as 13p profit per pint on average, suppliers must offer operators value, differentiation and margin support to secure listings and grow share of menu

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Damm UK launches alcohol-free Old Speckled Hen for Britain's moderating beer drinkers

Read

Non-alcoholic cocktails drive Greene King low and no growth

Read

British pub closures jump 26% as campaigners press for 10% hospitality VAT

Read

London Wine Fair records strongest show since Covid with 10,539 visitors

Read

BCB London wraps up successful second edition with 3,237 visitors

Read

Dry January drives London's thirst for low and no-alcohol drinks

Read

UK & European Drinks Trade Event Circuit (2026 to 2027)

6 to 12 months ahead for exhibitors; 2-4 weeks ahead for visitors

The UK and European drinks trade circuit offers buyers and exhibitors a dense calendar of specialist events across wine, spirits, beer, and bar industry segments. London is a major hub, with Trade Drinks Expo, London Wine Fair, and BCB London all hosted in the capital. Berlin and Düsseldorf anchor the continental circuit with Bar Convent Berlin and ProWein. For suppliers planning a UK market push, Trade Drinks Expo in September is the broadest single-platform opportunity, covering the full drinks spectrum from production to packaging, while London Wine Fair in May is wine-focused and BCB London targets the bar and mixology community

Spring UK Circuit (May)

London Wine Fair 2027BCB London 2027

Both events take place in London in May, with London Wine Fair at Olympia and BCB London at Tobacco Dock. Buyers can combine both into a single UK trip

Autumn UK Circuit (September)

Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2026Food Service Industry Expo 2026

Speciality & Fine Food Fair runs 15-16 September at Olympia, followed two weeks later by Food Service Industry Expo (including Trade Drinks Expo) on 29-30 September at ExCeL London

Continental Circuit (Oct-March)

Bar Convent Berlin 2026ProWein 2027

BCB Berlin in October 2026 and ProWein in March 2027 form the core continental European circuit for bar industry and wine/spirits professionals

Event dates compiled from official event websites and organiser announcements. Forecast dates are marked in notes. Buyers and exhibitors should confirm all dates with organisers before making travel arrangements

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · GBP

Arrival airports

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

LCY

London City Airport

The closest airport to ExCeL London, offering over 350 flights a day to more than 40 destinations. The DLR runs directly from London City Airport to Custom House and Prince Regent stations, both within a two-minute walk of the venue

Approximately 2 km

to venue

About 5 minutes by car or taxi; approximately 15-17 minutes by DLR

by car

LHR

Heathrow Airport

Direct access to ExCeL London via the Elizabeth line with a journey time of approximately 43 minutes to Custom House station. The Elizabeth line stops at Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf. This is the quickest route from central London and Heathrow

Approximately 35 km

to venue

Approximately 50-70 minutes by car depending on traffic; approximately 43 minutes by Elizabeth line to Custom House

by car

LGW

Gatwick Airport

Accessible via train to central London, then onward via the Elizabeth line or Jubilee line and DLR to ExCeL London. Total public transport journey time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Approximately 50 km

to venue

Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car or taxi; approximately 58 minutes by train to central London plus onward connections

by car

STN

Stansted Airport

Accessible via Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then the Elizabeth line to Custom House. Total public transport journey time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. A practical option for travellers arriving from European destinations served by low-cost carriers

Approximately 60 km

to venue

Approximately 1 hour by car depending on traffic

by car

Hotel tiers

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

Budget (3-star)

Canning Town / Silvertown / Royal Victoria Dock

USD 70–140 / night

Examples include ibis London Canning Town, ibis London Excel-Docklands, Premier Inn London Docklands (ExCeL), Travelodge London Excel, and Fox Connaught London ExCeL. Several are within a 10-15 minute walk or a short DLR ride from the venue. Estimated USD ranges based on September 2026 booking data; actual rates vary by booking window and demand

Mid-range (4-star)

Royal Victoria Dock / Western Gateway

USD 120–200 / night

Examples include Novotel London ExCeL (the closest hotel to the venue, 350m), Aloft London ExCeL (390m), DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL (630m), Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, and Moxy London ExCeL. Most are within a 5-10 minute walk of the venue. Estimated USD ranges based on September 2026 booking data

Premium (4-5-star)

Royal Victoria Dock / Western Gateway

USD 180–350 / night

Examples include Crowne Plaza London Docklands (six-minute walk to ExCeL), Sunborn London Yacht Hotel (a unique yacht hotel moored at the Royal Victoria Dock), and Good Hotel London. Average price for a hotel in the ExCeL London area was approximately $246/night as of August 2026. Estimated USD ranges based on booking data; premium rates can exceed $350 during major event periods

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Estimated cost£2.80–£3.40 per single journey with Oyster/contactless; $5 (£4) off-peak to Bank

Best forCustom House or Prince Regent stations to ExCeL London

Two DLR stations are on campus: Custom House (West Entrance) and Prince Regent (East Entrance), both less than a two-minute walk to the venue. DLR connects to Canning Town (Jubilee line), Tower Gateway (District and Circle lines), and Bank (Central and Northern lines). Trains run every 8–10 minutes. Journeys from London City Airport take 10–12 minutes

Elizabeth line

Estimated cost$8–$13 (£6.50–£10) contactless depending on zones travelled; Heathrow to Custom House from £16.77

Best forCustom House station to ExCeL London

The Elizabeth line provides direct, fast access to Custom House from Liverpool Street (approximately 11 minutes), Paddington (21 minutes), Farringdon, and Heathrow Airport (approximately 43 minutes). Custom House is nearest to the West Entrance. Trains run every 10 minutes. One easy change at Custom House from the DLR

London Underground (Jubilee line)

Estimated costContactless fare based on zones travelled (Zone 1–3 peak: £3.90, off-peak: £3.30)

Best forJubilee line to Canning Town, change to DLR (Beckton-bound) to Prince Regent or Custom House

The Jubilee line connects to the DLR at Canning Town. From Canning Town, it is a two-stop DLR journey to Prince Regent (for East Entrance) or Custom House. Canning Town is approximately 12 minutes from Waterloo on the Jubilee line

Bus

Estimated cost£1.75 single bus fare (frozen until July 2026); daily cap applies

Best forRoutes 147, 241, 300, 325, 473, 541, 678, N551 to ExCeL London

Bus routes serve stops at or near ExCeL London, connecting from Canning Town, Ilford, Stratford, East Ham, East Beckton, and North Woolwich. Night bus N551 runs to Trafalgar Square. Contactless and Oyster cards are the cheapest way to pay

Taxi / Rideshare

Estimated cost£25–£45 from central London; Uber Comfort from London City Airport $40–$70 (£32–£55)

Best forDirect to ExCeL London, One Western Gateway

Black taxis, Uber, and Bolt are available. The only passenger drop-off point at ExCeL London is the West Taxi Rank at E16 1XL on Western Gateway. A strict no-idle policy is enforced. For satellite navigation, use postcode E16 1XL for the West Entrance drop-off or E16 1FR for the car park entrance

IFS Cloud Cable Car (Emirates Air Line)

Estimated cost£7.00 one-way, £13.50 return (adult, as of March 2026); 50% off for ExCeL visitors with event confirmation email (£3.50 one-way)

Best forGreenwich Peninsula to Royal Docks (near ExCeL London)

Scenic 10-minute cable car crossing over the River Thames connecting the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks, with a terminal approximately five minutes on foot from ExCeL London. Part of the TfL network and usable with Oyster or contactless. Cabins reach heights of about 90 metres, offering panoramic views of Canary Wharf, the City, and the Thames Barrier. Fully accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and bikes

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Estimated costVaries by route; hop-on hop-off tickets from approximately £27.90

Best forRiver Thames piers including North Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and London Bridge

River bus service connecting major piers along the Thames. Step-free access at most piers. Boats run daily every 20–30 minutes. A scenic alternative for reaching central London or Canary Wharf from the Royal Docks area

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Standard Visitor Visa (6 months)	Visa nationals as set out in Appendix Visitor: Visa National list who wish to attend Trade Drinks Expo for permitted business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiating and signing contracts. Attending trade fairs and exhibitions is a permitted activity provided no direct sales occur	$175.00	Most applications are decided within 15 working days (3 weeks) from the date of application, but it can take longer depending on the country
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)	Nationals of approximately 85 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and all EU/EEA member states, who do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months and do not already have a UK immigration status. From 25 February 2026, ETA is mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors travelling to the UK	$26.00	Most applicants receive a decision automatically within minutes via the official UK ETA app, but travellers should allow up to 3 working days before travel to account for cases that require additional review

Nationals of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many other countries are visa-exempt for short business visits to the UK. From 25 February 2026, all visa-exempt visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. British and Irish citizens do not require an ETA or visa. Those holding a valid UK visa or eVisa also do not need an ETA. Check GOV.UK for the current full list of visa national and non-visa national countries

The UK accepts ATA Carnets, which allow goods to be temporarily imported for commercial use such as trade fairs, exhibitions, and professional equipment without paying duties or taxes. The Carnet is an international customs document, also known as a 'passport for goods,' valid for up to one year and usable multiple times provided the goods are returned in the same condition. Consumable goods such as food, beverages, and agricultural products, as well as items intended for sale, hire, or processing, are excluded from ATA Carnet coverage. The Carnet must be presented at every instance of entry, exit, or transit. In the UK, ATA Carnets are guaranteed by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), with operational management by the UK National ATA Carnet Organisation (UKNATACO). To obtain an ATA Carnet, apply through your national association, such as the Chamber of Commerce in your country

Official visa page

Weather

Late September in London sees average daytime high temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and overnight lows of approximately 12°C (53°F). September typically receives about 49mm of rain across 5 rainy days, with humidity around 73%. While September can bring mixed weather with sunny spells, cloud, and occasional rain, recent years have seen warm spells with temperatures reaching 24-25°C in late September. Daylight hours range from about 13.5 hours at the start of the month to 11.5 by the end. Bring layers and a light jacket or umbrella for outdoor travel between transport hubs and the venue

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

ExCeL London is exceptionally well connected by public transport. The venue is served by two step-free stations within a two-minute walk: Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) nearest to the West Entrance, and Prince Regent (DLR) nearest to the East Entrance. The Elizabeth line provides direct, fast access to Custom House from Liverpool Street (approximately 11 minutes), Paddington, Farringdon, and Heathrow Airport (approximately 43 minutes). The DLR connects to Canning Town (Jubilee line), Tower Gateway (District and Circle lines), and Bank (Central and Northern lines). London City Airport is approximately 15-17 minutes away by DLR. The Jubilee line connects to the DLR at Canning Town, with a two-stop journey to Prince Regent or Custom House. Bus routes 147, 241, 300, 325, 473, 541, 678, and N551 serve stops at or near ExCeL London. The IFS Cloud Cable Car connects the Royal Docks to Greenwich Peninsula. On-site parking is available with 1,867 spaces across three colour-coded zones

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

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

Moderation is now a mainstream British drinking behaviour

In the UK, choosing a low- or no-alcohol drink is no longer unusual. 86% of UK adults either abstain or drink within low-risk guidelines, and 44% of UK drinkers use alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks to moderate. For visitors from markets where moderation is less established, the UK is a useful test bed for observing how bars, pubs and retailers merchandise and price no- and low-alcohol options alongside full-strength equivalents

The pub remains the centre of British drinks culture

The British pub is still the primary on-trade channel for drinks discovery and social drinking, but it is under severe financial pressure. With average on-trade pint prices approaching £7, London menus showing £10 pints, and operators left with as little as 13p profit per pint, understanding operator economics is essential for anyone selling into the UK on-trade. Trade show conversations in the UK typically move quickly from product quality to margin, pour cost and menu fit

Sustainability expectations are operational, not decorative

UK consumers and operators increasingly treat sustainability as a procurement criterion. 72% of UK consumers consider sustainability practices when choosing a bar or pub, and packaging innovation around recyclable, compostable and lightweight formats is accelerating. Suppliers pitching to UK buyers should expect questions about packaging recyclability, carbon impact and supply-chain traceability, not just product quality

Trade shows are business-first environments

UK trade exhibitions like Trade Drinks Expo operate as focused business environments. Attendees are predominantly trade professionals, and the culture is one of efficient sourcing, networking, and deal-making. Business cards, pre-booked meetings, and a clear sense of what you are looking to source or sell will make the event far more productive. The show runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm on both days, so planning your schedule in advance is essential

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

Flights

Destination: London City Airport (LCY), Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), Stansted Airport (STN)

London City Airport is the most convenient option, located approximately 2 km from ExCeL London with DLR connections taking 15-17 minutes. Heathrow Airport offers direct Elizabeth line access to Custom House in approximately 43 minutes. For the best fares, book at least 6-8 weeks in advance. Late September is generally a busy travel period, so early booking is recommended

Visa

Entry requirements for Trade Drinks Expo 2026 are nationality-dependent. Visa nationals must obtain a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling. Non-visa nationals (visa-exempt) must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling as of 25 February 2026. Attending trade fairs and exhibitions is a permitted business activity under both routes, provided no direct sales to the public occur. British and Irish citizens do not require a visa or ETA

Processing: Standard Visitor Visa: typically within 3 weeks. ETA: most decisions within minutes via the app, but allow up to 3 working days

The Standard Visitor Visa costs £135 (approximately $175 USD as of April 2026). The ETA costs £20 (approximately $26 USD as of April 2026). Attending trade fairs, conferences, and meetings is explicitly permitted under the Standard Visitor route. You must not undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company, do a work placement or internship, or sell directly to the public. A visa invitation letter may be provided by the event organiser or project manager after booth confirmation for exhibitors. The event website does not publish visa-letter logistics; contact the organiser directly

Official

Hotels

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

Areas to stay

Royal Victoria Dock / Western Gateway (closest to venue, widest range of hotels) · Canning Town (budget-friendly, quick DLR connection to ExCeL) · Stratford (budget-friendly, Elizabeth line and DLR connections) · Canary Wharf (business district, 15 minutes via DLR or Elizabeth line)

Budget

$70-$140 per night

Mid-range

$120-$200 per night

Premium

$180-$350 per night

Transport

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

Airport → venue: London City Airport (LCY) is 2 km from ExCeL London with DLR connections taking 15-17 minutes. Heathrow (LHR) connects directly to Custom House via the Elizabeth line in approximately 43 minutes. Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN) require train connections to central London followed by the Elizabeth line or DLR, with total journey times of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Hotel → venue: Most recommended hotels are within a 5-15 minute walk of ExCeL London. Novotel London ExCeL is 350m from the venue, Aloft London ExCeL is 390m, and DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL is 630m. Hotels in Canning Town and Stratford are reachable in 10-20 minutes via DLR or Elizabeth line

Ride-hail: Black taxis, Uber, and Bolt are available throughout London. The only passenger drop-off point at ExCeL London is the West Taxi Rank at E16 1XL on Western Gateway. A strict no-idle policy is enforced at the West Taxi Rank. Fares from central London to ExCeL are approximately £25-45 depending on traffic

Public transit: ExCeL London is served by two step-free stations within a two-minute walk: Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) nearest to the West Entrance, and Prince Regent (DLR) nearest to the East Entrance. The Elizabeth line connects Liverpool Street (11 minutes), Paddington, Farringdon, and Heathrow (43 minutes) to Custom House. The DLR connects to Canning Town (Jubilee line), Tower Gateway, and Bank. Bus routes 147, 241, 300, 325, 473, 541, 678, and N551 serve the venue

Parking: On-site parking costs £27.50 per calendar day when pre-booked at least 12 hours ahead, or £30 on the day. The car park has 1,867 spaces across three colour-coded zones with a 1.9m height limit in the standard area. Blue Badge holders pay the same standard rate; there is no free disabled parking. Motorcycle parking is free. Payment is by card, contactless, Apple Pay or Google Pay — no cash is accepted. ExCeL London falls within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: September 2026

Temperature: Daytime highs around 20°C (68°F); overnight lows around 12°C (53°F). Recent years have seen warm spells reaching 24-25°C in late September

Seasonality: September typically receives about 49mm of rain across 5 rainy days, with humidity around 73%. While September can bring mixed weather with sunny spells, cloud, and occasional rain, southern parts of England often stay mostly dry with sunny spells

Packing: Bring layers and a light jacket or umbrella for outdoor travel between transport hubs and the venue. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the 600m boulevard at ExCeL London. A portable phone charger is useful for long days on the show floor

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

08:30Arrive at Custom House Station via the Elizabeth line or DLR. Follow signs to the West Entrance of ExCeL London (approximately 200m walk)
09:00Collect your visitor badge at the registration desk. Trade Drinks Expo opens at 10:00am, so arrive early to beat the queues. Use free on-site Wi-Fi to review the show floor plan and mark priority exhibitors
10:00Show floor opens. Begin with the priority exhibitor stands you identified. Focus on new product launches and supplier sourcing. Collect contact details and product brochures
12:30Break for lunch at one of the venue's on-site cafés, restaurants, or waterfront dining options. Network with fellow attendees
13:30Continue exploring the show floor. Attend any scheduled talks or industry sessions. Visit exhibitors you missed in the morning session
16:00Show closes. Exit via the West Entrance to Custom House Station, or take a short walk to the IFS Cloud Cable Car for a scenic ride to the O2 Arena for evening dining, or head to Canary Wharf for post-show networking

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Tuesday 29 September 2026

Arriving on the first day gives you the full two-day window to explore the show floor, attend seminars, and follow up on leads. The show runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm on both days. Tuesday is typically the busiest day for exhibitor engagement, with fresh product launches and maximum supplier availability

Register for a free visitor pass on the official Trade Drinks Expo website — Trade-only event. No under-18s or students allowed. Registration is free. Guidance: register early to secure your place

Book travel and accommodation near ExCeL London — Hotels near the venue fill up quickly in late September. Novotel London ExCeL and Aloft London ExCeL are within walking distance. Guidance, not an official deadline

Review the exhibitor list and shortlist priority suppliers — Identify target exhibitors across alcoholic, no/low, functional drinks, packaging and technology categories. Prepare questions on margin, listing terms and distribution

Download the show floor plan and plan your route — ExCeL London is a large venue with a 600m boulevard. Plan walking routes between priority stands and seminar theatres. Guidance, not an official deadline

Pre-book any seminars or sessions you want to attend — The programme includes 200+ seminars. Popular sessions may require advance booking. Check the official website for the latest programme

Confirm travel, pack business cards and download your registration confirmation — Bring a valid ID for badge collection. Check TfL for any planned transport disruptions. The venue is served by Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) and Prince Regent (DLR)

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day