The casual dining landscape is evolving rapidly—valued experiences, high-quality menus, efficient tech, and seamless operations have become essential for today’s restaurants. That’s why Casual Dining, the UK’s only dedicated trade show for the casual dining sector, is a must-attend. Hosted at ExCeL London, this show brings together chefs, operators, tech providers, and suppliers under one roof. It’s your go-to platform to discover new dishes, cutting-edge technology, and smart operational strategies designed to help your venue thrive.
Event Overview – Where & When
The 2025 edition of Casual Dining is scheduled for 24–25 September 2025 at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock. Doors open at 10:00 both days, with the last entry at 16:00.
Conveniently located near Custom House and Prince Regent DLR stations and London City Airport, ExCeL offers easy access for domestic and international visitors. Parking is also available on-site with advanced booking.
Admission & Registration
Entry is free of charge for hospitality trade professionals, including restaurant and pub operators, casual dining chains, delivery service representatives, and suppliers. Registration before the event ensures quick access without queues, while on-the-door registration may incur a fee.
Nearby Accommodation
For a stress-free visit, consider these nearby hotels:
- Novotel London ExCeL – modern, business-friendly, and adjacent to the venue
- Premier Inn London Docklands – a reliable mid-range option
- Crowne Plaza London Docklands – slightly upscale, ideal for meetings
- Holiday Inn Express Docklands – clean, practical, and cost-effective
These options offer comfort and convenience without requiring long commutes.
What to Expect – Highlights of the Show
1. Food & Drink Showcase
Explore new menu concepts—from global cuisines to plant-based innovations and premium comfort food. Exhibitors include artisan producers, innovative ready meals, craft drink suppliers, and sustainable packaging providers.
2. Technology & Operational Solutions
Discover breakthrough tech—kitchen automation, POS systems, delivery integration, reservation platforms, and AI‑driven staff scheduling. Each solution is tailored to boost your venue’s profitability and efficiency.
3. Seminar Programme
Attend free sessions led by top operators and sector innovators covering topics like menu design, cost control, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), consumer insights, recruitment, and loyalty schemes.
4. Innovation Theatre
See live demonstrations highlighting food trends and operational best practices. Watch kitchen managers share how they optimize operations or hospitality leaders discuss menu engineering.
5. Networking Zones
With over 8,000 attendees and more than 500 exhibitors, Casual Dining provides exceptional opportunities to connect with suppliers, consultants, and peers—all in one place.
6. Awards & Inspiration
Explore the Innovation Challenge and other stand-out awards showcasing fresh ideas—from tech breakthroughs to menu miniatures.
Why Attend – Core Benefits
- Unrivalled sourcing opportunities – sample and compare ingredients, equipment, tech solutions, and more
- Strategic insights – seminar content is tailored to current operational challenges and growth strategies
- Save time and money – access thousands of suppliers and industry experts in just two days
- Stay ahead of trends – focus areas include delivery, ESG, digital transformation, and menu innovation
- Make meaningful connections – discover partnership and sourcing opportunities with industry peers
- Take home inspiration – return with actionable ideas you can implement quickly
Planning Your Visit
- Register early to secure entry and seminar seats
- Check the exhibitor guide and create a zone-based walking plan
- Book sessions in advance and align demos with your objectives
- Bring business cards or digital contact info for networking
- Wear comfortable footwear—you’ll cover a lot of ground
- Have space to collect samples or brochures from suppliers
Measuring Success – Post-Show Takeaways
After the event, successful attendees often:
- Launch at least one new menu item inspired by show discoveries
- Implement a new operational tool or tech system showcased at the event
- Build or strengthen a partnership sourced onsite
- Leverage seminar info to align strategy with current sector trends
- Share insights with teammates to drive business-wide improvements
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re running a single-site eatery or managing a dining chain, Casual Dining is an essential stop for continued relevance, growth, and innovation. The show’s curated mix of food, tech, and operations support makes it the only event tailored specifically to the casual dining sector—helping you stay competitive and ahead of the curve.
Book Your Free Trade Ticket
Secure your spot at Casual Dining 2025 and unlock a world of ideas, solutions, and inspiration for your venue:
👉 Visit here to book your ticket for Casual Dining 2025