In the fast-paced world of hospitality, standing still means falling behind. From boutique hotels to bustling restaurant kitchens, success demands innovation, efficiency, and trends that anticipate tomorrow’s guest expectations. That’s precisely where Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) comes in. As the UK’s leading hospitality and foodservice trade show, HRC brings together everything your business needs to thrive: cutting-edge equipment, operational insights, supplier connections, and key trend forecasts.
Whether you’re a hotelier, restaurateur, catering manager, design professional, or consultant, this event delivers the inspiration and tools you need for sustainable growth.
Event Overview: When and Where
Mark your calendar—HRC 2025 takes place over three full days:
- Dates: 17–19 March 2025
- Venue: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL
- Opening Hours:
- Day 1 & 2: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Day 3: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (last entry: 3:00 PM)
Nestled within Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, HRC shares the venue with IFE, IFE Manufacturing, The Pub Show, Hospitality Tech360, and International Salon Culinaire—offering unmatched cross-sector insight.
Who Should Attend
A wide spectrum of hospitality professionals will benefit:
- Hotel and resort operators
- Restaurant founders, chefs, and managers
- Catering and contract service buyers
- Design and fit-out specialists
- Foodservice consultants and suppliers
- Institutional caterers (schools, hospitals, staff venues)
If you’re responsible for buying, designing, operating, or consulting within any foodservice or accommodation venue, HRC is built for you.
What You’ll Experience
1. Product Discovery Zones
Encounter a wide array of hospitality offerings: professional kitchen appliances, furniture, barware, laundry systems, sanitation tech, digital platforms, and more—all displayed across dedicated zones for clarity and ease.
2. Live Theatre Presentations
Visit the Vision Stage for strategic talks from industry leaders on sustainability, brand development, efficiency, and wellness in hospitality. Delve into how cutting-edge hotels and caterers are evolving in a competitive landscape.
The Tech X Stage presents hands-on sessions that unveil kitchen automation, energy reduction technologies, intelligent inventory systems, and the use of AI in operations.
3. Chef HQ Live Cooking
See top chefs show how new equipment or techniques can elevate menu execution, elevate food quality, and accelerate service efficiency. These demos blend visibility with feasibility—perfect for operations-driven professionals.
4. Trend Panels & Thought Leadership
Expect content-rich discussions: reducing food waste, hybrid working in hospitality, wellness-led menus, energy-efficient practices, team retention, and next-gen guest engagement. HRC aligns with real-world hospitality challenges.
5. Networking & Matchmaking
HRC attracts over 30,000 verified trade visitors with more than £1 billion in combined purchasing power. That means fresh supplier relationships, partnerships, and collaboration opportunities—whether you’re seeking product variety, design innovation, or consulting support.
6. Product Launches & Awards
Hundreds of launches take place onsite across multiple categories. Plus, awards recognise forward-thinking and efficiency-minded innovations—making this a prime arena to spot—and spotlight—the next big thing.
Benefits of Attending
- One-stop sourcing – Everything from ovens to coffee machines, rooms to room service, displayed and explained.
- Operational excellence – Learn standards and technologies proven to streamline operations and cut waste.
- Design-led innovation – Explore trends in layouts, materials, and guest-focused environments.
- Sustainability solutions – Uncover the latest in green energy, waste reduction, and eco certifications.
- Wellness & guest experience – Focus on menus, ambiences, and services that prioritize guest wellbeing.
- Policy & regulation updates – Stay ahead on food safety, emissions targets, and hospitality guidelines.
Do You Need Tickets?
No—entry is free for hospitality trade professionals who register in advance. Your badge grants access to HRC and the wider Food, Drink & Hospitality Week exhibitions.
Bring valid trade credentials and pre-register to ensure quick entry and priority access to high-demand talks.
Accommodation & Venue Tips
- Preferably stay locally: Hotels like Aloft, Crowne Plaza, Novotel, and Hilton are all steps from ExCeL.
- Plan transport early: DLR/Elizabeth Line connects gently, and roads are traffic-heavy—arrive early.
- Combine your visit: With six co-located shows, plan your two or three days to cross between F&B and hospitality content efficiently.
How to Maximise Your Visit
- Download the official app for schedules and maps
- Schedule meetings using the matchmaking tool before attending
- Bring collateral: business cards, brochures, digital contact info
- Split your agenda: one day for tech, one day for design and F&B
- Highlight 3–5 keynote sessions—especially Hero-stage talks
- Follow up post-show: contact suppliers and take action on ideas while inspiration is fresh
What You’ll Gain
- A shortlist of tech, design, and sustainability partners
- Certified knowledge on current foodservice strategies
- Competitive edge through early trend adoption
- New professional connections and peer insights
- The confidence to implement innovation in your operation
Final Word
HRC is not just another hospitality expo—it’s a strategic investment in your venue’s future. From live demos and expert panels to design updates and green credentials, it arms you with everything needed to drive your business forward and stay ahead in a fast-changing hospitality landscape.
This event delivers impactful solutions, inspiration, and connections—without the fluff.
Book Your Free Trade Pass Now
Reserve your place at HRC 2025 and unlock access to hospitality innovation like never before:
👉 Visit here to book your ticket for Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) 2025