Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC): UK's largest hospitality event: food service, tech, and industry solutions.

Ever wondered what it takes to run a truly great restaurant, a welcoming hotel, or a thriving catering business? It’s more than just good food or comfortable beds; it’s about smart operations, delicious ingredients, fantastic customer experiences, and keeping up with the latest trends. The “hospitality” world is fast-paced and exciting, always looking for new ways to delight guests and run more smoothly. If you’re involved in any part of this vibrant industry – whether you’re a chef, a hotel manager, a café owner, a supplier, or just starting your journey – then Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) is the place you absolutely need to be. It’s not just an event; it’s the UK’s largest gathering for hospitality, a place where the future of dining and accommodation is shaped!

Imagine stepping into a massive exhibition hall, buzzing with energy, where every corner holds a new discovery. You’ll see the latest kitchen equipment that makes cooking a breeze, taste incredible new “food service” products, explore cutting-edge “tech” that simplifies operations, and find smart “industry solutions” that can help your business grow. This show is all about connecting you with the best ideas, products, and people, helping you elevate your business, stay ahead of the game, and truly make your mark in the exciting world of hospitality.

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to boost your hospitality business? Here are the key details for Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) in London:

Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom. This huge, modern exhibition centre is located in London’s Docklands. Its spacious halls and easy access make it the perfect venue for such a large and important industry event.
Dates: Mark your calendars for March 30th to April 1st, 2026. This is a three-day event, giving you plenty of time to explore the many different zones, attend valuable talks, and make important connections.
Timings:
- Monday, March 30th, 2026: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 31st, 2026: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 1st, 2026: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (The last day often closes a bit earlier).
Cost: Access to HRC is designed specifically for trade professionals:
- Free-to-Attend: The great news is that HRC is generally FREE to attend for genuine trade professionals who pre-register online. This includes hoteliers, restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, pub owners, bar managers, food service operators, and anyone else working within the hospitality and food service industry. You will need to provide your business details during registration to receive your complimentary trade pass.
- On-Site Registration: While pre-registration is free, if you decide to register on the day at the venue, there might be a small charge (e.g., around £40 + VAT for the 2025 event). It’s always best to pre-register online to save time and avoid any queues or fees.
- Children Policy: HRC is a trade-only event focused on business. While children under 16 years old are generally advised not to attend, if you do need to bring a child, they will require a special wristband obtained on-site. Visitors aged 16 and over must register as a trade visitor.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

ExCeL London is a very well-connected venue, making your journey to HRC straightforward:

By Public Transport (DLR): The easiest way to get to ExCeL is by using the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Take the DLR to “Custom House for ExCeL” or “Prince Regent for ExCeL” stations. Both are located directly at the venue’s doorstep, offering seamless access.
By Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line (also known as Crossrail) has a station at Custom House, providing fast and direct connections from central London (like Liverpool Street, Farringdon, and Paddington) and even Heathrow Airport. This is a very convenient option for many attendees, speeding up your journey.
By Tube: You can easily connect to the DLR or Elizabeth Line from various London Underground (Tube) lines, making ExCeL accessible from almost anywhere in London.
By Car: ExCeL London has good road links, and parking facilities are available on-site, though there’s usually a daily charge (around £25 for a full day for the 2025 event). However, driving in central London can be busy, and public transport is often the most straightforward way to avoid traffic and parking hassles, especially as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates in this area.
By Air: If you’re flying into London, London City Airport (LCY) is incredibly close to ExCeL, making for a very quick transfer. Other major airports like Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) have direct train or coach connections into central London, from where you can easily connect to ExCeL.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, London offers a vast range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Near ExCeL: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the ExCeL site or within a very short walk. These are perfect for early starts and late finishes at the show. Look for popular choices like the Aloft London ExCeL, Novotel London ExCeL, Moxy London ExCeL, Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL, and the unique Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.
Canary Wharf: Just a short DLR ride away, Canary Wharf is a major business district with many modern, high-quality hotels, diverse restaurants, and vibrant bars. It’s a popular choice for attendees looking for a lively atmosphere close to the venue.
Central London: For those who want to combine their visit with exploring London’s famous sights and vibrant city life, staying in central areas like Shoreditch, the City of London, or Westminster provides countless hotel options, dining, and attractions, all with easy DLR or Elizabeth Line connections to ExCeL.
Booking Tip: HRC is a major annual event in the global hospitality industry, attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors. Hotels, especially those closest to ExCeL, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location. The official HRC website often partners with accommodation providers or offers advice on finding suitable hotels.

The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you carve out time in your busy schedule for HRC? The advantages are immense for any business in the hospitality sector:

Unmatched Sourcing for All Needs: This is your largest marketplace for everything “food service,” “tech,” and “industry solutions” for hotels, restaurants, and catering. You’ll find thousands of products across countless categories:
- Food & Drink: Discover new ingredients, suppliers, and trends for your menu.
- Professional Kitchen: See the latest in ovens, fryers, refrigeration, and all the essential equipment your kitchen needs.
- Hospitality Tech: Explore innovative software for bookings, point-of-sale systems, payment solutions, staff management, and customer relationship tools.
- Interiors & Design: Find furniture, lighting, tableware, and design inspiration to refresh your space and enhance the guest experience.
Discover Cutting-Edge Innovation: HRC is a hub for “hospitality innovation.” You’ll be among the first to see groundbreaking technologies, sustainable products, and new concepts that are changing how the industry operates, helping you stay competitive.
Experience Products First-Hand: Online Browse is helpful, but at HRC, you can physically see, touch, and even try out equipment. You can taste food samples, sit on chairs, and interact with the technology. This is crucial for making informed buying decisions.
Meet Your Suppliers Face-to-Face: Build meaningful relationships with existing suppliers and discover new ones. Chat directly with manufacturers and distributors, discuss your specific needs, negotiate deals, and get a real feel for the people behind the products. Strong relationships can lead to better terms and support.
Gain Industry Insights & Learning: Benefit from a packed programme of free, expert-led seminars, live cooking demos, and panel discussions on dedicated stages. Learn from industry leaders on vital topics like managing staff, sustainability in hospitality, digital marketing, food safety, and adapting to changing customer demands.
Unrivalled Networking: HRC brings together a diverse range of professionals from across the entire hospitality industry. Meet thousands of fellow hoteliers, restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, and suppliers. Build valuable partnerships, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations that can drive your business forward.
Dedicated Show Areas: The event is well-organised into clear zones (such as Food & Drink, Professional Kitchen, Hospitality Tech, and Interiors & Design), making it easy to navigate and focus on your specific areas of interest.
Live Culinary Competitions: Witness the prestigious International Salon Culinaire, where top chefs compete live. It’s not only exciting but also a fantastic source of inspiration for new techniques and dish ideas.
Co-Located Shows for Complete Solutions: HRC is part of a larger Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. This means your pass gives you access to other highly relevant shows happening at the same time and place, including:
- IFE (International Food & Drink Event): Focused on new food and drink products.
- IFE Manufacturing: For food production, ingredients, and packaging.
- The Pub Show: Specifically for the pub sector. This comprehensive setup means you can find solutions for every aspect of your business.
Special Show Offers: Many exhibitors offer exclusive discounts, special bundles, or favourable terms only available to attendees who place orders or book services at the show. This can lead to significant savings for your business.

Attending HRC isn’t just about finding new products; it’s about immersing yourself in the cutting-edge of the hospitality world. It’s an incredible chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to keep your business thriving, your operations smooth, and your customers coming back for more. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the UK’s largest hospitality event!

To learn more and register for your free trade tickets, visit the official website: https://www.hrc.co.uk/