For cafes, sandwich bars, coffee shops, contract caterers, delis, and food‑to‑go chains, staying relevant means constant innovation. The Lunch! Trade Show is the UK’s dedicated trade event for the out‑of‑home lunch market—showcasing the latest in food, drink, and operational technology tailored to lunch‑time strategies and menus.
This dynamic, two-day show takes place in London and stands apart as the place to source fresh ideas, meet suppliers, and sharpen your lunchtime offering. Read on for why this event could be a game-changer for your business.
Event Details: Venue, Date & Times
The Lunch! Trade Show is held at the prestigious ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1FR.
- Dates for 2025: Wednesday 24th September and Thursday 25th September
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on both days; last entry is 4:00 PM on each day
- This is a trade-only event, open exclusively to professionals in the food‑to‑go industry
ExCeL London is conveniently located near Custom House DLR and Prince Regent DLR stations, and just a mile from London City Airport. Car access is straightforward, though parking can be pre-booked.
Registration and Admission
Entry is free for trade professionals who register before the deadline, which typically closes in mid-September. After that, a modest on-the-door fee applies. Proof of industry credentials is required on arrival.
As a trade show, Lunch! is strictly for food industry professionals. Students, under‑18s, and general consumers are not permitted.
Accommodation and Travel
To maximize your visit, consider staying near ExCeL:
- Moderate hotels like Ibis Styles and Novotel London ExCeL offer comfortable, business-oriented stays.
- For more boutique experiences, a short Uber ride can take you toward Canary Wharf or Greenwich.
- London City Airport is just ten minutes away, making it accessible for those flying in.
- On-site check-in and accessibility services are well-provided for via ExCeL.
What You’ll Discover at the Show
1. New Food and Drink Innovations
Sample the latest proofed sandwiches, fresh salads, healthy bowls, premium wraps, cold-press beverages, and functional drinks—all aimed at the lunch market. Expect unique formats that can set your outlet apart.
2. Operational Technology and Services
The show features live demos and provider stands with ordering kiosks, digital menus, payments systems, refrigeration options, packaging innovations, and back-of-house efficiencies designed for fast lunch crowds.
3. Culinary Live Demos
Watch chefs and food-tech experts demonstrate menu builds, ingredient trends, and plating ideas suited to the lunch rush. These demos highlight real-world execution and workflow efficiency.
4. Insightful Seminars
The Seminar Programme explores trends and strategies for the lunch channel—covering menu diversification, grab-and-go trends, food-health balance, customer experiences, food safety, and delivery integration. Sessions are free-to-attend and offer flexible timings.
5. Peer Networking
Connect with peers, suppliers, tech partners, and consultants in relaxed zones. Contractors, manufacturers, and foodservice colleagues will be onsite—creating a fertile environment for collaboration, inspiration, and deals.
Why Attend Lunch! Trade Show?
- Stay relevant: Shift with consumer preferences toward healthier, faster, on-the-go lunch options
- Source efficiently: Compare multiple suppliers and technologies in one convenient location
- Meet innovators: From start-ups to established brands, there’s fresh energy throughout the halls
- Hear trends firsthand: Gain strategic insight from experts maintaining the latest foodservice trends
- Save time and money: One visit, concentrated value—cover food, drink, tech, and strategy
Who Should Attend?
The show is tailored specifically to:
- Quick-service restaurateurs
- Café, bistro, and deli operators
- Sandwich bar owners
- Coffee chains and kiosk operators
- Contract caterers serving business or education sectors
- Hospitality directors and F&B managers
- Foodservice buying teams and operators
If the lunch hour is a key part of your business, Lunch! is built around your success.
How to Prepare
- Register in advance to secure a free pass and avoid queues
- Review exhibitors and plan your visit using the event map
- Schedule showroom time and demos around the seminar timetable
- Bring business cards and digital contacts—networking is active and fast-paced
- Take notes and gather literature to follow up post-show with suppliers or innovations
- Set follow-up plans—capture leads and confirm your supply decisions soon after the event
Post-Show Takeaways
Expect to return with:
- A richer menu concept, featuring newly discovered items
- Tech solutions to optimize ordering, payment, and kitchen flow
- Supplier contacts with samples and product specs
- Industry leads for lunch packaging, sustainability, and branding
- Comparative insight into how peers are evolving their service
- Action items ready for implementation in your next menu cycle
Final Word
The Lunch! Trade Show is more than a demonstration space—it’s a catalyst for growing your lunch business. With fresh ideas, efficient tools, and operational insight, it empowers you to elevate midday service through innovation and connection.
This is where the lunch industry comes together—don’t miss a single serving of opportunity.
Book Your Trade Pass Now
Secure your spot at the Lunch! Trade Show 2025 and unlock everything you need to serve smarter and sell stronger in the lunch market: