The 47th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is just days away and has the perfect recipe to give visitors and exhibitors an invaluable experience.

The annual celebration of the region’s hospitality industry is the perfect hub for local and national companies to showcase their businesses – and this year there’s a new Demonstration Theatre where industry experts will cook up a storm!

Among those showcasing her skills in the new Demonstration Theatre will be Chef Patron and Co-owner of the Black Bull in Sedbergh, Nina Matsunaga (12 pm Both Days). Cooking live, Nina will demonstrate how seasonality and locality are the keys when it comes to serving sustainable food in the region’s kitchens – heightening taste while lowering food miles significantly.

The long-running show is a unique opportunity for firms to get all their potential suppliers together under one roof and this year’s key message is finding innovative ways to help businesses become more sustainable.

The free-to-attend event takes place at the J36 Rural Auction Centre at Crooklands on 28 and 29 February.

Sarah Tasker, the Show Manager, says: There is a real buzz about the show which, on the exhibitor side, sold out weeks ago – showing how positively its viewed within the industry.

“It showcases innovative technologies, talented local artisans and fresh ideas with over 150 exhibitors. There are free masterclasses, the live cooking demos, expert advice and vital industry networking opportunities. We may be the County’s longest running trade show – but every year we develop and improve what is on offer to visitors and exhibitors.”

Leading experts will be on hand to showcase products and produce. The live shows, at the new Demonstration Theatre in the extended marquee, will offer innovative advice. There’ll be a total of 10 demonstrations including:

• Eat Wild – with Louisa Clutterbuck who aims to show why more people should be eating game meat as a sustainable option. (2pm Both Days)
• The Flavour Blaster Pro 2 – a demonstration of new bubble guns and dry ice machines to enhance a cocktail experience. (1pm Both Days)
• What Is Good Coffee? – with Brian Williams from Farrer’s Tea and Coffee Merchant. (11am Wednesday)
• Shed One Distillery – pairing botanical spirits with sweet and savoury treats (3pm Wednesday)
• Shaking up non-alcoholic alternatives – with the Alcohol Free Drinks Company (11am Thursday)

“It’s a real privilege to have so many top demonstrations taking place at this year’s show,” says Sarah Tasker: “It makes this a “must-see” event for all those involved in Cumbria’s vibrant hospitality sector.”

Last year’ show smashed attendance records with close to 1700 visitors attending over the two day period and this year’s show promises to be bigger still.

“There were lots of new faces at the show last year from further afield than usual,” says Sarah Tasker: “So, it is clear we are now reaching a bigger audience than just Cumbria and the South Lakes. We are looking to improve on that still further this year.”

Profits from the event are directed back into the wider hospitality industry and help support local visitor events throughout the year.

This year’s key sponsors include Freedom Hotspot, NPG Fire Safety and Porsche Centre South Lakes.

Innovation and sustainability at high-profile trade show

Finding innovative ways to help businesses of all shapes and sizes become more sustainable will be at the forefront of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show 2024.

Now just over two months away, the much-anticipated free-to-attend event will take place at the J36 Rural Action Centre at Crooklands on 28 and 29 February. With more than 150 exhibitors alongside live cooking demos, expert advice and industry networking, the county’s longest running trade show will have a firm focus on embracing sustainability in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Nigel Byrom the Family Furnisher is a fourth generation, family-run furniture retailer based in Kendal for the past 90 years and will be back at February’s event. For the first-time, Nigel will be showcasing a range of beds made from recycled platinum polyester fillings and sleep surfaces made from sustainable fabrics.

He says: “We continue to diversify and are a local firm who genuinely wants to help other local firms to grow and prosper by bringing them innovative new products. 

“Many mattresses use foam, polyester or wool, so the Landmark Collection of eco-beds made in North Lancashire are a great way for hospitality operators to boost their eco-credentials. The bases are also made from recycled materials – using significantly less water, energy and Co2 – and the headboards also feature wood from trusted, sustainable sources.

“We’ve been exhibiting at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show for a number of years and it’s a really friendly event which I believe brings positive business benefits for everyone involved.”

Meanwhile, Chef Patron and Co-owner of the Black Bull in Sedbergh, Nina Matsunaga, will be showcasing her cooking with a live demonstration at the show. Her aim is to demonstrate that seasonal sourcing is the way forward and in reality, is the only real way of serving sustainable food in the region’s kitchens.

Born in Dusseldorf, Germany, to Japanese parents, Nina’s food is characterised by these two very distinct cultures – the ethos of regional German cooking centred around wholesome hearty dishes made with vegetables, while taking the Japanese food philosophy of ‘kaiseki’, focusing on seasonality and locality, to new heights.

Nina says: ’It’s makes total sense to play to the strengths of the area you operate in and let the seasons guide your cooking. That way you can plan ahead and preserve ingredients when you have a glut for the leaner periods during the winter months and it also means that you reduce your food miles significantly by not using ingredients that have been flown round the world.’’

Adding: “As chefs we have a responsibility to our guests to source the ingredients we use sustainably. By using what’s to hand we’re also supporting our local farmers and producers, and in doing so play our part in helping to ensure that our rural economy has the opportunity to thrive and doesn’t become like so many others around the UK.

“I firmly believe that seasonality is by far the best way to operate for any chef, which is why I’m taking this opportunity to demonstrate at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show.”

Visitor registration for the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is now open, with free entry and free parking for all attendees!

Be inspired at the 47th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show with NEW Kitchen Demonstration Zone!
Leading experts will showcase products, produce, techniques and offer advice through live demonstrations in the new space situated in the extended marquee. Set to enhance what the suppliers have to offer as well as educate, solve problems, inspire with trends and techniques and help to create a seamless customer journey, the new Kitchen Demo Zone is something not to be missed.

Amy Thompson, show co-ordinator said, “A demonstration kitchen has been something we have wanted to bring back for some time, and we are thrilled that the time is now! It’s a privilege to have our renowned exhibitors demonstrating their produce and products as well as highlighting best practice, techniques to wow the customer, systems to get the most from their wares, and of course, discussing solutions to important environmental matters such as sustainability, currently in the forefront of many business owners’ minds.”

IG Group will be one of the professionals on the stage. As one of the UK’s largest independent distributors of non-food consumables to the hospitality, catering, care homes, contract cleaners and leisure sectors, they work with a variety of partners in order to offer you everything you need. Come and see them flaunt their ranges as one of the exclusive distributers in the UK of Flavour Blasters.

“We are thrilled to be joined by Nina Matsunaga, who runs The Black Bull in Sedbergh with her partner James Ratcliffe.  She turns heads with her food, cooking local ingredients creating dishes that are full of international influences. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us!”

Brian Williams, from Farrer’s Coffee will be unlocking the secrets behind the perfect blend for your business, event and establishments as well as covering the importance of correct extraction and drink production.

Life is changing for many and we are seeing an increasing number of non-drinkers in society. With the market shifting quite considerably Andy from The Alcohol Free Drinks Company is on hand to answer questions and showcase a variety of offerings from spirits to beers and wines.

The demonstrations are free to attend.

The 47^th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is currently 88% SOLD OUT but there are still opportunities to exhibit or to be part of the kitchen demonstrations. Promote your brand to over 150 Exhibitors and 1700 Delegates.

The organisers of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show say this year’s show will be more relevant than ever, giving businesses from a range of industries the chance to come together to discuss innovative new ways to thrive in a climate of spiralling energy prices, rising inflation and increased costs.

With less than 3 weeks to go, momentum is building for Cumbria’s longest-running trade show, which will bring together 150+ exhibitors from across the North to meet directly with businesses at the Junction 36 Rural Auction Centre on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 March 2023.

The free event is an annual focal point for building professional relationships and showcasing new innovations, but it has taken on added significance this year with many businesses struggling to bounce back not only from the current economic challenges, but also the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on spending patterns.

Show organisers say there will be a firm focus on helping attendees to share solutions and delve deep into new ways they can remain agile and competitive. What’s more, any profits will be re-directed into future visitor events which aim to inspire both new and regular audiences to the county.

This year will see the return of the hugely successful, dedicated first floor exhibition space for smaller and new businesses, along with a new exhibitor networking evening on the first night of the show – enabling them to build knowledge and forge new collaborations to help grow their businesses.

Exhibitor stands for 2023 will range from catering equipment, and food and drink suppliers, to IT technology, transport, furnishings, visitor attractions and professional services such as insurance, legal and financial support.

Owner of the Lamplighter Dining Rooms in Windermere, James Tasker, is a Director of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Association. He says. “After a delay to the 2022 show, it was truly amazing to experience a massive appetite for this invaluable event last year, when that long overdue face to face interaction manifested itself in a phenomenally positive buzz throughout and the record number of visitors and exhibitors that we welcomed!

“We are now experiencing a new set of challenges, which are affecting every single product, department and team member in our businesses.  What better environment than this event to discuss issues and share solutions, view innovative new products in every field and discuss how these may benefit your business with industry professionals. The show is all about making new connections, but equally importantly, re-affirming existing and sustaining longstanding relationships.”

Richard Andrew is Head of Accounting at Armstrong Watson, which is exhibiting at the show.

He says, “With costs, inflation and interest rates all rising, it’s an uncertain and challenging time for businesses and it’s doubly important not only to identify the best value for money but also to find out about new innovations and products which can help maintain high standards and underline the Lake District’s top-notch reputation.

“For time-poor operators, this show is a great opportunity to get all their potential suppliers together in one single room. I see it as a really efficient way for businesses to weigh up their buying decisions for the year and keep a firm focus on driving high quality products and services which reach as many potential customers as possible.

50% of STANDS SOLD OUT!