Outspoken critic confirmed for hospitality showcase

TOP food critic, writer and Master Chef guest judge Jay Rayner, is will be headline speaker for the 2016 Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) Debate.

An annual event, part of the hospitality trade exhibition at Manchester Central in March, Observer critic Rayner is seen as one of the most powerful figures in food journalism and has pledged to be typically candid on contemporary hospitality trends and issues when he takes to the stage.

Rayner said: “I’ve spent years reviewing restaurants across the north of England, a part of the country that can feed you very well indeed, so it’s terrific to be a part of the NRB Debate. It’s true that not everything I’ve said over the years has been received warmly, but the arguments have always been invigorating and informing and I’m sure that will be the case at this event.”

Thom Hetherington, head of event organiser Holden Media, said:”ay is perfect to lead the NRB Debate because he is more than just a food critic. Obviously the food and drink industry is fascinated by restaurant reviewing and insights into the critical process, but Jay has also written on virtually every major topic that should concern a contemporary hospitality operator.

“From dining trends to benchmarking the globe’s finest restaurants, from worst case scenarios to issues of sustainability and ethics, I’m expecting a forthright and wide-ranging discussion which will give our audience an entire tasting menu of food for thought.”

The NRB Debate will also include a discussion on how the booming culture of “food entrepreneurism” has changed the landscape of the sector.

More than 230 operators and suppliers to the hospitality sector will be attending the event on March 15 and 16.

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