Cities toast booming leisure sector
GROWTH in the food and drink sectors in Manchester and Leeds has left London in the shade.
Figures released by leisure consultant CGA Peach and take up at the Northern Restaurant & Bar trade show at Manchester Central on March 17 and 18 are proof the capital is being left behind.
The event covers 50,000 sq ft and has seen exhibitor numbers jump 15% to 270, with the event’s NRB Top 50 awards and NRB Debate also requiring increased capacities.
CGA Peach’s most recent figures cover the last decade and show that Manchester city centre posted the UK’s biggest jump in food led businesses such as restaurants, gastropubs and café-bars with a 57% increase.
Leeds also posted a huge rise of +55% whereas Liverpool had figures of +31%, comparable to London’s growth of +32%.
The surge of interest and investment in the North of England shows no sign of abating, with leading operators from the capital such as Hawksmoor, Iberica and Meat Liquor rushing to open venues across the region.
NRB chief executive CEO Thom Hetherington said: “The North has always punched above its weight in terms of food and drink, but it seems that the rest of the world has finally woken up to its strength and potential.
“Northern operators are thriving, the audience of diners is growing and big names are rushing to embrace the region. Our job is to make sure Northern Restaurant & Bar itself continues to reflect this surge of commercial and creative vibrancy.”
