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North's dining scene
closes gap with London as new study ranks region's most "restauranty"
Cities
AS the booming Northern restaurant
scene continues to outperform that of London a new survey by leading trade
exhibition NRB and CGA Peach ranks the region's most "restauranty"
Cities. Newcastle pips Manchester to the top spot with the greatest density
of restaurants and York claims third position, whilst Paul Askew, of 'The
Art School' in Liverpool, champions the vibrancy of the dining scene
outside London.
Research conducted by Holden Media, organisers of Northern Restaurant and Bar
(NRB), 1 of the UK's largest hospitality trade shows, has shocked foodies
across the Country, by revealing that Northern Cties are challenging London
for the title of the UK's most restaurant dense region. A surge in new
Northern openings has seen the numbers of "residents per restaurant"
in the region fall 18% between 2011 and 2015, compared to a decrease of only
13% in London.
The research, using data supplied by CGA Peach, the leading hospitality
insight business, ranks Newcastle upon Tyne as the North's most
'restauranty' City, with 1 restaurant for every 1,558 residents, narrowly
pushing Manchester, with 1,576 residents per restaurant, into 2nd place.
York takes 3rd spot with 1 restaurant for every 1,585 residents. This is
compared to London's restaurant density of 1,353 residents per restaurant,
highlighting exactly how close the leading Northern Cities are getting to
the capital.
The North West contributes 2 other Cities to the list, with Liverpool and
Chester both making the Northern top 10. Liverpool holds 4th spot, with
1 restaurant for every 1,996 residents, and Chester follows in 5th
position with one for every 2,595. Close behind in 6th place is Leeds with 1 for every 2,598, followed by Carlisle, Sheffield, Preston and
Sunderland.
Industry experts suggest the notable swing towards the North is driven by
factors such as more affordable set up costs, an increasingly sophisticated
audience and a trend towards cultural tourism, in the North's post industrial
Cities.
Thom Hetherington, CEO of Holden Media, is unsurprised by the burgeoning
restaurant scene beyond the Capital saying:- "London is a global
gastronomic City, but clearly the North of England is catching up at a rate
of knots, not least because it is possible for cash strapped, but talented
chefs, to set up their own ventures and cook their hearts out for an
appreciative audience. This research explains exactly why our visitor
numbers at the Northern Restaurant and Bar show are booming."
Paul Askew, Chef Patron of The Art School in Liverpool, says:- "The
dining scene in our City has seen a huge shift in standards, ambitions and
choice. In my opinion this is driven by its inherent desire for creative,
convivial, quality food and drink culture. The pride has been put back in
Liverpool and its legendary hospitable culture is not just exciting the
local market, but worldwide visitors from cruise ships and corporate
travellers alike. Operating Standards are rising rapidly as are the
expectations of the food offer in a truly cosmopolitan City which is really coming of age.
So whether it's a tasting menu and wine flight or microbrewery beer and
cocktails there really is something for everyone. The feel good factor is
back and ingredients are at an all time high on quality and choice."
Hetherington agrees, arguing "With its glut of new restaurants
offering diverse dining of the highest order surely it can be argued that
the North of England is 1 of Europe's most exciting gastronomic
destinations? Serious foodies should be planning their next trip!"
The North's largest hospitality show, Northern Restaurant and Bar, returns to
Manchester Central over 15 March to 16 March, for its 16th year. NRB is a must
visit exhibition for hospitality professionals (it is not open to the
general public) and includes the NRB Debate and the NRB Top Fifty Awards
celebrating the region's top operators.
For further information on the exhibition, events, exhibitors and how to get
free tickets visit:- northernrestaurantandbar.co.uk. |
