Commercial Kitchen announces speaker line-up for 2021 comeback

Leading chefs and industry experts will be joining the Keynote Speaker programme for the Commercial Kitchen show's debut London event.

The programme is free of charge to trade buyers and takes place alongside the trade show, which includes more than 100 brands exhibiting the latest kitchen innovations.

An interview with Tom Aikens, chef-patron of Muse, will open the Keynote Speaker programme, followed by further Michelin-starred names, including Sat Bains, chef-patron of Restaurant Sat Bains, and Lorna McNee, head chef of Cail Bruich.

Chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala of Café Spice Namasté and Nick Vadis, culinary director of Compass Group UK & Ireland, will also share their sector experiences.

Other chefs and chef-patrons included in the programme are:

• Stuart Ralston, Aizle and Noto Edinburgh
• Pete Redman, Bartlett Mitchell
• Robert Grist, D&D London
• Darren Poulton, Gate Group
• Shaun Rankin, Grantley Hall Ripon
• Stuart Duff, Hilton Group
• Adam Simmonds, the Mayfair Townhouse
• Anthony Fletcher, the Ned
• Neil Rankin, Temper and Simplicity Burger
• Ashley Clarke, Smokestak
• Steve Snowden, Tom Kerridge Group
• Mark Reynolds, Tottenham Hotspur
• Thomas Rhodes, Twickenham Experience
• Steve Mangelshot, Wagamama

There will also be sessions by show partners CEDA, FCSI UK&I, the Craft Guild of Chefs and the Master Chefs of Great Britain.

Panel topics will include public sector kitchens, featuring Andy Jones, Sue Cawthray and Craig Smith; delivery kitchens, featuring Mike Faers; plant-based cuisine, featuring Neil Rankin and Mikey Pearce, and mental health chaired by Kris Hall, founder of the Burnt Chef Project.

Event manager Katie Tyler said: “This feels like a very special year for Commercial Kitchen. We’re excited to be back to in-person events and bringing the event to London for the first time. After a challenging period for the industry, there is a remarkable amount of innovation out there, which suppliers are eager to share.

"It’s also more important than ever that we focus on mental health and wellbeing. I believe that our keynote programme and partnership with the Burnt Chef Project achieves a balance between the two and we’re delighted to be providing a space where the industry can reconnect and inspire each other.”

Commercial Kitchen 2021 takes place on 23-24 September at Excel London and is co-located with lunch! and Casual Dining. Registration is free and strictly for members of the trade only. Click here for details.