Fred Sirieix to headline NRB Debate

Fred Sirieix, general manager at Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows on Park Lane, London, has been announced as headline speaker at the Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) show's annual debate on 21 March.

The maître d' on Channel 4's First Dates will talk to NRB chief executive Thom Hetherington about his vision for front of house and how human interaction can make or break a restaurant experience for diners.

Hetherington said: "The restaurant industry is in a time of huge change, not least from technological disruption. But I think that makes it all the more important to remember that the fundamentals of hospitality are timeless. This is a very human business, and the basics of the way you deal with customers will ultimately shape your business. There is no one better to address this hot topic than Fred Sirieix, he is the standard-bearer for service."

The 2018 debate will be sponsored by Bruntwood Group, whose properties across Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham, house an array of leading operators including Living Ventures, San Carlo and The Alchemist.

Andrea George, head of retail and leisure leasing at Bruntwood, said: "The NRB Debate has rapidly become one of the annual highlights of the UK hospitality industry and we are excited to become its headline supporter for the very first time. We're keen to collaborate and build partnerships with organisations like Northern Restaurant & Bar to encourage creativity, insight and innovation to help drive economic development in our city regions."

An expert panel, chaired by CGA retail business unit director Jamie Campbell, will also discuss how new technology is creating significant change and challenges in hospitality, but also presenting enormous opportunities for operators.

The Bruntwood NRB Debate starts at 12:00. Tickets are priced £55+VAT. Book before Tuesday 20 February with the promotional code ‘fred' for 10% discount. Book online at nrbdebate.co.uk

Sirieix will also be signing copies of his latest book Secret Service.

Northern Restaurant & Bar show returns to Manchester Central on 20 & 21 March, hosting 275 exhibitors and 65 live food and drink demos.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Gary Usher and Gareth Ward on Northern Restaurant and Bar 2018 line-up >>

Book review: ‘Secret Service' by Fred Sirieix >>

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