Jay Rayner announced as headline speaker at NRB Debate

The annual event, which is hosted as part of the North’s major hospitality trade exhibition, the NRB Debate, takes place on 16 March at Manchester Central.

“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,” he said.

“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, chief executive of event organisers Holden Media, said that Rayner is the perfect headliner as 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 the food entrepreneurism and how it has changed the hospitality industry. The panel will consist of lead street-food entrepreneurs.

The event will also host the NRB Top Fifty awards.