Northwest based Chef to appear in top cooking show for the first time

Nina Matsunaga, chef and co-owner of UK Top 50 Gastropub, The Black Bull, in Sedbergh, Cumbria, is set to appear on the 2024 season of Great British Menu.

She features as one of four chefs representing the northwest of England in the regional heats, which starts on 27^th February and will see the chefs competing for a place in finals week.

36-year-old, Nina Matsunaga, from Cumbria, is competing in her first year of Great British Menu, and alongside the other northwest regional competitors will battle it out for a place in finals week.

The Northwest heats will broadcast on BBC Two, at 8pm, on 27^th February, with three episodes being shown that week, part of a nine-week series, covering each regional heat before finals week, and the series finale culminating in the banquet.

This year’s theme is celebrating Britain’s success in the Olympics and Paralympics and will come to a head at an event hosted by the British Ambassador to France for Team GB wishing our athletes good luck as they prepare for Paris 2024.

Nina Matsunaga, chef and co-owner of The Black Bull, said: ‘’I’ve thought about taking part in GBM for quite a few years now, but I never thought I would find the courage to apply. This year I felt I should push myself beyond my comfort zone, and although a challenge it was an exceptional experience competing alongside some very talented chefs. It was an honour to represent the North West which has a rich culinary tapestry, with some of the greatest produce. This year’s theme was pretty interesting, threw up a few challenges and really made me think, so we’ll just have to see how things go and where I end up in the competition.’’

Watch Nina on Great British Menu on Tuesday 27th February at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.

The 47th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is just days away and has the perfect recipe to give visitors and exhibitors an invaluable experience.

The annual celebration of the region’s hospitality industry is the perfect hub for local and national companies to showcase their businesses – and this year there’s a new Demonstration Theatre where industry experts will cook up a storm!

Among those showcasing her skills in the new Demonstration Theatre will be Chef Patron and Co-owner of the Black Bull in Sedbergh, Nina Matsunaga (12 pm Both Days). Cooking live, Nina will demonstrate how seasonality and locality are the keys when it comes to serving sustainable food in the region’s kitchens – heightening taste while lowering food miles significantly.

The long-running show is a unique opportunity for firms to get all their potential suppliers together under one roof and this year’s key message is finding innovative ways to help businesses become more sustainable.

The free-to-attend event takes place at the J36 Rural Auction Centre at Crooklands on 28 and 29 February.

Sarah Tasker, the Show Manager, says: There is a real buzz about the show which, on the exhibitor side, sold out weeks ago – showing how positively its viewed within the industry.

“It showcases innovative technologies, talented local artisans and fresh ideas with over 150 exhibitors. There are free masterclasses, the live cooking demos, expert advice and vital industry networking opportunities. We may be the County’s longest running trade show – but every year we develop and improve what is on offer to visitors and exhibitors.”

Leading experts will be on hand to showcase products and produce. The live shows, at the new Demonstration Theatre in the extended marquee, will offer innovative advice. There’ll be a total of 10 demonstrations including:

• Eat Wild – with Louisa Clutterbuck who aims to show why more people should be eating game meat as a sustainable option. (2pm Both Days)
• The Flavour Blaster Pro 2 – a demonstration of new bubble guns and dry ice machines to enhance a cocktail experience. (1pm Both Days)
• What Is Good Coffee? – with Brian Williams from Farrer’s Tea and Coffee Merchant. (11am Wednesday)
• Shed One Distillery – pairing botanical spirits with sweet and savoury treats (3pm Wednesday)
• Shaking up non-alcoholic alternatives – with the Alcohol Free Drinks Company (11am Thursday)

“It’s a real privilege to have so many top demonstrations taking place at this year’s show,” says Sarah Tasker: “It makes this a “must-see” event for all those involved in Cumbria’s vibrant hospitality sector.”

Last year’ show smashed attendance records with close to 1700 visitors attending over the two day period and this year’s show promises to be bigger still.

“There were lots of new faces at the show last year from further afield than usual,” says Sarah Tasker: “So, it is clear we are now reaching a bigger audience than just Cumbria and the South Lakes. We are looking to improve on that still further this year.”

Profits from the event are directed back into the wider hospitality industry and help support local visitor events throughout the year.

This year’s key sponsors include Freedom Hotspot, NPG Fire Safety and Porsche Centre South Lakes.

Four of Cumbria’s key annual events have received a cash boost, thanks to the success of the county’s longest-running trade show.

The two-day, not-for-profit Lakes Hospitality Trade Show returns to the J36 Rural Auction Centre near Kendal for its 47^th year next month. Following a formal application process, it’s now been revealed that four event organisers will each receive marketing grants of £2,000 directly from the show’s proceeds to help publicise their upcoming events.

They are: Amblefest, Keswick Film Festival, Muncaster Castle Sausage Festival and the Westmorland Dales Festival.

This year marks the return of the popular scheme for the first time since before the pandemic, as part of the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show’s commitment to re-directing financial proceeds back into the local economy.

To qualify for the funding, applicants planning an event between March 2024 and February 2025 were asked to demonstrate how their events will benefit the Cumbrian economy and achieve

significant visitor impact for the county.  Each successful applicant will now benefit from a package of PR and marketing activity delivered by Cumbria Tourism’s industry experts to promote their event.

James Tasker, a Director of the Lakes Hospitality Association, says, “One of the underlying principles of the Lakes Hospitality Show is about ploughing money back into the industry, so we can help give businesses and supply chain companies the practical support they need to thrive in challenging economic times. 

“Amblefest and Muncaster’s Sausage Festival are fantastic new events, both in their second year, and we hope this contribution will help them to grow and prosper for the benefit not only of our economy, but our local communities too.

“Meanwhile, the Westmorland Dales Festival and Keswick Film Festival have proved to be a massive success in recent years, and continue to grow. We want to do our bit to help them reach new audiences and get to the next level.”

The news comes as final preparations for the 47th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show on 28 and 29 February 2024 are well underway.

With more than 150 exhibitors alongside live cooking demonstrations, expert advice and industry networking, the county’s longest running trade show will have a firm focus on embracing sustainability in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The show will bring together not just hospitality businesses and suppliers from Cumbria and the North of England, but companies of all shapes and sizes from an increasingly wide range of industry sectors.

Exhibitor stands will range from catering equipment, and food and drink suppliers, to IT technology, transport, furnishings, visitor attractions and professional services such as insurance, legal and financial support.

Visitor registration for the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is now open, with free entry and free parking for all attendees: www.lakeshospitalitytradeshow.co.uk

The 47^th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show, taking place on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 February, run by the Lakes Hospitality Association in conjunction with Cumbria Tourism, will see more than 150 exhibitors come together to showcase their businesses. Companies with a wide range of cutting-edge industry products and innovations from across numerous industries will be there to help, impart knowledge and network with the attendees.
With the dedicated first floor exhibition space – for smaller and new companies – ensuring all businesses are given an equal platform along with the BRAND-NEW Demonstration Zone where industry experts will wow and delight, the 47^th show is set to be an incredible start to the 2024 calendar!

Sarah Tasker, show manager said, “Our elevated marketing strategy, over the past year, has meant that we have seen an increase in early bookings, not just from many of our regular exhibitors, that return year-on-year, but also from new businesses attending for the first time. It means a great deal to us that businesses trust that the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show is such an essential and valuable event for them to appear at. We always encourage early booking so as not to be disappointed but are thrilled that the 47^th show is sold out earlier than we had anticipated.”

Leading experts will showcase products, produce, techniques and offer advice through live demonstrations in the new space situated in the extended marquee. Set to enhance what the suppliers have to offer as well as educate, solve problems, inspire with trends and techniques and help to create a seamless customer journey, the new Kitchen Demo Zone is something not to be missed.

“Each year we try to bring our visitors something extra. In the past we have had top chefs, wine tastings, had seminars and hosted panels, but this year we are bringing you our BRAND-NEW demonstration zone. It’s a privilege to have 10 fantastic demonstrations from top chefs as well as a few of our exhibitors taking to the stage to present and teach, and we can’t wait to bring this to our visitors.”

BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET TO THE SHOW!!

The organisers of much-loved visitor events across Cumbria have the chance to receive a cash boost, thanks to the ongoing success of the county’s longest-running trade show.
The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show 2024 will be awarding marketing grants of up to £2,500 to a series of local event organisers, as part of its commitment to re-directing the proceeds of the annual show back into the local economy.
This year marks the return of the popular scheme for the first time since before the pandemic, with the non-profit Windermere Food Farm being the first to benefit from a small grant of £1000 earlier this summer.
Previous event recipients in 2018 and 2019 included: Kendal Torchlight Carnival, Hawkshead Christmas Market, Barrow Soapbox Derby, Bowness Blues Festival and Windermere Christmas Celebration.
To qualify for the 2024 funding, applicants must be planning an event between March 2024 and February 2025 somewhere in Cumbria. As part of the application process, they will be asked to complete a short form demonstrating how the event will achieve significant visitor impact for the area and benefit the wider Cumbrian economy.
The successful applicants will be announced early in the New Year. Each will benefit from a cash gift from the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show to promote their event through the marketing channels of Cumbria Tourism, the county’s official Destination Management Organisation for the county.
The bespoke marketing packages will include a press release alongside selected marketing activity delivered by the Cumbria Tourism team, such as: videography and content creation, branded e-newsletters, ad spots or social media promotion.
The application form for grants is now live, with a deadline of Friday 24 November 2023.
The news comes as plans for the 47th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show on 28 and 29 February 2024 are well underway, with around 150 exhibitors and 1,700 delegates expected to attend. 70% of trade stands have already sold out, with early bird bookings still open until 30 September.

The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show 2024

Book Your Stand Today – Early Bird Rate Ends Soon

The preparations for the 47th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show are well underway with 70% of STANDS SOLD OUT. These exhibitors have taken advantage of the Early Bird Rate and you could as well! With 14 days left, booking a stand is easy!
Why you should book:

• Straight forward booking – simply click the link below and we will find your business the perfect space for you to be seen by your peers and customers
• Generate leads and increase your reach and customer awareness
• Discount on stand price booked prior to 30th September!!
• Promote your brand to over 150 Exhibitors and 1700 Delegates
• Network with your peers – make new connections and clients
• Spaces for new and small businesses as well as more established ones
• All businesses are included in the Show Guide and Website
• After its success in 2023 the Exhibitor Networking Event will be back.
• Connect with us and our social media followers with dedicated posts designed for your business news

Exhibitor List is more varied than ever – something for every business in every industry.
Come, see and sample what is new to help your business to grow.
Book Here!

Find out more by visiting our website – www.lakeshospitalitytradeshow.co.uk

If you want to chat about anything, then please email us, we are more than happy to help!

We are thrilled to announce that the 46th Lakes Hospitality Trade Show will be sponsored by 3 fantastic industry experts.

As a small family business, we treat every customer as if they were a part of our own family. You can guarantee that we will look after you from start to finish. We work hard to ensure a seamless and easy shopping experience. We’re not hiding behind hidden telephone numbers or automated emails, if you need us you can find us. You can call, email or facebook message us and we’ll respond asap. We work with Fed-Ex to ensure your packages arrive on time, safely and securely. And if Fed-Ex can’t deliver we do it ourselves – it’s a part of the job we enjoy! All our products are sourced from the best suppliers, to ensure you have a high end, quality product that not only looks and works great, but lasts. www.rnew.co.uk

The sensible choice for office technology – Offering a complete range of office technologies and associated support services, to businesses of all sizes and sectors, across the North West. All of your office technology under one roof, maintained by friendly, local, expert manufacturer-trained engineers: Copiers, Printers & Scanners, Computers & IT, Communications & Broadband, CCTV & Surveillance, Web Design & Hosting
www.sensiblechoice.co.uk

Publishing – Distribution – Display

Making Your Leaflets Work Harder so you don’t have to! We have a variety of outlets hosting our branded dispensers in locations that attract both visitors and residents, many of them exclusive to A-ha! Value added is a rather clichéd term we know. However in all seriousness you get a whole lot with A-ha!, so much so that we believe our service is in another league! Drop us an email and we can tell you how we can help you and your business.
www.aha-distribution.co.uk

Tackling rising costs and seizing new opportunities together  
Amid the rising costs facing businesses, Cumbria’s longest-running trade show is returning Wednesday 1 and Tuesday 2 March – with the spotlight firmly on supporting businesses through the current economic challenges.

The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show 2023 will:

• Be free for visitors to attend
• Give tourism and hospitality businesses unique access to more than 1500 visitors
• Focus on efficiency and helping companies make the most of limited resources Include inspiring masterclasses to support learning and innovation
• Provide fantastic networking opportunities for you to meet new contacts and catch up with old ones
• Include a dedicated first floor exhibition space for smaller and new businesses
• Include a new exhibitor networking evening on the first night of the show, enabling you to build knowledge and forge new collaborations to help grow their businesses
• Encompass a newly extended marketing strategy to attract visitors from further afield
• The events team is also lining up headline speakers and special guests, and there will be further announcements in the coming weeks

Watch this space for more details!

The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show 2023
Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd March
Email Sarah@lakeshospitalitytradeshow.co.uk for more information

The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show has just got bigger!   Since going to the J36 venue a few years ago, the size and success of the show has continued to grow and now takes another leap forward with the introduction of the first floor exhibition space allowing for another 17 exhibitors.