Show is set to be trade's largest ever

The largest restaurant trade show ever to be staged in the UK opens its doors at London's Olympia Exhibition Centre in September.

This follows the acquisition of TRG's Restaurant Live by the Restaurant Show and Morning Advertiser owner William Reed Publishing.

The merger brings together two of the country's most prestigious restaurant shows to produce an unrivalled three-day exhibition, which will attract the leading names and top companies within the industry.

The new-look show will feature more than 300 exhibitors demonstrating the latest fashion, trends and developments in the restaurant world to an estimated 13,000 visitors.

The merger of the two events will mean an increased range of attractions geared towards all sectors of the restaurant trade.

Culinary Theatre Live, with leading chefs; VIP Sommeliers Lounge, and the Drinks Academy-Training School demonstrations are just three attractions on offer.

One of the most popular features will be the Fresh Market, which will offer visitors a great range of fresh produce.

Another feature, Top Tables, will concentrate on the vital area of table-top glassware, cutlery, linen and ornamental products.

Students of the Westminster Kingsway College will be creating a special restaurant at Olympia to showcase their own food creativity.

In addition, the Gordon Ramsay Scholar 2005 competition for young chefs will again be staged, along with the Compass Group Junior & Senior Chef of the Year competition.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay stressed the importance of the Restaurant Show. He said: 'This is an essential date in the diary for everyone connected with the restaurant industry. It's the place to network, source new suppliers and be inspired!

The Restaurant Show runs at Olympia between 19-21 September. Visit www.therestaurantshow.co.uk for more details.