SOME of Dorset’s top chefs will be taking centre stage at the 50th Hotel & Catering Show which looks set to be bigger and better than ever.

Registration is now open for the region’s biggest hospitality show which returns to the BIC next month from March 17 to 18.

Dorset’s James Golding from The Pig group and Russell Brown from the Michelin Star Sienna Restaurant are some of the well-known local names who will be taking part in a new Skills Master Class to demonstrate their talent and teach visitors new techniques.

Martin Bates, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “We hope that the launch of the Skills Masterclass will prove to be a key addition to the show.

There are some great chefs lined up to inspire visitors to the show and the opportunity to have practical hands on experience should not be under-estimated.

“Working together with the chefs, the Hotel and Catering Show and its visitors will be a significant calendar event for us during our 50th anniversary year.”

Up to 150 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and services during the two-day event.

Christina Veal, director of New Forest Ice Cream Limited, said: “H&CS fits the bill for us. It attracts the right level of representation from our target customer base, and being our local show, it is important for us to have a presence.

“The contacts we have made at the show over the past few years have been invaluable to maintaining growth in our business.”

Other features include The Liquid Zone which will host a brand new intra-regional mixology competition, led by the team from the Captain’s Club Hotel in Christchurch, Dorset, and an Artisan Producers’ Market.

Events organiser, Richard Joslin, director of Evisstar, said: “We intend that this year’s show is even bigger and better than last year’s which is why we’ve packed in so much more content.”

  • For free entry to the show, register your details at hotel-expo.co.uk