Colleges, culinary academies and professional chefs from across Cumbria and north Lancashire will take centre stage at the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show 2026, as the event throws the spotlight on training, recruitment and future talent for the hospitality industry.
The annual two-day event – on February 25 and 26 at the J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands – is expected to draw around 1,800 visitors and 150 exhibitors.
The free-to-attend show will welcome Bay School of Hospitality, The English Lakes Culinary Academy, Kendal College and The Rogan Academy, who will host live cooking demonstrations, tasters and discussions on industry training needs.
Students and tutors will showcase their culinary talents and expert advice for businesses seeking to invest in new or existing staff.
During the two-day show, Kendal College and the Bay School of Hospitality (Lancaster & Morecambe College) will also be available to talk directly to businesses, offering guidance to employers looking to develop their teams.
Joining the demonstration line-up is Kendal College graduate Phil Corrie, now head chef and business #pPartner at Pooley Bridge’s 3A Rosette restaurant, 1863.
Employer engagement lead from Lancaster and Morecambe College, Emma Dennison, said: “We are committed to raising aspirations and creating real career opportunities for our learners and apprentices.
“We work closely with local and regional employers to help shape our provision to ensure our graduates develop the skills and professional behaviours industries need.
“Our Bay School of Hospitality tutors and students are looking forward to attending the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show to showcase the fantastic work we do, it really is a great opportunity for our students to also meet so many industry professionals.
“Our employer team will be on hand to discuss recruitment challenges, help identify skills gaps and provide practical training solutions that support business growth.”
Students from Furness College will support the show by greeting visitors and assisting with day-to-day show operations – giving them real-world experience of large-scale event management.
Delegates can even unwind with complimentary massages delivered by the Kendal College beauty therapy team.
The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show has been working closely with Cumbria Tourism to maximise partnerships with local colleges and training providers ahead of the event.
Head of projects and partnerships at Cumbria Tourism, Rachel Tyson, said: “Our research shows that recruiting and retaining skilled staff continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing tourism and hospitality, so a key focus on skills development is an important feature of this showpiece event for our industry.
“Bringing together leading colleges, training academies and industry professionals under one roof to meet directly with potential employers is a great way to create meaningful conversations and highlight the training pathways that can help support businesses for years to come.
“These partnerships are vital to continue growing a resilient, highly skilled workforce right here in Cumbria and the North West, and we hope tourism and hospitality businesses will make the most of the opportunity to explore new and innovate ways to fill skills gaps in their day-to-day operations.”
Attendance and parking for the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show 2026 is free, but delegates should secure their tickets in advance online at: www.lakeshospitalitytradeshow.co.uk/visit-us/
