Lockhart Catering Equipment, part of the Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division has launched a purpose-built app for attendees of The Catering Innovation Show, following its inaugural launch last year.
Taking place on Monday 5th October 2026 at London’s Business Design Centre in Islington, the free-to-attend event is set to be bigger and better this year, bringing together leading manufacturers, suppliers, chefs, and industry experts for a day dedicated to innovation.
On the app – which is available from Apple and Google app stores – attendees can view the full agenda for the day, FAQs, and helpful travel planning information, as well as using it for a speedy and streamlined check-in on arrival. Additionally, the app makes it possible to connect suppliers and operators on the day and in advance so attendees can effectively plan their visit and ensure that industry connections made can be easily followed up.
Simon Britten, Head of Marketing at Lockhart Catering Equipment, is looking forward an inspiring day:
“We’re delighted to be welcoming people back for the second iteration of The Catering Innovation Show. Our inaugural show in 2025 brought together over 70 exhibitors, selling out over 3,000 registrations, and drawing over 1,100 attendees for a day packed with inspiration and connection.
This year, we're set to build on that. We’ve got a really exciting lineup that includes some of the most notable chefs in the industry and I can’t wait to hear their insights during the cooking demos. We’re also excited to be hosting the Compass Junior and Senior Chef of the Year competitions. This will be the first time the event has happened in public since before Covid, so I know a lot of people are eager to attend watch the competitions in action.
In addition to our RATIONAL competition theatre and The Staff Canteen Live theatre, we’ll also have exhibitors cooking on stands throughout the day to showcase their kit, including Falcon, Lincat, Unox, Waring, and Welbilt. With so much going on, attendees will have no shortage of inspiration!”
Kickstarting the day, Ynyshir’s Gareth Ward will be on stage at 10am to demonstrate his unique cooking style which is evident in Ynyshir’s ingredient-led Asian-inspired menu that incorporates local, seasonal produce.
At the same time, Compass Chef of the Year will be hosted in public for the first time in nine years on the RATIONAL Competition Theatre. The theatre will contain ten workstations for chefs competing in the event, with the Compass team present to judge and crown the overall winner. The Junior stage of the competition takes place 10am-1pm.
Meanwhile, over on the main theatre stage, Mark Tuttiett from Da Terra will be taking over at 10.45am to share his talent and passion for cooking – followed by Ben Murphy at 11.30am. Ben’s career has been shaped by some of the most demanding kitchens in Europe and the US, which have taught him standards matter and consistency is everything. His food is built on experience and focuses on clarity of flavour and balance.
At 12.15pm, Public Sector Alliance will host a discussion focusing on key industry topics with a panel of exciting guests. App users will be amongst the first to learn about these details as they are announced.
The afternoon will see the Senior cohort of Compass Chef of the Year participate in the final stage of the contest from 1pm – 4pm.
On the main stage, Tom Shepherd will be bringing the heat from 1.45pm. Known for Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, which earned its first Michelin star just four months after opening, Tom’s approach to cookery can be defined as flavour-led, thoughtful, and precise, with a genuine passion for quality ingredients.
After Lisa Goodwin-Allen, host of the world-famous Obsession Food Festival at the Michelin-starred Northcote Hotel and Restaurant takes to the stage at 2.30pm, the sixth and final chef demo will start at 3.15pm with Tommy Banks sharing some of his impressive experience in industry. Coming from a farming background, Tommy appreciates the significance of quality local ingredients and has gone on to own two Michelin-starred restaurants, a pub, and a premium retail & commercial hospitality business.
Full Schedule:
• 10am – 10.30am: Chef Demo with Gareth Ward
• 10am – 1pm: Junior Compass Chef of the Year
• 10.45am – 11.15am: Chef Demo with Mark Tuttiett
• 11.30am – 12pm: Chef Demo with Ben Murphy
• 12.15pm – 12.45pm: Public Sector Alliance Panel
• 1pm – 4pm: Senior Compass Chef of the Year
• 1.45pm – 2.15pm: Chef Demo with Tom Shepherd
• 2.30pm – 3pm: Chef Demo with Lisa Goodwin-Allen
• 3.15pm – 4pm: Chef Demo with Tommy Banks
Visitors may also be leaving the event with more than inspiration, as Lockhart’s chosen charity partner, Prept will be hosting a raffle to raise funds for the charity – with the top prize of £5000 of exclusive catering equipment, donated by Lockhart Catering Equipment, up for grabs. Tying into the theme of innovation and future-focus, Prept is dedicated to developing young people’s cooking skills for healthy relationships with food across primary and secondary school ages. Attendees will be able to purchase tickets in advance and on the day, with prize updates and entry details available on
www.cateringinnovationshow.co.uk
Jessica Aggarwal, Co-founder of Prept, is looking forward to the event:
“We’re really excited to be attending Lockhart’s Catering Innovation Show this year. The event is a hub of industry people coming together with a mindset of looking to the future, meaning it aligns with our mission perfectly. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to connect with likeminded suppliers and operators.”
