OPENING TIMES
Tuesday 3 November 09.30 – 17.00
Wednesday 4 November 09.30 – 17.00
Thursday 5 November 09.30 – 15.30
Last admission is 30 minutes before show close.
Location: Halls 17–19, National Exhibition Centre (NEC), North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
GETTING HERE
Over 120 National Express and Megabus coach services run across the UK to Birmingham Airport. From there, take the free air-rail link to the NEC — it runs every two minutes and takes just 90 seconds. For local bus info visit Network West Midlands.
The NEC is next to Birmingham International rail station. Many services run direct; otherwise connect at Birmingham New Street — just 10–15 minutes away. For timetables visit National Rail.
The NEC is easily accessible from the motorway. Follow Euro Bus Expo signs to the correct car park. Prepay for parking online and save £5 on the day rate. A free shuttle bus runs from the car parks to the show entrance.
The NEC is minutes from Birmingham Airport. Take the free air-rail link from Terminal 1 upper level to Birmingham International station — it runs every two minutes. Head straight through to the NEC. More info at Birmingham Airport.
ACCOMMODATION
Event Express, in association with Euro Bus Expo, have negotiated special discounted rates for attendees at a wide range of well-located hotels.
If you’re unsure of your exact requirements, Event Express also offer flexible cancellation policies, which allow you to make amendments and cancellations at no charge until closer to the show.
The Event Express service is completely free to use with no hidden charges and no booking or transaction fees, and the friendly reservations team will liaise directly with the hotels on your behalf. Prices for hotels in close proximity to the NEC can be found via the link below.
FAQs
Wednesday 16 September 2026 – 10am – 5.00pm
Thursday 17 September 2026 – 10am – 5.00pm
Last entry is 1 hour before show closes.
The food-to-go industry will unite at the award-winning Excel London which has numerous café, restaurants, hotels and transport links on its doorstep.
By rail or tube: Nearest station is Custom House (Elizabeth line & DLR)
By car: Easily accessible from M25, M11, A406 & A13. Please ensure you pre book car parking, as spaces are limited. The only way to guarantee a parking space is to pre book with Excel.
By air: London City Airport is just 10 minutes from Excel
Click here to find hotels in the local area.
lunch! is a trade only event and is not open to the general public. Admission is restricted to professional persons working in the food-to-go industry. Proof of trade status may be requested.
No, students are not permitted to attend.
Children under 18 will not be admitted to the event without prior agreement between the carer and the organisers. The exhibition is a place of business, and the presence of children is not encouraged. There are a number of health and safety issues to consider including large crowds, and the sampling of alcohol. Please bear this in mind when thinking about bringing a small child to the venue. Children under 2 must be in a pram, pushchair or baby carrier. If you do not have one of these items, you unfortunately will not be allowed into the show. When arriving at the venue, you, as the child’s guardian, will have to sign a waiver that states you understand the health and safety implications of bringing a child into the show. If you do not wish to sign the waiver, then unfortunately you will not be admitted into the show. There are no creche facilities available. This policy applies to show open hours only, as no children will be allowed into the hall during the build-up and dismantling of the event.
Admission to lunch! is free to visitors who register before 5pm on the 15 September. For those that haven’t pre-registered, an entry charge of £50 will apply on the door.
When you register you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to your badge as a PDF. Simply print it and bring it along. We’ll give you a lanyard when you get there. Your badge gives you entry on both days.
Your badge will be valid on both days of the show.
Click here to find out how to get to Excel London.
No, the only people permitted to sell at lunch! are the exhibitors.
As long as you have registered you will be able to collect your badge onsite. Just ask one of the staff in the registration area and they will assist you. We will also send a badge reminder email a week before the show to all those registered to ensure they have their badge handy.