Event Review

The Arena Christmas Event 2025, held at the elegant Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, brought together 240 foodservice and hospitality professionals for a day of insight, networking, and celebration.

Insight Presentation: “Reinventing Hospitality” by Simon Stenning

Simon Stenning, Founder of Future Foodservice, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the evolving landscape of hospitality. Key takeaways included:

Pubs & Fast Food Evolution:
Pubs are adapting to shifting consumer needs, with Sundays remaining a cornerstone for business. Fast food is growing, albeit more slowly, and there’s a notable shift from independent to franchised brands. The rise of premium sandwiches and the ongoing “chickenisation” trend were highlighted, with a playful nod to quirky innovations like kebab-flavoured lip balm.

Future Menu Drivers:
Simon outlined the “9Fs” shaping food trends over the next five years: Fermented, Fiery, Feeling, Fine eating, Far flung, Friendly (sustainable), Functional, Filmed (social media influence), and Flavour. Affordability was added as a crucial tenth factor, with clever menu architecture and value-led offers becoming increasingly important.

Market Outlook:
The forecast for 2025 is cautious, with value and innovation seen as key to growth amid flat volumes and economic headwinds. The macro environment in 2026 is expected to remain challenging, with slow economic growth, rising unemployment, and fiscal pressures. Nevertheless, Simon emphasised that innovation and delivering memorable experiences will be vital for success.

Reinvention & Experience:
Hospitality must focus on delivering experiences that can’t be replicated at home—think chefs as rockstars and immersive dining. Brands like Club Prezzo and The Ivy are making eating out fun again, while others are elevating the guest experience to create lasting memories.

Networking, Lunch, and Festive Fun

After the presentation, guests enjoyed a lively drinks reception, courtesy of headline partners Nestlé Professional (celebrating the relaunch of Seattle’s Best Coffee with coffee-based Espresso Martinis), Unity Wines, Carlsberg Britvic and Délifrance.  New event sponsor, Birra Moretti, added a playful twist with a prize hamper hunt.

Lunch was a true highlight, featuring a three-course meal with expertly paired wines from Unity Wines.  The menu showcased the best of British and continental produce, with Heritage mini-bread rolls from Délifrance, cheese soufflé starters and award-winning cheeseboards from sponsors Clawson Farms and indulgent desserts courtesy of La Compagnie des Desserts.

Panel Discussion: Industry Challenges & Opportunities

As the guests enjoyed their coffee and cheeseboard, a panel chaired by Robyn Black (Fleet Street Communications) brought together senior leaders to discuss key industry topics and the outlook for 2026.  The panellists were:

Alan Simpson (UK Hospitality)
Simon Wilkinson (Calveton PE)
Claire Bacchus (Gather + Gather)
Richard Lewis (Red Cat Hospitality)

Key Discussion Points:

The Budget & Business Rates:
The panel expressed frustration at government policies, particularly business rates, which are seen as a “moral outrage” and a threat to the high street. There was a strong call to action for attendees to write to their MPs and advocate for the sector.

Bringing Back Joy to Hospitality:
Joy is seen as essential—not just for guests, but for employees and the supply chain. The panel encouraged finding “white space” for innovation and entertainment and highlighted the importance of hospitality in building value for both customers and staff.

2025 & Beyond:
Despite structural challenges, there were inspiring stories of resilience and growth, such as the Coaching Inn Group’s expansion and Red Cat’s investment in people and properties. The consensus was that investing in teams and future leaders is the “secret sauce” for long-term success.

Supplier Partnerships:
Collaboration and co-creation with suppliers were emphasised as key to adding value beyond price. Long-term relationships, openness, and a shared vision are vital, especially in a low-margin environment.

Advocacy & Collective Strength:
The panel urged the industry to remain united, continue membership in trade bodies, and tell the sector’s good news stories to attract investment and support.

Audience Engagement & Closing Thoughts

Audience questions focused on advocacy, investment, and the importance of collective action. There was a palpable sense of determination to channel frustration into positive change, with a reminder that hospitality “creates places people want to live, work, and invest.”

The event closed with the presentation of certificates to the first graduates of the Arena Networking Navigator programme—a fitting celebration of talent and future leadership in the sector.

Final Reflections

The Arena Christmas Event 2025 was a resounding success, blending sharp industry insight with genuine camaraderie and festive cheer. The challenges ahead are real, but the spirit of innovation, partnership, and joy was unmistakable.

Thank you to Arena member Nicola Knight, Head of Away from Home, IGD for this event review.