‘Best Chef in the UK’ to headline Hospitality Exchange

Mark Birchall, chef-patron of Moor Hall, is set to be the headline name at Hospitality Exchange 2024.

As the countdown begins to the most anticipated conference in the hospitality sector, taking place on the 15th and 16th of October at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza, excitement is building for what promises to be a landmark celebration of 25 years of industry excellence.

Mark’s illustrious career, marked by numerous accolades and his role at the helm of the award-winning Moor Hall, was born in Chorley, Lancashire and trained at Runshaw College.

Before establishing Moor Hall in Aughton, Lancashire, Mark was Executive Chef of 2 Michelin Star L’Enclume in Cumbria and won the Roux Scholarship in 2011, the premier competition for chefs in the UK. He also worked at El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, a 3 Michelin Star restaurant owned by the Roca Brothers, twice voted the world’s best restaurant.

Mark Birchall will join the conference line-up speaking about his stellar career, culinary experiences, and his ambition which has seen him win many industry accolades.

He was crowned ‘Best Chef in the UK’ after winning the Chefs’ Chef of the Year award at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards 2022, which celebrate the very best in the industry. At The Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards 2023, Moor Hall was crowned ‘Best Restaurant in England’ for a consecutive year.

Discussing the Hospitality Exchange 2024 programme, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) President Eddie McKeever said: “Celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary, Hospitality Exchange 2024 will reflect on the evolution of tourism since 1999. This year’s programme will delve into topical issues, provide industry insights, and foster discussions on the future of tourism and hospitality. One of the highlights of Hospitality Exchange is the gourmet chef dinner which is staged the evening before the conference launches.”

Chef-patron Mark Birchall added: “I am delighted to be headlining the Hospitality Exchange 2024. I look forward to bringing a taste of Moor Hall to this prestigious event and participating in the panel to discuss the hospitality and tourism industry. I am confident it will be an insightful experience, and I will of course be there to share my own insights. I look forward to seeing everyone there in October.”

The final programme for Hospitality Exchange will be revealed in September.