
Why you MUST attend
Late Night Lunch 2024
The late night industry is experiencing a renaissance, with innovative concepts reshaping how we socialize, play, and imbibe after dark.
On November 26th, the brightest minds and trendsetters will converge at Aspire in Leeds for Late Night Lunch 2024 - a can't miss networking event like no other.
This isn't just another industry conference. Late Night Lunch brings together the full spectrum of late night operators -from pubsand clubsto competitive socialising venues, casinosand gaming lounges. Rub shoulders with powerhouse entrepreneurs and gain invaluable insights as these disruptors discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of captivating the modern late night consumer. You'll walk away with a visionary perspective on elevating your business.
But that's just the start. Late Night Lunch 2024 will also launch the inaugural Late Night Manager of the Year Award, recognising the talented individuals driving success on the front lines.
Nominations and the judging process will be announced in November 2024 and the crowning of winners taking place in 2025.
Plus of course Late Night Lunch has, for very good reason, built a reputation for having one of the best Study Tours of any event - 2024 will not disappoint.
This is your chance to connect with 200+ movers and shakers from across the UK's dynamic late night landscape. With low ticket prices and unbeatable networking opportunities, Late Night Lunch 2024 is an absolute must for any ambitious operator.
Secure your spot today and let's shape the future of unforgettable evenings together!

Networking
The Late Night Lunch has ALWAYS offered the very best networking of any hospitality industry event. A superb luncheon and an unrivalled evening study tour.
Learning
Hear from different late night operators as they talk about the OPPORTUNITIES today's economic climate present plus what drives today's consumers.

Celebrating
If late night operators have one thing in abundance it is RESILIENCE. Late Night Lunch brings 200 of the UK's leading independent and national operators and suppliers.

For all
Late Night Lunch embraces the entire late night sector - Clubs, Bars, Casinos, Competitive Socialising and late night dining.

For recognising
We will be launching the Late Night Lunch Awards. Seeking nominations for Celebrating the very best GMs plus more in 2025.

For suppliers
Late night lunch welcomes suppliers who lead with innovation and the unrivalled customer service that is needed for the sector to excel.
Our Speakers
Late Night Lunch has always been about the discussion at the bar, the chat around the table and the conversation and friends rekindled or started at the Study Tour - but we recognise that in our audience we have some of the very best operators across the entire late night space and we want to hear their thoughts on the opportunities today's economy offers.
To understand what changes they would love to see from whatever government is in power that will free up cash and resources to help drive their and your business forward.
What are the drivers that are getting our audiences to spend their money later in the evening? Is gaming, gambling and play the drivers over music and clubs? We will hear from innovative operators and founders who will share where they see the market heading.
16th July - Michael Kill, CEO, NTIA added to Late Night Lunch '24 speaker line-up! Mike has the ears of many leaders within the corridors of power - hear his insight into how the late night economy is viewed and what more than can do to assist.
26th July - Jon Collins, CEO of LIVE joins speakers at Late Night Lunch '24.
Aaron Mellor, Founder and MD of international operator Tokyo Industries announced as speaker at Late Night Lunch.
FOUNDER & MD, Tokyo Industries


CEO, Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment (LIVE)
As CEO of LIVE, Jon leads an organisation representing the UK’s £6bn live music sector that employs 230,000 people. LIVE provides a united voice for grassroots and large-scale festivals and venues, artists and managers, agents, promoters, orchestras, production and beyond. Jon has over 25 years’ experience working in and around the UK hospitality industry previously as Chief Executive of BEDA, the then-trade association for UK clubs and bars, and was the lead author for the Greater London Authority’s Night Time Commission for London.
Jon presents a single voice to Government to ensure the live music sector is able to thrive and fans are protected so they can enjoy the diversity of the UK’s live music sector with friends and family.
That broad reach means Jon is engaged in policy discussions on everything from EU touring and placemaking to ticket touting and greening live music.
CEO, Epic Bars & Clubs
Mark Shorting's career in the late-night sector started as a DJ, spinning tracks and reading crowds long before he became an industry leader. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his deep understanding of what makes a venue truly electrifying.
With over four decades in the bar and nightclub industry, Mark has become a visionary force in UK nightlife. His entrepreneurial journey reached new heights when he co-founded Fever Bars with Nigel Blair, a nightlife empire that grew to 32 venues across the UK before its sale to Stonegate in 2019.
Undeterred by this success, Mark's passion for creating exceptional entertainment experiences led him and Blair to launch Epic Bars and Clubs in 2022. This venture has already seen explosive growth, expanding to 22 sites nationwide in just two years.
Mark's innovative approach and unwavering dedication have earned him respect throughout the sector. From transforming local haunts into thriving hotspots to pioneering new concepts in nightlife entertainment, he continues to redefine the industry landscape.
A true nightlife maven, Mark is passionate about ensuring that the UK's after-dark scene remains vibrant, exciting, and ever-evolving. His journey from DJ booth to boardroom exemplifies his commitment to every aspect of the nightlife experience.


CEO, NIGHT TIME INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (NTIA)
With decades of executive-level experience spanning independent, corporate, and public sectors, specialising in Marketing, Operations, Licensing, Logistics, and System Implementation. Holding significant positions at Luminar Leisure Plc, Rank, Northern, The Drinks Group, University of East Anglia, and currently as Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association,
He has led high-level initiatives with local and national governments and key stakeholders, focusing on best practices for venues, bars, pubs, festivals, and live venues, swell as been a high level media advocate for the night time economy throughout the pandemic, featuring in central Government strategy and over 20,000 media interviews during this period.
CEO, Arc INSPIRATIONS
Martin started his career with Whitbread in 1990 after graduating from Leeds University, starting out as their youngest manager and being promoted rapidly through key operations and marketing roles. Martin co-founded Arc Inspirations in 2000 and opened the first bar under the brand, the Arc, in Headingley, Leeds.
Arc Inspirations now operates around 20 premium bars across the Midlands and the North of England, under the brands of Banyan Bar & Kitchen, BOX and Manahatta, with additional sites set to open in Scotland, Wales and across England.
He has a fantastic passion for the industry and his energy is contagious, proving to be an outstanding respected leader over the past 30 years.

Our Partners for
Late Night Lunch 2024
Salt Brewery –Craft Beer for Everyone
SALT Brewery, inspired by the innovative spirit of its hometown’s industrial heritage, has established itself as an accessible and forward-thinking craft beer brand. By developing approachable, unpretentious brews, SALT has successfully bridged the gap between craft enthusiasts and casual drinkers, making their products an ideal fit for pubs, bars, and restaurants catering to diverse tastes.
With a focus on creating “great craft beer for everyone,” SALT has built a strong rapport with consumers across the North and beyond. Their approach centres on producing beers that “feel at home on any bar,” aligning perfectly with the needs of high street hospitality, which often seeks to cater to a wide range of customer preferences.
SALT’s rapid growth is a testament to their broad appeal. Through a strategic partnership with Molson Coors, they’ve expanded their reach to 2,500 taps nationwide, offering independent craft beer at scale. Their success shows how craft brewing can evolve to meet the demands of both discerning beer lovers and high street establishments alike.Crafet
NDML Insurance – The Late Night Insurance Specialis
As the nation’s leading insurance broker for the nightlife industry, NDML Insurance understands the unique challenges and risks that late-night operators face. With our extensive expertise and strong relationships with insurers, we’ve built an outstanding reputation for delivering tailored insurance policies that cover all eventualities.
At NDML, we recognise that the late night sector is a vibrant part of our cultural fabric, bringing communities together and creating unforgettable memories. However, we also understand the risks that come with operating in this fast-paced environment, including regulatory changes, new legislation, criminal behavior, and accidents or injuries.
Our comprehensive nightclub insurance policies are designed to provide you with the peace of mind you need to focus on what you do best – creating unforgettable experiences for your patrons. Our commercial combined insurance includes public liability, employers’ liability, buildings & contents, and other essential covers, ensuring that you’re protected from a wide range of potential risks.
But our commitment to your success goes beyond just insurance coverage. We offer 24-hour client support, risk management resources, and guidance on making a claim, ensuring that you have the support you need, when you need it most.
At NDML, we understand that every late-night operation is unique, which is why we allocate a dedicated handler to manage your case and negotiate with insurers on your behalf, should a claim be made. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that you have the right coverage for your specific needs, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
As the original supporter for the Late Night Lunch and with continued support for Late Night Lunch 2024 in Leeds, we invite you to experience the NDML difference and discover why we’re the nation’s choice for late night sector insurance. Contact us today to learn more about our tailored insurance solutions and how we can help you navigate the challenges of the late-night industry.
Riviera Drinks – Your Dispense Soft Drinks and Cocktail Partner
As a proud & long-term supporter of the late night sector, Riviera Drinks is thrilled to sponsor this year’s year’s Late Night Lunch.
Riviera Drinks is one of the UK’s most dynamic draught dispense companies, offering great-tasting products which stand-up against the major brands – but without the price tag. We really understand the importance of quality beverages to keep your guests refreshed and your business thriving…
Our customers range from pubs to nightclub chains, fast food venues to exclusive gastro-pubs & casinos. Whilst their trading styles might be very different, they all share a passion for ensuring ‘low-cost’ doesn’t have to mean compromising quality!
Riviera’s range of draught soft drinks, cocktails, syrups and liqueurs are produced in a variety of pack formats & sizes. They’re available through a wide range of national and regional drink wholesalers and brewers. Our cocktail ingredients range now exceeds 30 different flavours & we can batch liquids to suit your individual recipe’s! But don’t just take our word for it – we know that once you try our products and experience our unparalleled service, you’ll be convinced that Riviera is a true hospitality partner you can rely on.
Last year we invested +£1m in a bespoke production facility, nr Burton-on-Trent, which produces all of our own drinks to the highest of production standards. Please visit us anytime & we can guide any cocktail NPD requirements to suit your menus. Our team will be on hand throughout Late Night Lunch 2024, so please do come and say hello – or drop us a line beforehand – sdavis@rivieradrinks.co.uk – and we’d be delighted to showcase our portfolio.
Woods Whur Solicitors – The Late Night Legal Experts
As proud sponsors of the Late Night Lunch, Woods Whur understands the unique challenges faced by businesses operating in the late night sector. With decades of licensing experience, our team is perfectly equipped to safeguard your interests.
Founded by Andrew Woods and Paddy Whur, two pioneering licensing lawyers, Woods Whur has become a powerhouse in alcohol, entertainment, and late night licensing. Our expertise spans everything from securing licences for major music festivals to advising iconic nightlife venues like fabric, Drumsheds, Epic Bars & Clubs, Tokyo Industries, and Printworks.
We appreciate that entertainment licensing can be contentious, with close scrutiny from local authorities and residents. That’s why we take a proactive approach, liaising with key stakeholders to pre-emptively address concerns over public nuisance and safety. Our extensive consultant network provides acoustic assessments and noise mitigation strategies.
Time and again, clients have turned to Woods Whur to navigate challenges on all aspects of licensing and for venues and events. Our stellar track record includes victories for events, including the Askern Music Festival and Mint Festival’s expansion.
With our pioneering “paperless” case management system and fixed-fee transparency, Woods Whur delivers exceptional service tailored to the late night trade. Let our elite team help your business thrive after dark.
Event Location

Address
2 Infirmary St,
Leeds LS1 2JP



Email us
help@latenightlunch.co.uk


Call us
(+44) 7798 917171
HOTELS
Hear from Leaders, Influencers, Stakeholders, and those that make a difference to the Late NightSector

Mark Shorting

Mark Shorting
CEO
Michael Kill

Michael Kill
CEOEvent Schedules
Registration & Welcome
Grab your badge and your coffee. Meet with old colleagues and friends as we prepare for Late Night Lunch 2024
What makes the perfect guest experience?
Hear from our leaders panel, including Aaron Mellor, Founder at Tokyo Industries, Mark Shortingof Epic Clubs and Bars, and Martin Wolstencroftfrom Arc Inspirations, on what makes their venues tick for their guests. How are they making their venues the go-to locations for the evening out and how do they see the customer evening journey evolving?



Driving the late night agenda...
Michael Killfrom the Night Time Industry Association and Jon Collins of LIVE, plus colleagues from the legal world and local government, talk about what the sector needs from the 'corridors of power' and who is supporting the sector, and where the blockages are. Are we winning the hearts and minds of the new administration?


Reception and Lunch
Well Late Night Lunch would not be called Late Night Lunch if it was not for the fabulous and entertaining luncheon that we will enjoy. After an engaging and enjoyable networking over drinks supplied by our partners we take to our seats for three course lunch created for us by the team at Aspire. There will almost certainly be some games, some prizes and some auction items as we raise monies to benefit the excellent work of the Tim Bacon Foundation.

Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker will bring the formalities of your Late Night Lunch to a close with their take outs from their life at the top of their 'game'.