Ethnic established

It may have taken until the 21st century, but ethnic food is now firmly established within mainstream cuisine. Reflecting this is next year's Hospitality Week exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, from 22 to 25 January. For the first time, this will include an ethnic food pavilion.

The pavilion will be a dedicated area within the food and drink sector of the exhibition where companies which supply ethnic products ranging from Thai curry sauce to samosas will display their goods. Not aimed solely at the ethnic market, the pavilion will have something of interest for any operator - from a pub to a restaurant - looking for something to spice up its menu.

The ethnic pavilion is one of several new features within the four exhibitor sectors - food and drink; catering equipment; furniture, furnishings and tableware; premises, facilities management and technology - designed to help specific audiences among exhibition visitors by focusing on niche areas.

For operators seeking inspiration for a revamp, there are two new design features. The design pavilion, presented in association with the British Contract Furnishing Association, will feature the latest designs in such items as furniture, fabrics and flooring for modernising an establishment. And a design showcase will take the form of a gallery of work by leading designers in a variety of establishments to illustrate the possibilities of refurbishment.

On the pub front - 7% of visitors are from this sector - a pub trail will be drawn up covering all four areas, to take operators directly to exhibitors with pub-focused products.

For details, visit www.hospitalityweek.com or telephone 0207 886 3087.