Photo: National Exhibition Centre / Google MapsHotels for Food & Drink Expo 2027 in Birmingham
Food & Drink Expo 2027 runs 12 to 14 April at NEC Birmingham, Birmingham. 30,000+ visitors across the five co-located shows
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Where to stay for Food & Drink Expo 2027: the closest hotels to NEC Birmingham are in NEC & Resorts World and Solihull, with Birmingham city centre a short ride away. Rooms near the venue sell out first, so book a free-cancellation rate early. Add your company name and tax number at checkout for an itemised company invoice.
Food & Drink Expo, the William Reed trade show that its organiser calls the UK's leading trade event for the food and drink industry, returns to the NEC Birmingham from Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 April 2027. It is the meeting place for buyers from retail, wholesale, foodservice, hospitality and manufacturing, with a Future Foods area for health led innovation, free seminars, demonstrations and awards. The expo is one of five co-located UK Food & Drink Shows: Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show, Forecourt Show and Foodex Manufacturing Solutions run alongside it across Halls 6, 7, 8 and 17 to 20, and one free trade registration gets you into all five. The organiser puts the combined event at more than 30,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors. Entry is for the trade only and no under 18s are admitted. The NEC sits outside the city next to Birmingham International station and Birmingham Airport, so for Food & Drink Expo hotels the choice is between the hotels on the NEC campus and a base in central Birmingham, Solihull or Coventry with a short train ride in. This page shows live rates near the NEC for your dates; your visitor badge comes from the organiser and is separate from your hotel booking.
Popular areas for attendees: NEC & Resorts World · Solihull · Birmingham city centre · Coventry.
- Birmingham hotels for Food & Drink Expo sorted by distance to the NEC, from on campus hotels to Solihull, Coventry and the city centre
- Live rates for 12 to 14 April 2027, with dates you can change for one show day, stand build or all three days
- Free cancellation rates shown where the hotel offers them, useful while your buying or exhibitor team is confirmed
- An itemised company invoice emailed at booking, plus a group quote within 24 hours via our enquiry form for teams
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 12 Apr to 14 Apr 2027
- Venue
- NEC Birmingham
- City
- Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Airport
- BHX
- Attendance
- 30,000+ visitors across the five co-located shows
Live rates near the venue
Hotels near NEC Birmingham for Food & Drink Expo 2027
Free cancellation first
Flexible rooms prioritised so plans can change without penalty.
Company invoice
Itemised invoice billed to your company, emailed the moment you book.
Stay close to the venue
Hotels ranked by walking distance to the halls.
Lock today's rate
Reserve at the current price and book several rooms for the team.
Plan your stay
Rates shown for a 3 night stay, Sun, Apr 11 → Wed, Apr 14, arriving the day before the fair opens, or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
The venue, your hotel options and where to eat, all in one view. Tap the map to explore it full screen.
Booking hotels for a team or company?
Book several rooms near NEC Birmingham, keep every stay on a free-cancellation rate, and add your company name and tax number at checkout to receive an itemised invoice for your accounts, emailed the moment you book.
- Itemised company invoice, emailed instantly
- Bills to your company name and ABN / VAT / tax number
- Free-cancellation rates prioritised for changing plans
- Book multiple rooms for the team in one place
Send this page to colleagues so everyone books their own room near the venue, all at today's rate.
Exhibiting or sending a team? Tell us how many rooms you need and we will send a personalised quote within 24 hours, with the distance from every hotel to NEC Birmingham. If the closest hotels are nearly full, we split your team across neighbouring hotels a few minutes apart. Corporate accommodation for Food & Drink Expo
Free Food & Drink Expo Insider Guide
Do Food & Drink Expo the easy way. Get our curated guide, plus first access to near-venue rooms before they sell out.
- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
We'll email your guide and occasional Food & Drink Expo hotel deals. Unsubscribe anytime.
Need to expense this trip? Business invoices available at checkout.
Where should you eat during Food & Drink Expo?
Resorts World sits right beside the NEC with a good spread of restaurants a short walk from the halls, while Birmingham city centre is about 12 minutes by train from Birmingham International to New Street for much of the city's client dining and its famous baltis.
Photo: Adam's Restaurant / Google Maps
Photo: Adam's Restaurant / Google Maps
Photo: Paul Curran / Google MapsAdam's
Modern British fine dining
City centre (Waterloo Street), about 12 minutes by train from Birmingham International to New Street plus a short walk
Adam Stokes' elegant restaurant is one of Birmingham's most celebrated dining rooms, built around seasonal produce served as a polished tasting menu. It is the natural choice when you need to impress an important client.
Tip: Ask about the private dining options when booking for a group, and reserve well ahead during fair week.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Pasture Birmingham / Google Maps
Photo: David Khan / Google Maps
Photo: Pasture Birmingham / Google MapsPasture
Steak and fire cooking
City centre (Colmore Row), about 12 minutes by train from Birmingham International to New Street plus a short walk
Set in a grand former bank building in the business district, Pasture cooks over fire in an open kitchen with an in house butcher preparing its meat. The lively room suits a team celebration or a confident client dinner.
Tip: It gets busy and loud at weekends, so book an early table on a weeknight if you want to talk business.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Akhil_Itty / Google Maps
Photo: Mark Ainscow / Google Maps
Photo: Miller & Carter Mailbox / Google MapsMiller & Carter
Steakhouse
Resorts World (beside the NEC), a short walk from the halls
A dependable steakhouse on the ground floor of Resorts World with views over the lake, serving aged steaks alongside fish and vegetarian dishes. It is the easiest sit down dinner option without leaving the NEC site.
Tip: Book ahead for evenings during the fair, when exhibitors fill Resorts World straight after the halls close.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Vietnamese Street Kitchen / Google Maps
Photo: Vietnamese Street Kitchen / Google Maps
Photo: Kavita Favelle / Google MapsVietnamese Street Kitchen
Vietnamese
Resorts World (beside the NEC), a short walk from the halls
A family run Vietnamese kitchen on the first floor of Resorts World serving pho, bun cha, bao buns and summer rolls. It is a quick, fresh alternative to the burger and pizza chains after a long day on the stand.
Tip: The kitchen can close before the advertised closing time, so arrive in good time for a late dinner.
Open in Google MapsAfter the halls close: Birmingham
Client dinner, team night out or a free day after Food & Drink Expo: bookable experiences in Birmingham, same account, same checkout.
While you're in Birmingham
Birmingham packs Premier League football, two major arenas and world class orchestral music and ballet into a city that is an easy train ride from the NEC halls.
Aston Villa at Villa Park
Premier League football at one of English football's great historic grounds, with the famous Holte End behind the goal. February is the heart of the season, so check the fixture list against your fair dates.
Find ticketsConcerts at bp pulse LIVE and Utilita Arena Birmingham
The NEC Group runs two big arenas, bp pulse LIVE on the NEC site itself and Utilita Arena Birmingham in the city centre near Brindleyplace. Major tours and comedy shows play here most weeks of the year.
Find ticketsBirmingham Royal Ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Royal Ballet makes the Hippodrome its home, with a major production usually staged in February. It makes a memorable evening out for clients after a day at the fair.
Find ticketsCBSO at Symphony Hall
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is based at Symphony Hall on Centenary Square, a hall renowned for its acoustics. Concerts run through the winter, so there is often a performance during fair week.
Find ticketsCrufts at the NEC
The world famous dog show fills the NEC halls for four days each spring, with 2027 set for 4 to 7 March. Hotels around the NEC book up fast that week, so plan any March visits early.
Find ticketsFixtures recur each season; exact dates for your fair week are confirmed at ticket search.
How do you get to Food & Drink Expo?
From Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- The free Air-Rail Link runs from the upper level of Terminal 1 to Birmingham International station; the NEC says it runs every two minutes and takes 90 seconds
- From the station, the organiser says the NEC is connected by a covered bridge link, so you can walk straight through to the halls
- The NEC says over 120 National Express and Megabus coach services a day run to Birmingham Airport from across the UK, linked to the halls by the same Air-Rail Link
By rail and road
- Birmingham International station serves the NEC; the organiser puts the journey from London at 90 minutes, and London Northwestern Railway runs direct trains from London, Milton Keynes and Northampton, according to the NEC
- If your train does not stop at Birmingham International, change at Birmingham New Street
- By car, the NEC is reached from the M6, M1, M40 and M42; use the postcode B40 1NT
- The organiser says pre-paying for parking online before the day saves £5
How do you get around during Food & Drink Expo?
Getting to the NEC each day
- The NEC says the Hilton and Crowne Plaza hotels on its campus, and the four star Genting Hotel, are a short walk from the halls
- From central Birmingham, Solihull or Coventry, take the train to Birmingham International and walk through to the NEC
- Food & Drink Expo is in Halls 6 and 20, with the other four shows in Halls 6, 7, 8 and 17 to 20, so allow time to walk between them
- TOA taxis wait at the ranks outside the NEC's main entrances and drop off at the Piazza or the Atrium entrance; Veezu is the venue's private hire partner
Around Birmingham
- The NEC campus has bars and restaurants, and Resorts World adds outlet shopping and a Cineworld with an IMAX screen for an evening after a show day
- Central Birmingham has the widest choice of hotels and restaurants for client dinners, a short train ride from Birmingham International
- Check the last train back from Birmingham International if you plan a late dinner in the city
- WiFi is free across the whole NEC, according to the organiser
Do you need a visa for Food & Drink Expo?
Visa-free / visa on arrival
- British and Irish passport holders do not need an ETA or a visa
- Most visitors who do not need a visa, including those from Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia, need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel
- An ETA costs £20 and lets you visit the UK for up to six months; apply through GOV.UK, as other websites may charge more
- Each person travelling needs their own ETA
eVisa / visa required
- Nationals who are not eligible for an ETA need a Standard Visitor visa to attend Food & Drink Expo; check your nationality on GOV.UK
- A Standard Visitor visa costs £135 for up to six months, and the earliest you can apply is three months before you travel
- The organiser does not issue personal invitation letters for visas; it says the confirmation email you receive after registering should be sufficient
- GOV.UK allows business visitors to attend trade fairs to promote their business, but you cannot sell things
Documents to carry
- A passport valid for your whole stay, the same one you used for your ETA or visa
- Your registration confirmation, a business card and photo ID: the organiser runs ID and trade checks at the show
- A letter from your employer setting out the business purpose of the trip, in case the Border Force officer asks
Entry and visa rules change; check current requirements on GOV.UK before you book.
First time at Food & Drink Expo?
- Opening hours are 10:00 to 17:00 on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 April and 10:00 to 16:00 on Wednesday 14 April 2027
- Visitor registration opens in January 2027; register your interest now to hear when it does. Entry is free for trade visitors, and each person must register separately
- This is a trade event: under 18s are not admitted, including babies in arms and pushchairs, except by arrangement for parents of nursing infants, and all registrations are vetted
- There is no printed show guide; the show app lists exhibitors and products from January 2027 and lets you book meetings
- You may take only one bag into the halls, and wheelie bags and suitcases are not allowed; the cloakroom charges £2 per coat and £3 per bag, according to the organiser
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- Your badge covers all five UK Food & Drink Shows, so plan time for Farm Shop & Deli, National Convenience, Forecourt and Foodex Manufacturing Solutions if they touch your business
- The organiser says it will offer preferential hotel rates to exhibitors and visitors, with details in early 2027; compare them with the live rates here
- Selling or canvassing on the show floor is banned, and visitors may leave with only one bag of samples
Food & Drink Expo travel FAQs
When is Food & Drink Expo 2027?
Food & Drink Expo takes place 12 Apr to 14 Apr 2027 at NEC Birmingham in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Where is Food & Drink Expo held?
Food & Drink Expo is held at NEC Birmingham in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The nearest airport is BHX.
Where should I stay for Food & Drink Expo?
The most convenient areas for Food & Drink Expo are NEC & Resorts World, Solihull, Birmingham city centre, Coventry, all close to NEC Birmingham. Book a free-cancellation rate early, as hotels near the venue sell out first.
When and where is Food & Drink Expo 2027?
Food & Drink Expo 2027 runs from Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 April 2027 in Halls 6 and 20 at the NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT. It opens 10:00 to 17:00 on Monday and Tuesday and 10:00 to 16:00 on Wednesday.
Is Food & Drink Expo free to attend?
Yes, for trade visitors. Registration opens in January 2027, each visitor registers separately and every registration is vetted. No under 18s are admitted. Your badge is separate from any hotel booking.
Which shows are co-located with Food & Drink Expo?
In 2027 it runs alongside Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show, Forecourt Show and Foodex Manufacturing Solutions as The UK Food & Drink Shows. One registration gives access to all five.
Should I stay at the NEC or in central Birmingham for Food & Drink Expo?
Hotels on the NEC campus, such as the Hilton, Crowne Plaza and the Genting Hotel, are a short walk from the halls, which suits exhibitors and early starts. Central Birmingham has more hotels and restaurants and is a short train ride from Birmingham International.
Can the organiser send me a visa invitation letter?
No. The organiser says it cannot issue personal invitation letters for visa purposes, but the confirmation email you receive after registering should be sufficient for your application.
Is Event Escapes the official Food & Drink Expo hotel provider?
No. The organiser says it will publish its own preferential hotel rates in early 2027. Event Escapes is independent and not affiliated with Food & Drink Expo or William Reed; we show live rates across many hotels near the NEC so you can compare.
Register for your attendee badge
Your entry badge is separate from your hotel. Get it from the official Food & Drink Expo portal before you travel. We handle the travel; the event handles the badge.
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Which hotels are closest to NEC Birmingham?
The closest hotels to the venue with the distance, the walk or ride time and an indicative nightly rate, refreshed weekly. Live prices for your exact dates are in the booking section above. Last checked 2 November 2026.
Cheap and 3 star hotels near NEC Birmingham
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelodge Birmingham Yardley★★★ | 5.7 km | ~19 min ride | £62 |
| Red Wing Lodge Hotel★★★ | 8.7 km | ~28 min ride | £50 |
More hotels close to NEC Birmingham
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Birmingham Metropole★★★★ | 0.4 km | ~6 min walk | £184 |
| Genting Hotel & Spa at Resorts World Birmingham★★★★ | 0.6 km | ~9 min walk | £239 |
| Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC by IHG★★★★ | 0.7 km | ~10 min walk | £165 |
| Novotel Birmingham Airport★★★★ | 0.9 km | ~13 min walk | £174 |
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with Food & Drink Expo or its organizers. Dates and venues can change. Verify with the official event site before booking travel.