Between panel discussions, networking, and discovering the latest innovations, you’ll need to keep yourself properly fuelled. Luckily, there are a variety of food and drink options; whether you’re after a quick caffeine fix, a light snack, or something more substantial. We’ve done the leg work for you and tested the options, so here is some of what you can expect:
Artisan Coffee and Bake House SK
If coffee is a priority, this is a great spot. Artisan Coffee serves up strong, flavourful coffee with a little flair-expect a fun design on the top of your latte. They also offer sandwiches, wraps, and paninis, plus a tempting range of cakes if you’re in the mood for something sweet. While the cakes and coffee were highlights, the panini we tried was a little underwhelming. It was warm, but still soft and slightly “squishy.” Still, for coffee lovers, this place is well worth a stop.
MADE
Conveniently located inside the exhibition halls, MADE outlets are dotted around the back parts and are perfect for a quick refuel between sessions. They offer a mix of cold and warm food options, including sandwiches, and a hot cabinet filled with pastries, sausage rolls, pasties, and bakes. Drinks-wise, they cover the classics (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) with the option to customise your order with flavoured syrups. We sampled the caramel syrup latte and were pleasantly surprised by its balanced sweetness and smooth flavour.
NEC Food & Bar
If you’re looking for hot food, the NEC Food & Bar provides a rotating menu of options. During our visit, we tried the falafel salad and chilli cheese loaded fries. While both were fine, we felt the quality didn’t quite match the higher price point. If you’re after convenience and variety, though, this is a solid choice. With lots of seating available too, this is a decent choice.
Street Food at ESS
For something a little different, ESS will also feature street food stands outside by the Inn On The Green pub and stage area, next to the live demo zones. These pop-up options are a great way to grab some fresh, hearty food while soaking up the show’s lively atmosphere.
Starbuck
If you’re looking for something you already know and recognise, Starbucks is located just around the corner from the show halls! It offers all the hot and cold drink options you would expect, with a range of sandwiches, paninis and of course cakes too!
From artisan coffee and cakes to grab-and-go bites and street food, the NEC has plenty of options to keep you going throughout ESS 2025. Our tip? Plan your breaks strategically as the cafés and food spots can get busy during peak times. And don’t forget to check out the outdoor street food for a change of pace during your visit.
