The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) has announced that well known Michelin Star chef, Spencer Metzger is set to be in attendance at Hospitality Exchange 2026 headlining the Leadership Lunch and hosting an exclusive gourmet dining experience.
The dining experience will take place at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, where Spencer will take centre stage, sharing his journey exploring the principles of leadership, building high-performing teams, nurturing talent, maintaining exceptional standards and embracing innovation.
On Monday 12th October, guests will get the chance to experience his cuisine first hand as he will also host an exclusive gourmet dining experience working alongside the hotel’s award-winning culinary team to create a specially curated menu for Hospitality Exchange guests.
Beginning with work experience at The Ritz London at just 15 years of age, Spencer progressed through the ranks to become Head Chef before embarking on a new chapter alongside Jason Atherton, opening Row on 5 in Savile Row.
Spencer has won the prestigious Roux Scholarship, been crowned Champion of Champions on BBC Two’s Great British Menu, received The Caterer’s Acorn Award, been named Restaurant Awards’ Chef to Watch, and achieved the coveted Master of Culinary Arts accolade from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
Ahead of his visit to Belfast, Spencer Metzger said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Hospitality Exchange 2026 and look forward to visiting Northern Ireland. Hospitality is built on people, passion and continuous learning, and I’m excited to share some of the experiences that have shaped my own career.
“Developing talented teams and creating environments where people can thrive has always been incredibly important to me, so it’s a privilege to be part of the Leadership Lunch and to celebrate the industry’s future talent through the Rising Star Awards.
“I’m also really looking forward to cooking at The Merchant Hotel. Great hospitality is about creating memorable experiences around the table, and I’m excited to work with the team to create a very special evening for Hospitality Exchange guests.”
Northern Ireland Hotels Federation President Vicky Green said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Spencer Metzger to Hospitality Exchange 2026. Spencer is recognised as one of Britain’s most exciting culinary talents, and his journey from apprentice to Michelin-starred chef is an inspiration to everyone working across our industry.
“The Leadership Lunch has become one of the highlights of Hospitality Exchange, and Spencer’s story perfectly complements the presentation of our Rising Star Awards. His commitment to excellence, innovation and developing talented people reflects the qualities we celebrate within Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector.
“To have a chef of Spencer’s calibre not only sharing his leadership journey but also creating an exclusive dining experience for our delegates is something very special. It offers guests the rare opportunity to experience first-hand the creativity, precision and passion that have earned him international recognition and will undoubtedly make this one of the highlights of Hospitality Exchange 2026.”
Hospitality Exchange 2026 will take place on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th October at the Crowne Plaza Belfast, bringing together hospitality, tourism and business leaders from across Northern Ireland and beyond.
