Lanyards off, drinks are on: Where to eat and drink at The Business Show London 2026

The Business Show London is heading to ExCeL on 11th-12th November and if you’re one of the thousands of visitors heading to East London, congratulations! You’ve got two days of keynotes, seminars, stands and strategic networking ahead of you in the historic Docklands.

However, you’ll also likely have a lanyard, a tote bag full of branded stress balls, and a stomach that has been running on conference coffee since 8am. It’s time to plan the important stuff: where you’ll eat and drink.

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No.1- Let’s talk about lunch because networking is hard on an empty stomach

By midday, you’ll have collected 47 business cards, nodded thoughtfully at three panel discussions, and been handed a free pen by every stand. Your brain is full but your energy is depleted. Time to refuel.

We know that the exhibition hall food queues can be long, so skip them. Just two minutes’ walk from the ExCeL entrance, you’ll find the ideal lunch escape at the Fox Excel Bar andRestaurant. We are literally a two minute walk - head out the front door, down the steps on your right and that’s us right there, behind the red door. You can see us from the bridge!  

You can be seated beforeyour colleague finishes saying “let’s visit just one more stand.”

When you visit the Foxyou’ll get:

●     A tasty, satisfying lunch.You can choose from a traditional British lunch, a steak, a salad, pizza or asharing plate. You can even enjoy a sandwich - sat at your table andaccompanied by a pint or glass of wine. No draughty atriums here!

●     Fast service. We knowyou’ve got a 2pm seminar and respect your schedule.

●    Space to sit down. Remember sitting? Chairs and tables -absolute luxury compared to a conference battle for somewhere to sit and relax.

Bring your team, bring yournew contacts, or just bring yourself and a very good excuse to take your shoesoff under the table!

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No 2. - The afternoon pit stop aka a strategic coffee break

Do you ever hit the 3pm slump? We do sometimes so we’ve got this one covered too. Pop in for a coffee, grab a seat and give your feet - and your head - a break.

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No. 3 - The after show gathering

Experience tells us thatthe very best conversations happen after 5pm once the show has wound down forthe day. This is when people gather at a local bar and talk about the day, swapbusiness stories, talk about people they’ve met and so much more - with a drinkin hand and a smile that they’ve made it!

When the show wraps up forthe day, The Fox is waiting. Remember, we’re just a two-minute stroll from theExcel Centre. No taxi, no tube, Just walk out the ExCeL, turn up at the Fox,and unwind.

Whether you’re toasting asuccessful day or commiserating over a stand that ran out of free stuff, we’rehere ready and waiting. You’re welcome to stay for a few drinks or join us fora quick snack or dinner. With pizza and sharing plates to steak and fish andchips - as well as tasty vegetarian options - we can accommodate most diets.

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Hosting clients or colleagues?

Taking a group out after the show? Impressing a potential client? Rewarding your team for surviving the day? Come to the Fox. We promise a warm welcome at the bar, in our seated dining area or you could hire one of our networking spaces. You could even hire out part of the bar or our basement bar, if you want to throw a larger drinks event. The Fox is the sort of place where conversations flow easily and nobody has to shout over a PowerPoint.

If you want to eat, wehighly recommend booking a table in advance. https://www.foxexcel.co.uk/

Here are our top tips for where and when to eat on a busy ExCeL show day

1. Book ahead. Event days get busy, and we want you to secure your table https://www.foxexcel.co.uk/
2. Eat before     or after the lunchtime rush. A slightly early lunch beats the queue - or book a table and guarantee your spot
3. Pace     yourself on day one. There’s a second day, and nobody wants to give a Thursday keynote with a hangover!
4. Wear comfortable shoes. We say this with love and absolutely no judgement!

See you for The Business Show (and after it)

The Business Show London runs on 11-12 November at ExCeL, and the Fox is just a two-minute walk away.Whether you need breakfast, lunch, a quiet coffee, or a celebratory drink at the end of a long day, we’ll be here with the doors open and the drinks flowing, and a very warm Docklands welcome.

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