Food & Drink Gathering: November

The Food & Drink Gathering returns to the MK:U Innovation Hub on Monday 16 November, from 13:00 for two hours. It's a free monthly meet-up run by Sophie and Dan of Social etc., and it's open to anyone working in food, drink and hospitality. They describe it as a safe space where business owners of all sizes can offer or ask for support, and it's aimed at restaurant owners and food and drink brand founders, whether you're just starting out or have been established for years.

Each session follows a set format. It kicks off with a guest speaker spotlight, a short talk followed by a Q&A, then the floor opens up for attendees to introduce themselves and talk about what they're working on. The rest of the two hours is left for networking, so there's plenty of time to chat with the other people in the room. The sessions are led by industry guests, and anyone can propose a topic to lead a future gathering, so if there's something you've been wanting to hear about, you can put yourself forward.

It's a straightforward setup: a guest speaker, a chance to introduce your own work, and a good stretch of time to connect with other people in the trade. If you're running a food or drink business in Milton Keynes, it's a low-pressure way to get out of the kitchen or the office and meet people who get the same day-to-day as you do.

Entry is free, and the session runs from 13:00 on Monday 16 November at the MK:U Innovation Hub, 200 Silbury Boulevard, MK9 1LT. Just a heads-up that parking at the venue is paid.