Brand Brunch | Networking Breakfast for Food and Drink Brands

Brand Brunch vol. 2025-02 – Featuring George and Nathaniel of Brick Pizza, Yard, The Weavers Arms, and Tallow

Thursday, 22 May 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

• Meet and share experiences with a close group of food & drink business owners like you.

• Hear from our speaker about running their business and the challenges they've overcome.

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast from On The Bone and drinks served by the YALM Foodhall team.

What is Brand Brunch?

Brand Brunch is a breakfast event for owners and directors of food and drink businesses. Producers, wholesalers, retailers, and the trade are all welcome! We'll help you connect with peers, share experiences, and grow together.

Brought to you by HOPKINS – LEFEVRE® Food & Drink Consultancy

A little about HOPKINS – LEFEVRE®

We're a food and drink specialist consultancy that drives business growth through acquisition and email marketing, brand partnerships, and subscriptions. We work with food and drink founders who want to grow and flourish.

Our founder, Ben Hopkins-Lefevre, spent the past twenty-plus years working in transformational roles, including:

• The launch and growth of Naked Wines, Virgin Wines and Gousto

• Creating brand partnerships for Charles Tyrwhitt, Freddie's Flowers and Hotel Chocolat

• Helping shape sticky subscription models for the likes of Beer52, Gousto and Cafepod

After a few years in an agency environment (where Ben met superstars Grace and Hannah), the opportunity arose to create something new – specifically for food and drink brands: 

HOPKINS – LEFEVRE® Food & Drink Consultancy - Marketing Specialists for Wine, Beer and Spirits Brands

What can I expect if I join?

Our community is a friendly and welcoming peer-to-peer group of food and drink brand owners. It is exclusively for founders, owners, or senior directors of food and drink businesses.

Brand Brunch is a safe space to meet, listen to, and share stories with others who may have been in your shoes. It is also a place to discuss some of the issues or challenges you currently face in your business.

In a morning roundtable gathering, we hear from a food and drink business that has overcome odds or faced challenges that others can hopefully benefit from, whether personally or professionally.

Based on our feedback, you'll be bloody glad you got involved!

"It's good to have a relaxed series of events to make connections and find ways to work with others in the local food and drink sector."

BRICK - the start of an incredible restaurateur's journey for George Colley and Nathaniel Crothers

Brand Brunch Agenda

8:30 a.m. – Arrive at Yalm, order your drink at the coffee bar, and head to the private dining room.

8:45 a.m. – Friendly introductions to the room.

9:00 a.m. – Breakfast is served by On the Bone.

9:15 a.m. – We'll hear from our speaker with a story that may help you in your business.

9:45 a.m. – Open table / Q&A. Your chance to ask any questions or tackle a particular challenge.

10:00 a.m. Event closes so you can continue your day inspired and prepared for action. Or carry on in the Foodhall.

Who is this event for?

Coffee roasters, bakeries, wineries, cheesemakers, distilleries – you name it! If it's food or drink, all are welcome to join.

Our community is a peer-to-peer safe space for owners and directors of food and drink businesses.

Who is this event NOT for?

Sorry, but the event is not designed for sector suppliers unless by special invitation. Bookings made by those not from food or drink businesses will be cancelled and refunded.

Why is there a limited capacity of 12 brands at each event?

A smaller group at each event allows those attending to learn more from others. We aim for the group to be able to support one another. Each event is an opportunity to hear success stories or challenges our peers may face.

Where will it be held?

Our Norwich event takes place at Yalm foodhall in the Royal Arcade. We use the private dining room, which helps to create an excellent atmosphere for the group.

Can I park nearby?

Yes. Norwich offers many excellent parking options. The Forum, Castle Quarter, and St. Andrews are three convenient parking options. Yalm is also only 15 minutes from Norwich Station.

I'm not from Norfolk. Can I join you?

We'll warmly welcome you and be glad of your company wherever your food or drink business is based.

Are there plans to grow the event outside of Norfolk?

Yes! Our next steps are to reach another area in the East of England and probably a London event. We're looking for the ideal locations and venues now. After that, you'll have to watch this space. We've already got clients and community friends from Aberdeen to.

Do you have a question we haven't answered?

Please get in touch with Ben at hello@hopkinslefevre.com.

This picture shows our first Brand Brunch in April 2024 with Jonathan Reed of Paddy & Scott's