Travel for Food Hub The Food Blog for Travel Lovers
Last Updated on May 29, 2023
If you are a foodie looking for an adventure in the UK, you are in luck. The country is home to a variety of cities with rich culinary traditions, diverse culinary scenes, and mouthwatering local dishes. Whether you are a fan of Michelin-starred restaurants, street food, or traditional pub grub, there is something for everyone.
From traditional dishes to plates inspired by outside cultures and influences, the UK culinary scene is one of the most diverse in the world. It’s no surprise then that our tasty gastronomy has also made a home in many of the UK’s bustling and vibrant cities.
Let´s explore some of the best UK cities for foodies
London
London It is impossible to talk about the UK’s culinary scene without mentioning London. The capital city boasts an incredibly diverse range of culinary options, with everything from traditional British cuisine to international flavors. For a taste of the best of British, try the fish and chips at The Golden Hind, or the pie and mash at M. Manze. If you are looking for something a little more upscale, try one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants, such as The Ledbury or Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
Edinburgh
As well as its rich history and reams of natural beauty, the food scene in Edinburgh makes this Scottish city well worth a visit. In fact, Edinburgh has recently taken the top spot for the best city in the UK for foodies! This might be due to having one of the highest numbers of coffee shops in the city, so if you’re a fan of the elite combo of coffee and cake you’ll be well-satisfied here.
Newcastle
Not a long train journey later from Edinburgh you end up in Newcastle, another great UK food hub city. You can usually find foodies flocking to the number of characterful pubs that boast amazing views of the Tyne, like the Free Trade Inn, or Ouseburn, an area a few miles to the east known for its hipster brunches and craft brewery taps.
York
Heading down slightly to North Yorkshire, York is a double whammy for travellers with jaw-dropping architectural beauty and a very happening gastro scene. For the tastiest of dishes, it’s well worth venturing beyond the walls; Gillygate is home to the city’s infamous Love Cheese – a cheesemonger that dishes up simply unforgettable toasties – as well as the Star Inn The City which specialises in delicious game, terrines and parfaits.
Liverpool
In recent years, Liverpool’s food scene has absolutely exploded. This Northern city has quickly become a top food hub for independent eateries that can be found hidden within the red-brick warehouses and museums at the Royal Albert Dock. For daintier dishes that make the most of seasonal produce, locals swear by Lerpwl, while Maray also offers a tantalising Middle East-inspired menu that visitors keep going back for.
Bristol
Bristol has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting foodie destinations in recent years. The city is home to a variety of independent cafes, restaurants, and street food markets, offering everything from vegan burgers to artisanal pizzas. The harborside area is particularly popular with foodies, thanks to its array of seafood restaurants and quirky bars.
Manchester
Manchester’s culinary scene is as diverse as the city itself. The Northern Quarter is a must-visit for foodies, with its selection of independent cafes, bars, and restaurants. For traditional British pub grub, head to The Briton’s Protection, which has been serving up hearty meals since the 1800s. For something a little more upscale, try the French-inspired cuisine at The French or the inventive dishes at Mana.
Brighton
Brighton is famous for its eclectic food scene, which ranges from trendy vegetarian cafes to traditional fish and chip shops. The city’s vibrant street food scene is particularly popular with foodies, with regular food festivals and markets offering everything from Thai street food to gourmet burgers. For a taste of the best seafood in the city, try The Salt Room or Riddle & Finns.
Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city is another must-visit for foodies. Glasgow’s culinary scene is a mix of traditional Scottish cuisine and international flavors, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For a taste of traditional Scottish dishes, head to The Ubiquitous Chip or Cafe Gandolfi. For something a little more experimental, try Ox and Finch, which offers a range of small plates inspired by global flavors.
Bath
Bath is known for its stunning Georgian architecture, but it is also home to a vibrant culinary scene. The city is particularly popular with foodies who love traditional British cuisine, with many restaurants serving up classic dishes like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. For a taste of the best local produce, head to The Pig and Fiddle or The Bath Pub Company.
Oxford
Oxford is famous for its university, but it also has a thriving food scene that is perfect for foodies. The city is home to a variety of independent cafes and restaurants, offering everything from classic British dishes to international flavors. For a taste of traditional pub grub, head to The Eagle and Child, which was frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital city is a must-visit for foodies looking for a taste of traditional Irish cuisine. Belfast is particularly famous for its seafood, with many restaurants serving up fresh oysters and mussels from the nearby coast. For a taste of classic Irish dishes, try The Crown Liquor Saloon or The Barking Dog.
There’s no doubt that the UK offers some of the best and most varied cuisines around the globe. In just a short train ride, you can sample dishes from the many food hubs dotted across the country like Newcastle, York, and Liverpool – and even venture up into Scotland for the delicious delicacies that Edinburgh offers. If you’re looking for the next place to set down your knife and fork, the UK sure isn’t a bad place to start.
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