The Best Locations in the UK for Food Lovers

The UK is known for its foodie destinations and makes the ideal break for anyone looking to sample the delights of its distinctive food havens. For the past few years, people have been flocking to a range of destinations to sample the treats of each location. From famous local produce to exciting food festivals; there is something to tickle the taste buds throughout the year. Some towns and villages are known for their delicious grub plus you’ll find a vibrant food culture in many of the UK’s big cities. If you’re looking to try some the best foods on home soil, there is a range of scrumptious locations to visit for the ideal short break.

Check out some of the favourite food offerings from around the UK.

Edinburgh

If the city’s spectacular architecture and enchanting history weren’t enough to entice you to its cobbled streets, its delicious food and drink locations will. Edinburgh is one the top spots for cross-cultural cuisine and has numerous food festivals and events through the year. This city isn’t just known for Scotland’s iconic haggis, whiskey and tasty steak, it’s also buzzing with Michelin star restaurants, cosy café spots and drinking establishments offering a cosmos of tasty tipple. There’s no better destination for enjoying a mirage of experiences and sampling the delights of Scotland’s best food and drink.

Malton

Known as Yorkshire’s food capital, Malton is a haven of food treats. This small town has a huge reputation and sits close to the natural beauty of the North York Moors for added appeal. Not only does the town have some of the best eateries around, enjoying a weekend getaway or longer stay here offers you the chance to visit some of the best food festivals and events in the UK. It hosts a monthly food market and a street food event, and you’ll find The Malton Gin Festival in April and Beertown Beer Fest in May. This small town is also home to artisan producers who make a range of award-winning products including breweries, bakers, coffee roasters and macaroon makers. If you fancy getting hands-on on a stay in Malton, the cookery school offers courses for all abilities and specialises in cooking up a storm with Yorkshire’s famous produce.   

London

The capital city is known for a vibrant and cosmopolitan culture plus when you look a little closer, you’ll enjoy the delights of its foodie quarters. Of course, the classics include infamous afternoon tea in the many cosy cafes and stylish hotels scattering the city but there is also plenty of multicultural treats to try too. Head to Brick Lane and indulge in ethnic eats such as Bangladeshi foods or for Middle Eastern cuisine, head to Edgware Road for a fantastic food experience. For those that want some traditional pub grub, you’ll find plenty of establishments that’ll serve up bangers and mash, fish and chips or some jellied eels.

These spots are just some of the most loved reasons to enjoy a foodie break to the capital, but if you time it right, there is a host of events and festivals to visit too. There are farmers markets held around the city throughout the year including Borough Market, Brixton Market and Old Spitalfields Market. These locations serve up everything from African and Caribbean eats to artisan and traditional produce. With resources such as the Gourmet Guide, you can find restaurants and eateries around the city easily.

The English Riviera

Not only can you enjoy a stunning seaside escape on this beautiful coastline, but it’s also a haven for seafood lovers. The English Riviera is made up of the locations of Torbay, Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton, Cockington and Brixham and is also known as England’s Seafood Coast. Here you can experience the freshest fish and seafood in the UK and plenty of restaurants and cafes to sit and enjoy the delights of the sea. Exploring this area offers you the chance to visit each destination and walk off those treats along the South West Coast Path. This coastline is abundant in seafood that you might also catch some others fans of this area hanging out along the coastline. Be sure to bring your binoculars, as you might just spot a dolphin, porpoise or guillemot waiting for the catch of the day too.

Cornwall

It’s hard to pick just one destination in Cornwall to enjoy a foodie break, so it’s the perfect excuse to visit more than once. Not only does the area have some of the most glorious coastlines in the UK, it is also one of the best places to sample local produce and of course, sample the best and most traditional Cornish pasties around. The coastline is also abundant in fish and seafood with one of the most popular catches including the Newlyn crab, which is landed in the location of the same name. You’ll also find the foodie spot of Padstow, home to Rick Stein’s many eateries and several other famous chefs hangouts dotted along the coastline. There several food festivals throughout the year too including the Great Cornish Food festival, St Ives Food and Drink Festival and Port Eliot Festival to name a few. These are regularly attended by celebrity chefs and include celebrations, demonstrations and all the Cornish food and drink you can eat.

Bristol

This South West city is fast becoming known for its presence in the top spots for foodie destinations. Its vibrant culture and creative vibe set its eateries apart from many others in the UK. This hub has a thriving vegetarian and vegan offering alongside its eclectic burger bars and bottomless brunch options. You’ll find everything you’re looking for here plus plenty of attractions, retail therapy and cultural festivals to boot. The food festival scene is pretty special too, and some of the favourites include Grillstock Festival, Craft Beer Festival, and the new Coffee House Project this September.

The UK is a haven of experiences, and if you’re a food lover, there is a plenty of choice for the ultimate tasting experience.