Three Of The UK’s Top Destinations For Food Tourists
Food and drink is taken incredibly seriously in this small corner of the continent, and us Brits are nothing if not protective over our culinary contributions to the world. Whether you’re a UK resident in search of a food-inspired staycation or are coming to the isles to broaden your gastro horizons, there’s no shortage of culinary hotspots right across the land. Here are three of the very best to add to your food and travel bucket list.
North Berwick, Scotland
The understated Scottish town of North Berwick is in vogue just now, and is fast-becoming one of the UK’s most desirable places to make a restaurant reservation. While it’s long been out of the culinary spotlight – which so often shines on the big cities – both domestic and international tourists are waking up to the spectacular range of ingredients and dishes that embellish the menus here.
Just a stone’s throw from the country’s capital, North Berwick makes full use of its coastal location; oysters, lobsters and other delectable fruits of the sea are never far from diners’ minds in this part of the world. Come for the savoury delights, but stay for the sweet treats that linger in the mind long after they’ve evaporated from your taste buds. The town is particularly famed for its pastries and ice creams, with establishments like Bostock Bakery leading the foodie revolution here.
Cumbria, England
Just a couple of hours from the Scottish border, Cumbria stands as one of the UK’s leading lights on the culinary stage – but don’t just take our word for it. Outside of Greater London, no other county in the country can hold claim to as many Michelin stars as Cumbria, setting it apart from the rest when it comes to haute cuisine. And it’s showing no signs of resting on its laurels. As recently as 2023, more restaurants here have earned this coveted award, further cementing the county as one of the UK’s best destinations for foodies.
In total, there are 13 restaurants which hold 15 stars between them. While any of these spots will no doubt satisfy even the most discerning food tourists, L’Enclume is in a league of its own, boasting three stars in all – an honour bestowed on only a handful of restaurants in the UK. Incredible produce surrounds the restaurants in this part of the world, and it’s these local ingredients that attract some of the world’s most prolific chefs. If you’re looking for fine dining in a beautiful, quintessentially British setting, there really are few better places than Cumbria.
Sheffield, England
It might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of the UK’s culinary capitals, but Sheffield unquestionably deserves its place on this list. The city’s culinary scene has seemingly exploded into life in recent years. While fine dining is certainly on the menu in this corner of the country, it’s the scores of street food vendors and uncomplicated eateries that really define Sheffield’s foodie offering.
One of the biggest landmarks in the city’s culinary landscape is the newly opened Cambridge Street Collective. Officially branded as Europe’s biggest purpose-built food hall, this culinary hub is home to 20 street food vendors which celebrate international fare from all over the world. In keeping with true British form, there are also four bars spread across the site, complete with roof terraces, children’s play areas and plenty of entertainment options. With something for everyone, Sheffield has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Photo by Stefan Johnson on Unsplash
