Britain’s foodie experiences offer something for all tastes. Whether it’s grub that’s good for visitors and the planet in Cardiff, or a journey through the fiery flavours of a Balti in Birmingham, there’s plenty of locations to find chefs and street food vendors cooking up a storm. Visitors can look to a fully loaded burger from a bustling food market, or embark on a wild food hunt through our urban landscapes to get their teeth into Britain.
Like a taste of luxury with high tea
When it comes to pure luxury, Fortnum and Mason’s afternoon tea certainly lives up to expectations. With a menu fit for a king or queen, visitors can sip on traditional English teas and dip into sweet delights at their Piccadilly store. Or in Manchester, Cloud 23 bar takes high tea to literal heights, sat half way up the city’s tallest building, giving visitors a chance to divulge in savoury treats and decadent desserts.
Love…an afternoon tea with a twist
Inspired by the story from one of Britain’s best-loved authors, Roald Dahl, visitors can uncover their inner child with a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea at One Aldwych hotel. From fabulousy fluffy floss and milkshake mixed by waterfalls to scones filled with ‘snozzberry’ jam, they can tuck into the sweet tales of a chocolatey land.
Alternatively, visitors can take to the tracks of Britain for afternoon tea on the move, as they go full steam ahead on Belmond’s luxurious British Pullman train. Developed in partnership with Luminary Bakery, a social enterprise organisation, visitors can enjoy chilled champagne alongside indulgent bakes from pastry chef Claire Clark as they zoom through the British countryside.
Like great British pub culture
Britain is home to thousands of different pubs and drinking establishments, with many dating back centuries. An unmissable pub on Brighton’s seafront – and not only because it’s shaped like an upside-down boat – the Fortune of War has stood on the shore since 1882. It’s a hotspot for DJ sets, alfresco drinks, and plenty of popular local ales.
The Sheep Heid Inn has been a watering hole in Edinburgh since the 15th century. Cosy down next to a roaring fire with a pint in hand and a plate of hearty food. Or visitors can try their hand at traditional skittles to see who will reign supreme at this quirky sport.
Love…tucking in at our gastropubs
Or visit a gastropub for delicious dishes alongside a pint. Set in the heart of Newcastle, and a regular in the top 20 of Estrella Damm’s Top 50 Gastropubs awards, The Broad Chare serves up innovative seasonal plates in the city’s vibrant Quayside. Here visitors can tuck into the likes of local crab or a juicy rump steak burger, as well as the pub’s own house ale, The Writers Block.
Visitors to Bristol can try tucking into sustainable dishes at The Kensington Arms, in the south-western city’s leafy neighbourhood of Redland. Watch the chefs in action in the open-kitchen as they cook up responsibly-sourced plates including River Fowey mussels, tasty Suffolk pork and wild bream.
Like top notch Michelin starred dining
Britain has 194 Michelin-Starred restaurants, with eight holding the prestigious three-stars. Co-founders Mary Wilson and Jan Ostle’s ‘ground up’ approach to sustainability in cooking brought a Michelin Green Star to the table at Wilsons in Bristol. Fusing together the importance of nature with distinctive food, here visitors can expect home-grown veggies, natural wines and produce sourced from ethical growers.
Or visitors can try Home by James Sommerin, which offers a raft of innovative flavours thanks to its surprise seasonal menu. Found in Penarth, to the south of Cardiff Bay, the family-run restaurant bagged itself a Michelin Star in the 2022 Michelin Guide, just four months after opening.
Love…to get hands on with your food
In Edinburgh, Scottish chef Paul Wedgwood and top forager Robin Harford have come together to take dining experiences to new levels. Offering natural foraging experiences, visitors can learn the ins and outs of their dishes as they’re guided around the city before tucking into a wild lunch served up at the Wedgwood restaurant. Expect to learn anything from how to identify edible plants, to getting tips on cooking techniques.
Like our diverse flavours
When it comes to international cuisine, Britain brings the flavour. A visitor’s first pit stop should take them to the acclaimed home of the Balti, Birmingham. A neighbourhood filled with fiery dishes, The Balti Triangle to the south-east of the city centre is packed with curry houses. Try Shababs for a traditional Kashmiri experience. Or keep with the Indian-inspired theme in Shish Mahal, Glasgow. As the self-proclaimed inventors of chicken tikka masala, here visitors can get a taste for authentic spiced flavours.
Love…taking to the streets for international grub
Many of Britain’s major cities are home to bustling food markets. London has the likes of Borough Market and Seven Dials, where spritely vendors offer everything from home-made British products to tastes from all over the world. Or look to Cardiff’s Corporation Yard for a rotation of monthly foodie vendors – visitors can expect to find anything from the tastes of the Greek island of Corfu, to a unique pad Thai pizza. Otherwise, for street grub in Liverpool, they can hit up Duke Street Market for Mexican tacos, spicy ramen, dreamy pastas and more.
Like to dine at a British landmark
Dine with an unmissable view across London at Sky Garden, located in the capital’s iconic ‘Walkie Talkie’ building. Weave through its tropical paradise that soars up high on the 43rd floor before tucking in at the Darwin Brasserie or Fenchurch Restaurant just below. For super skyline perspectives, take to the Fenchurch Terrace for a gin cocktail and sharing platters.
Love…Britain’s lesser-known restaurants
In Glasgow’s West End, discover the all-out quirks of Hillhead Bookclub. Visitors can grab hearty vegan kebabs as they dance the night away to queer pop classics on a Thursday, bop to DJ bangers on a Saturday, or listen into spoken word sessions on Wednesdays. Whether they’re there for the grub, the drink, or the party, this is one Glaswegian joint not to be missed.
Or in London’s artsy Shoreditch, look behind an inconspicuous door to uncover Rochelle Canteen. Inside visitors will discover a converted bike shed that serves up tasty British and European plates. With a daily changing menu, they’ll be in for a treat as they can relax in this hidden oasis.
