UK's Top Trending Food Spots Revealed

• One in three (34%) Brits would rather visit a viral restaurant than a Michelin-starred venue - rising to over half (53%) of Gen Zs, showing how social media now drives the nation’s foodie adventures.
• Four in ten (39%) have already travelled to a viral food spot, with some going over 100 miles for a meal – and 91% saying the trip was worth it.
• Tempcover launches a new hotspot tool, designed to help Brits plan road trips to much-loved eateries, and also funds free meals at top food spots for customers who show an active Tempcover car insurance policy.*

5th November 2025: The UK's top 20 trending food spots has now been revealed, with The Shed in London taking the crown. 

The research, commissioned by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover, polled 2,000 adults to uncover the nation’s most talked-about food experiences, and the lengths people are willing to travel for them.

The results show Humble Crumble in London and Beef Smokehouse in Manchester follow closely behind in second and third place respectively, with a diverse mix of eateries from across the UK also making the list.

The top 20 includes places that have smashed the internet. Among them are Urban Tandoor in Bristol, famed for its musical parodies such as Bhaji Girl and You’re the Naan That I Want, and Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Chipping Norton.

In fact, nearly 4 in 10 people have taken a foodie day trip, visiting a restaurant just because it was blowing up online. And for some, the food obsession runs deep: 1 in 20 admit they’ve driven over 100 miles just to try a trending dish. On average, the modern foodie will travel 43 miles for their next viral bite.

To celebrate the nation’s love of viral eats, Tempcover is launching a limited-time offer designed to make these spontaneous culinary journeys even more rewarding.

From 5th November, Tempcover is funding a free meal at much-loved food spots: Phil You Up in Leatherhead, Bagelsinc in Sheffield and Fire & Flank in Tiger Yard, Cardiff - just show your active Tempcover policy.*  But hurry, it’s first-come, first-served - whilst stocks last.  

According to the study, one in three (34%) Brits would rather visit a restaurant that’s gone viral on social media than a Michelin-starred eatery – and this rises sharply to 53% among Gen Z diners.

And most have no regrets – 91% of those who made the trip said it was worth it, with only 2% disappointed by their experience.

When asked what made the journey worthwhile, 45% said it was the food itself, 30% valued the quality time spent with friends, and 10% said they loved the spontaneity of the adventure.

The study also delved into the types of dishes that drive the most cravings on social media. Smoky BBQ platters top the list (18%), followed by loaded fries (13%) and melty cheese dishes (13%) – clear evidence that indulgence is still king when it comes to viral appeal.

When it comes to the platforms driving foodie inspiration, Instagram leads with 18% of all influence, rising to 28% among Millennials and Gen Zs. Facebook remains the most influential for older generations (11%), with 73% of Boomers saying they don’t take inspiration from social platforms at all – a view shared by only 1 in 10 Gen Zs.

The research also confirms 37 per cent of viral food-seekers split the driving on their last food road trip, and 52 per cent of Brits would be likely to go on a road trip solely dedicated to getting food in the future.

It seems driving is a family affair, with 81% of Brits wanting to share the adventure with their partner, followed by 46% with their children, and 39% choosing a friend.

Marc Pell, Managing Director of temporary car insurance provider, Tempcover, which has also created a tool to help Brits plan road trip adventures to try some of the UK’s favourite viral food spots, local legends with big community followings or award-winning takeaways, said: “The research shows social media is now one of the most powerful drivers of food discovery among Brits, where for some, a viral burger can beat the old school prestige of a Michelin star.”

“These platforms have opened a whole new world of food for many - and it’s clear they’re willing to travel longer distances with loved ones to visit these locations.  This is about making a memory as much as it is about the meal.”  

Marc continues: “Whether it’s a quick drive to try a local gem or a spontaneous hundred-mile road trip to sample the latest viral burger, having the freedom to hit the road and share the journey makes these moments possible. Our temporary insurance is one way to ensure everyone gets a turn behind the wheel, so you can share the driving adventure as well as the latest must-try food.”