On Location: Film and TV Settings You Can Actually Visit in the UK
When it comes to unforgettable food, it’s not always the fancy restaurants or big-name chains that leave the biggest impression. It’s the neighbourhood cafés, buzzing markets, tiny bakeries, and pubs where locals actually eat. If you want to truly discover the UK through its flavours, the best way is to eat like a local.
From hip city corners to coastal gems and countryside surprises, these foodie neighbourhoods and hidden treasures are worth adding to your itinerary. They’re not just about the food — they offer a sense of place, culture, and everyday life that you won’t find in a guidebook.
Stockbridge, Edinburgh
A short stroll from Edinburgh’s city centre, Stockbridge is a haven for artisan food lovers. Its cobbled streets are lined with cheese shops, cosy cafés, and bakeries where locals queue for flaky pastries on Saturday mornings. The weekly Stockbridge Market (every Sunday) is a feast of street food, fresh produce, and small-batch treats. For a sit-down meal, try The Scran & Scallie, a stylish gastropub serving proper Scottish fare.
Ancoats, Manchester
Once an industrial district, Ancoats has transformed into one of Manchester’s trendiest areas, with a food scene to match. Expect a mix of independent eateries, modern British bistros, and globally inspired kitchens. Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, which started here, has become a northern cult favourite, while The Jane Eyre offers seasonal small plates and cocktails in a relaxed setting. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back food crawl.
Bristol’s Wapping Wharf
Nestled along the harbourside, Wapping Wharf is a creative cluster of converted shipping containers packed with indie food joints, craft beer bars, and local produce shops. Grab bao buns from Eatchu, fresh seafood at BOX-E, or brunch at Little Victories. The vibe is community-driven and proudly Bristolian, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the city’s modern foodie culture in one compact spot.
Kelham Island, Sheffield
Kelham Island, a former industrial zone, has become Sheffield’s urban food haven. With riverside beer gardens, street food halls, and independent bakeries, it’s one of the city’s most exciting places to eat. Cutlery Works, a massive food hall in a restored factory, offers everything from Mexican tacos to Sri Lankan curry. Pair your meal with a locally brewed pint — Sheffield’s craft beer scene is thriving too.
Ludlow, Shropshire
For a slower-paced but equally delicious experience, Ludlow is a small market town with a big foodie reputation. Once home to more Michelin stars than anywhere outside London, it still boasts exceptional quality. Visit the Ludlow Food Centre for regional produce, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, or book ahead for a tasting menu at The Church Inn. It’s a charming spot for food lovers exploring the countryside.
Dingle, Liverpool
Often overlooked in favour of Liverpool’s city centre, Dingle is a hidden gem where local favourites shine. From classic chip shops to multicultural bites, this area is full of surprises. Fodder, a tiny café serving seasonal dishes with a twist, is a standout. And for a proper pint and a plate of Scouse stew, head to one of the area’s old-school pubs for an authentic taste of Liverpool.
Margate Old Town, Kent
On the southeast coast, Margate’s Old Town has transformed from a faded seaside spot into a thriving creative hub — and its food scene reflects this revival. Explore streets filled with natural wine bars, hip burger joints, and vintage ice cream parlours. Don’t miss Bottega Caruso, a family-run Italian eatery using recipes passed down through generations. And of course, fish and chips on the seafront is a must, best enjoyed with the sea breeze in your hair.
Tips for Finding Local Favourites
- Ask locals, not guidebooks – They’ll know the best bakeries, food trucks, or pubs that haven’t made it onto review sites.
- Visit neighbourhood markets – These are treasure troves of independent vendors and street food stalls serving high-quality, no-fuss meals.
- Look beyond city centres – The best food is often just a short walk from tourist hotspots.
- Try the “second favourite” spot – If a place has a long queue, locals will often know an equally good alternative nearby.
Let Great British Trips Show You the UK’s Tastiest Corners
At Great British Trips, we believe travel should be about more than just seeing the sights — it’s about tasting them too. Whether you want to map your journey by markets, track down the UK’s best Sunday roast, or find the flakiest croissant outside Paris, we can help you plan a route full of real flavour.
Want to travel like a local — and eat like one too? Let’s build a trip around Britain’s most delicious discoveries.