This is officially the UK’s foodie capital — and no, it’s not London

Let’s face it, the UK’s food offering doesn’t have the best reputation.

We’re often accused of over-boiling our vegetables, and under seasoning dishes – with fish and chips our most famous delicacy (delicious, to be fair).

But despite what the world might think, we know that Britain has a vibrant foodie scene, with diverse markets, experimental new launches and world-class fine dining.

In fact, there are nine three Michelin-star restaurants, 27 two Michelin-star restaurants and 170 one Michelin-star restaurants in the UK.

And now, a UK destination has been recognised in Time Out’s list of the best cities for food in the world.

But sorry Londoners, it wasn’t the capital that made the cut, but rather it was Liverpool that came in at a very respectable 11th place.

‘Liverpool is perhaps better known for its nightlife than its food, but a clutch of brand-new foodie ventures have earned the city a newfound rep for its dining scene,’ wrote Liverpool-based Alice Porter, for Time Out.

‘This is largely down to homegrown talent: local chefs like Paul Durand, who opened Michelin-mentioned Manifest in 2022, and Sam Grainger who owns small-plates spot Belzan and Mexican taqueria Madre.’ 

And the must-eat dish if you’re making a trip? Scouse, the meaty stew that gave locals their nickname. Traditionally made using tender meat (lamb or beef) and slow cooked vegetables, one of the best places to try the famous dish is SKAUS, served in a bread bowl.

Elsewhere in Liverpool, be sure to head to The Baltic Market, the first venue to bring street food to the city when it opened in 2017.

Liverpool-born and bred travel writer, Katie Rosseinsky, recently recommended her favourite spots to Metro.co.uk: ‘You’ll still find an array of Merseyside’s best independent traders [at The Baltic Market].

‘Hafla Hafla’s halloumi fries are Baltic legend (if you like the look of what they do, you’ll find an extended menu at their restaurant on Lark Lane), while La Bistroteca, a new venture from Maray’s former head chef Livia Alarcon, has just joined the line-up.

‘For a caffeine hit, head up Bold Street. The always buzzing Bold Street Coffee serves up seriously generous iced lattes and prides itself on its filled toasted brioche buns, while Leaf is practically a Merseyside institution. This laidback, catch-all venue boasts an incredible tea list and holds open mic nights, life drawing and offline singles events from Bored of Dating Apps.’

And the North West city was in some good company in the new ranking.

Topping the list was Naples, the home of the pizza, followed by Johannesburg, which was lauded for its South African delicacies, including owetan kota sandwich, bunny chow and mala mogodu. Third place went to Lima, which is home to Central, the world’s best restaurant.

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