A new study has revealed Britain's most sought-after viral food destinations, where unprecedented queues and social media hype are reshaping the nation's dining habits. The research, commissioned by Tempcover, highlights 20 establishments that have captured the public's imagination, with everything from £9 apple crumbles to Jeremy Clarkson's controversial Diddly Squat Farm making the list.
The Social Media Dining Revolution
The findings reveal a significant shift in how Britons choose where to eat. One in three people (34%) now prefer visiting restaurants that have gone viral on platforms like TikTok over Michelin-starred establishments. This figure rises dramatically to 53% among Gen Z diners, indicating a generational divide in dining preferences.
Nearly four in ten Britons (39%) admit to visiting somewhere purely because it exploded on social media, with the average longest distance travelled reaching 43 miles. Despite scepticism about viral trends, the overwhelming majority - 91% of visitors - reported satisfaction with their experience, while only 2% expressed regret.
Britain's Most Coveted Food Destinations
Topping the list is The Shed in Notting Hill, a farm-to-fork restaurant that has become the ultimate influencer hotspot. Diners should prepare for premium prices, with a Yorkshire sirloin chop costing £74 and a 900g Yorkshire T Bone reaching £90. For special occasions, a massive 1.2kg Yorkshire prime rib sharing portion will set you back £120.
London's Humble Crumble has achieved legendary status for its queues, with locations spanning Old Spitalfields Market, Borough Market, Camden Market, Covent Garden, and Bicester Village. The popularity has forced the business to issue statements advising customers to arrive early. However, not everyone remains convinced, with some Instagram users describing their £9 sweet treat as ridiculously overhyped.
Manchester's Beef Smokehouse, described as the north's best smokehouse, offers everything from brisket to dino ribs, while their banana pudding has gained particular praise. Meanwhile, Max's Sandwich Shop in Crouch Hill has become a London institution, previously hailed for making one of the capital's best sandwiches.
Established Favourites and Viral Newcomers
Cambridge's Fitzbillies represents the old guard, having been a famous institution long before viral trends existed. Their sticky Chelsea buns, baked since 1920, remain incredibly popular, available individually in-store, as bake-at-home kits, or even as Chelsea bun cakes.
Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm in Chipping Norton naturally features on the list, with viewers of Clarkson's Farm creating unprecedented queues last year. The farm shop's popularity comes alongside Clarkson's controversial comments about customers with food intolerances, whom he finds annoying.
Other notable entries include Bristol's Urban Tandoor, which describes itself as kings of the parodies for its commitment to memes, though Reddit users have described the curry as average at best. Cardiff's Fat Hippo burger chain promises the good kind of gluttony, while Manchester's Fat Pts donates 2.5% of profits to charity.
The complete list of Britain's top 20 trending food spots demonstrates how social media continues to transform the dining landscape, creating new pilgrimage sites for food lovers across the country.
