The United Kingdom offers various fast food options, from traditional British classics to international flavours. Whether you’re craving a hearty serving of fish and chips or a gourmet burger, the U.K. has something to satisfy every palate.
In this list of “12 fast food restaurants in the U.K. to try,” we’ll explore a diverse selection of eateries that offer quick and delicious meals. From spicy peri-peri chicken at Nando’s to the comforting taste of classic fish and chips, these establishments provide a taste of the U.K.’s rich fast food culture, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Famous Fast Food Restaurants in the UK
1. Greggs
Greggs serves both sweet and savoury baked dishes. It was founded in the North East of England in 1939. Greggs sells an impressive quantity of their hotdogs weekly, with tons of these delicious treats flying off the shelves. These hotdogs feature a tasty sausage wrapped in a soft bun, among the top best-selling items on Gregg’s menu.
Greggs introduced a vegan sausage roll to cater to plant-based eaters, expanding their menu to include this popular meatless alternative. With over 2,000 locations worldwide, Greggs has made this plant-based option accessible to a broad and global audience.
2. Five Guys
Five Guys is a fast-food chain that serves delicious yet affordable meals. The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs and fresh and crispy french fries that can be hard to resist.
Also, this brand’s popularity has resonated with customers worldwide who appreciate American-style cuisine. Furthermore, Five Guys restaurants can often be found in shopping malls and other urban areas in the UK.
3. Burger King
Burger King is also a large fast food chain after McDonald’s. In the UK, Burger King produces grilled burgers along with cheeseburgers and cheese fries.
Apart from this, Burger King is actively seeking investors who have the means to open multiple units. Therefore, these fast-food chains are impacting British dining culture, reflecting both local favourites and international flavours.
4. Starbucks
Starbucks is a well-known coffeehouse chain. It is mainly a large coffee chain in the UK and has 1,258 stores. Starbucks opened their first store in the UK in 1998.
Starbucks in the UK offers a diverse menu, including different coffee, tea, and bakery items like cake pop, sandwiches, and snacks. Seasonal speciality drinks like the pumpkin spice latte are also popular.
5. Domino’s
Domino’s is one of the best-known pizza delivery brands in the UK. It is known for its wide selection of pizzas, sides, and desserts. They offer online ordering and fast delivery services, making it a convenient choice for pizza lovers nationwide.
One notable thing about Domino’s is that they provide many different options in the pizza crust. You can also get a pan pizza from there.
6. Nando’s
Nandos originally came from South Africa. It was opened in the mid-’90s, and it is best known for its peri-peri chicken, grilled to perfection. There must be around 465 Nando stores in the U.K., which keep increasing with time.
At Nando’s, the ordering process involves selecting your preferred chicken marinade. The “Lemon and Herb” is a light and refreshing option, while “Super Hot” can be quite intense, packing a spicy punch that might leave your taste buds tingling. You can customize the spice levels in the peri-peri chicken according to your preferences.
7. Pizza Express
PizzaExpress is a worldwide pizza network, having more than 470 stores across the UK. It was founded in 1965 by Peter Boizot.
PizzaExpress not only prioritizes crafting top-quality pizzas but also does so in the traditional Italian style, ensuring an authentic and delicious experience.
Moreover, the first pizza, Leggera with 500 calories, was introduced first by PizzaExpress. To create the Leggera range, PizzaExpress took their five most popular pizzas and transformed them into 500-calorie versions. The Leggera pizza has a thin base and a hole in the middle filled with a fresh, dressed salad.
8. Subway
One more of the UK market’s top food chains is undoubtedly Subway. It is a go-to sandwich store for office workers who don’t have time to cook for themselves or health-conscious people who want guilt-free options.
They have all kinds of sandwich and salad options, including vegan options. Ordering in the subway can be confusing, but it will be worth the effort.
9. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is renowned as one of the world’s most famous food chains. Its menu boasts a variety of delectable items, including the irresistible McFlurrys and mouthwatering cheeseburgers, while the iconic Ronald McDonald clown serves as the restaurant’s beloved mascot. Undoubtedly, the crispy and flavorful fries are the most popular items on their menu.
In response to changing consumer preferences, some McDonald’s stores have also introduced vegan options, expanding their offerings to cater to a broader range of dietary choices.
10. Papa John’s
Another leading UK pizza delivery chain is Papa John’s, which serves snacks, delicious desserts, thick and thin-crust pizzas, and beverages.
Apart from this, they use fresh ingredients and provide 100% fresh dough along with some vegan options to try. Also Known for its “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza” slogan, it’s a favourite choice for pizza enthusiasts.
11. Costa Coffee
Costa is a fast-food chain in the United Kingdom that makes baked food items and coffee. It serves teas, shakes, hot chocolates, and cold drinks in all its stores. They also provide latte, cappuccino, double-shot espresso and Americano.
In addition, Costa also offers a variety of plant-based milk options for its drinks. They have also introduced many healthier options, such as salads and wraps.
It is a great quick food option for people who need or like a caffeine boost. Moreover, it also has both hot and cold drinks, snacks, and sandwiches.
12. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is a famous American pizza café in the UK since 1973. The company offers pasta, salad, sides, and desserts in more than 260 locations across the UK.
Furthermore, Pizza Hut’s stuffed crust pizza with melted cheese baked into the pizza’s crust is the most famous.
Moreover, they also have Vegan Margherita pizza, which has dairy-free cheese and is one of their new and advanced vegetarian and vegan options for lactose intolerants.
Final Note
In summary, in the UK, fast food chain services have become easy and affordable. They are now cultural icons that show the country’s diverse cuisine, categories, and traditions, along with changing tastes and preferences.
Hence, if you ever go on a tour or visit the United Kingdom, grab a bite of these famous dishes and fill your appetite. They are now a part of British cuisine and have equal importance.
