Best UK food trips

Belfast

Northern Ireland’s foodie capital knows a thing or two about waffles, seafood and how to make a sharp cocktail. Check out Established for coffee and brunch, and be sure to try the gingerbread waffle with candied lime cream. If you want to improve your seafood cooking skills, stop off at the Belfast Cookery School for a fish masterclass. Be sure to finish off with a Finn McCool cocktail at the Merchant Hotel – a concoction of vodka, Amer Picon, passionfruit cordial and lemon juice.

Read about all the best places to eat in Belfast, Northern Ireland, here

Birmingham

The West Midlands capital might be known for its balti restaurants and Michelin stars, but there’s a whole host of street food stalls, brunch spots and bars to visit, too. Stop off first at Loaf for a fresh Danish pastry, and while you’re there, learn how to make sourdough and dosas. If it’s street food you’re after, choose between burgers sandwiched between a doughnut and chicken tikka cooked over charcoal. Don’t leave before a visit to The Edgbaston, an art deco-inspired cocktail lounge (earlier in the day it also serves a superior afternoon tea).

Read about all the best places to eat in Birmingham, here

Isles of Scilly

This handful of islands strewn off the most westerly tip of Cornwall has long been known for its flower farms and silver-sand beaches, but food is making its mark here, too. Fish is a real focus on this island, with locally caught scallops, turbot and red mullet all on offer, along with classic crab sandwiches. Make sure you get to The Farm Deli early for a slice of lobster quiche. Once you’ve had your fish fix, stop off for a pastie or two from The Island Bakery, and a bottle of locally brewed ale. It's not a trip to the coast without an ice-cream; choose between strawberry, salty caramel or classic vanilla.

Read about where else to eat in the Isles of Scilly, here

Mr Hanbury's Masons Arms, Artist Residence, Oxfordshire

The fourth Artist Residence property opened this year, in the sleepy village of South Leigh, this time a pub with rooms. Downstairs the space is split into two areas – a cosy bar area with a classic pub menu and a more sophisticated dining room - with five perfectly put-together bedrooms upstairs. As with all Artist Residence hotels, eccentric touches are scattered throughout, from a penguin greeting you at the door to Sri Lankan tea chests in the bedrooms. The food is a real focus, with homegrown strawberries used in negronis, and eggs collected straight from the property's hens for guest breakfasts.

Read our full review of Mr Hanbury's Masons Arms, here

Bristol

Bristol’s food scene is a hive of activity, and you can find everything from British cheeses to tiffin boxes and fresh pickles. Start with a visit to Hart’s Bakery (we promise the queue is worth it) for an epic sausage roll, before spending the afternoon in Bar Buvette, making your way through the wine list with plates of charcuterie on the side. Don’t miss a visit to Katie and Kim’s Kitchen the following day for a jazzed up bacon sarnie before you leave.

Read about where else to eat in Bristol, here

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