UK top 20 viral food spots show social buzz reshaping dining choices

A survey of 2,000 social media users has named the UK’s top 20 trending food spots and found that online buzz is reshaping where people choose to eat, with many willing to travel long distances to visit viral venues. The Shed in London topped the list, followed by Humble Crumble in London and Beef Smokehouse in Manchester, according to research commissioned by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover.

The study found 34 percent of respondents would rather visit a venue that has gone viral than a Michelin-starred restaurant, a preference that rises to 53 percent among Gen Z. Nearly four in 10 respondents said they had visited a restaurant because it had “blown up” on social media, and one in 20 admitted travelling more than 100 miles to get there. The average longest trip taken for such a venue was 43 miles. Overall satisfaction with those trips was high, with 91 percent reporting they were satisfied; 45 percent cited the food as the highlight, 30 percent valued the time with friends, and 10 percent said they enjoyed the spontaneity.

Tempcover has developed a tool to help people plan road trips to viral food spots, local favourites and award-winning takeaways, and will offer a...