The distribution of foodservice outlets across the UK is far from uniform. Close examination reveals significant regional disparities in the density of various segments, offering valuable insights into market potential and consumer preferences.
Burger Restaurants: A Nationwide Craving
Burger restaurants exhibit a relatively even distribution across the country, with a national average of approximately four outlets per 100,000 people. While cities like Portsmouth, Brighton, Belfast, Milton Keynes, and Cardiff lead the pack, London, despite its vast population, falls slightly behind with a density of 4.8. In contrast, cities like Stockport, Leicester, and Bradford have a notably lower concentration of burger restaurants.
Chicken Quick-Service: A Suburban Appetite
Chicken fast-food outlets tend to cluster in suburban areas of London, particularly in boroughs like Bromley, Croydon, Harrow, and Romford. Birmingham also boasts a high concentration of chicken outlets per capita. However, cities such as Ipswich, Stockport, Norwich, and York have significantly fewer options, highlighting regional variations in consumer demand.
Bakeries and Sandwich Shops: A Classic Comfort
Glasgow, London, and Cardiff emerge as the cities with the highest density of bakeries and sandwich shops. In contrast, Leicester, Plymouth, and Southampton exhibit significantly lower numbers, with a density approximately one-third that of the leading cities. York and Cambridge also have relatively modest numbers in this category.
Chain Coffee Shops: A Modern Indulgence
Edinburgh, Portsmouth, Chester, and London lead the way in terms of chain coffee shop density. In stark contrast, Wolverhampton, Stock-on-Trent, and Nottingham report the lowest concentration of coffee shops. These disparities likely reflect factors such as population density, disposable income, and cultural preferences.
Uncovering Market Opportunities
Maria Vanifatova, the CEO of Meaningful Vision, comments: “By understanding these regional variations, foodservice operators can make informed decisions about expansion strategies, menu offerings, and marketing campaigns. Areas with high density may benefit from increased competition and differentiation, while underserved regions present opportunities for growth and market penetration. Moreover, these insights can help investors identify promising locations for new ventures and real estate developers to cater to the evolving foodservice landscape.”
