The Best UK High Street Chain Restaurants
For fast-casual dining in the UK you have your pick, so where do you start?
(Disclaimer: These are my opinions based off my personal experiences and my TikTok comment section. All dining was purchased with my own money, I am unsponsored and unpaid by any of these companies. All photos are taken directly from company website or online news outlets do not belong to me. If you're a company and would like to feed me, please get in touch via my website beccasaud.com).
One thing I absolutely love about the UK is the amount of moderate dining options, with most of them being chains.
As someone who is from America, chains are usually the most obvious thing, but here in the UK you may be dining at a chain and not even know it. When I think mid tier chain dining in America I think TGI Fridays, Unos and Applebee's. Outside of dining there after a school play I was in, I would never set foot in any of these establishments if I can avoid it.
I love eating and buying local and supporting my local coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and breweries (as should you!) Usually these US chains don’t serve good food or drinks (meals are packed with calories that make you hate yourself after) and nowadays they’re not even that affordable.
But in the UK the tale is a little different. First chains don’t all exist in the same inoffensive and dated carpeted 2000s style. Instead chains here stride towards making themselves distinctly different from each other and each location giving a unique vibe. Chains here elevate going out for a nice moderately priced meal and Brits match this energy and actually dress up to dine out. In smaller UK cities outside of London chains usually occupy old historical buildings in the city center and offer a glimpse of history and a snapshot of the city all at once.
But not all chains are created equal, and while you’ll find most of these on your High Street, how do you know which one is really worth going to? Quality varies chain to chain and location to location but I’ll be writing about my general favorites I’ve visited across UK in multiple cities (like Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, London, etc). For Non-Brits reading or those visiting the UK I would encourage you always to try something local but by no means should you avoid chains in the UK (hey you most likely already have been to one and didn’t even know it)
For me, chains provide a comfort level. I know what I’m getting and I know the general vibe of a restaurant, and when you’re in a new place sometimes taking a culinary risk isn’t something you want to do, trust me I get it. I plan all my trips and itineraries, do all the research and the mental decision exhaustion is real. So next time you want to turn off your brain off and make an educated guess read this list and save it for a rainy day.
Also if I’ve missed your favorite chain-let me know! I’m always on the hunt.
Note: Some chains are regional, for the sake of brevity I will be focusing on mainly national chains you can find across the UK.
Best UK Chain Restaurants:
Here are my personal favourite restaurants you can find on your High Street. I find their Menu, chain to chain quality, and ambiance the best out of all the chains.
Côte
Cuisine: French
Vibe: 1920s Paris with a Neutral Colour Palette
Number of Restaurants: 84
There are over 84 Côtes across the UK and chances are you've probably dined at one. Founded in 2007 in London, Côte has French staples on their Menu like Beef Cheek Bourguignon and Cheese Soufflé (highly recommend). Their cocktails are excellent and served in a appropriately chic glass and I appreciate the interior choices that really do transport you across the Channel (without having to embarrass yourself using your Duolingo French).
Côte prides itself on quality meat sourcing with emphasis on their meats that they get from Britain, Ireland and South America choose specially by their in-house master butcher.
Rosa’s Thai
Cuisine: Thai
Vibe: Homey Eccentric and Bright
Number of Restaurants: 43
For 16 years Rosa's Thai has been serving good Thai food. Thai food is one of my favourites cuisines and they do a great job of hitting all the notes and cravings you would like when you get Thai such as serving Chicken Satay, fresh Summer Rolls, Pad Thai, Pad See Ewe and Massaman Curry.
I appreciate when a chain doesn't try and do too much with reverting the classics and that's why I think Rosa's has stayed popular. It also offers a really lovely minimal and fresh setting to enjoy your meal with mates (and if you decide to get them for takeaway instead and eat it your living room while watching House of Dragon no will tell).
Franco Manca / Rudy's
Cuisine: Neapolitan Style Sourdough Pizza / Neapolitan Pizza
Vibe: Artisanal Unpretentious
Number of Restaurants: 70 / 11
![Artisanal Pizza Shop with Classroom style chairs](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Feeec08df-d9b0-48ac-8638-51e2e0fa3f8c_1920x1080.jpeg)
![Artisanal Pizza Shop with Classroom style chairs](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F47593f9c-2d2e-4a3f-ba06-527d0132729e_1200x960.jpeg)
All Franco Mancas use a 18th century sourdough starter from Naples developed by the founders Giuseppe and Bridget themselves. Their dough ferments for 24 hours and is piled with fresh ingredients everyday. Their menu is heavily focused on pizza (duh) with pies simply labeled No.1-No.10.
Rudy's does also good pizza, but aren't afraid of experimenting with monthly pizza specials and getting more adventurous with the extra toppings on offer like Burrata, Gorgonzola and Truffle Oil. They also now has a very smart and interesting 'Rudy's At Home' option as well where you can get their pizzas delivered to your door for at home cooking or freezing. For me, these two can listed together because they both offer essentially a similar kind of dining and cuisine.
At Franco Manca's if you're a red sauce fan maybe No. 6 Organic tomato, mozzarella, cured chorizo is for you. If you're a white sauce fan try No. 4 Roasted cured ham, mozzarella, ricotta, mixed wild mushrooms and don't forget their famous chilli oil of course (though I know you have your own you've made at home).
Toby Carvey
Cuisine: Roast DInner
Vibe: Familiar Family Country Pub
Number of Restaurants: 150
More commonly found in leafy suburbs than the city center, Toby Carvey is synonymous with roast dinner (for my Americans think Boston Market but make it a Buffet). They proudly advertise cooking their daily roasts at 5am(wouldn't want to be on that shift) including making sides like roasties and Yorkshire puddings from scratch.
I once hosted a Thanksgiving dinner here during my Masters and it was honestly the perfect fit instead of attempting a Thanksgiving dinner for 30 on my own (a Roast is similar enough to Thanksgiving).
It leans on the more casual side of dining on this list but that's perfectly fine with me as expendable trousers are a must when eating a Sunday Roast. I also greatly appreciate the amount of democratic spread in the locations of Toby Carvey and it seems to be no matter where you in the UK you're not far from a Toby Carvey Roast and that's beautiful.
While you're here if you're interested in my personal Best Sunday Roasts Up North my article is here.
The Lost and Found
Cuisine: British
Vibe: Moody Modern Darwin meets Victorian Garden
Number of Restaurants: 5
If you're looking for dining that reminds you of a Jules Verne novel, Lost and Found always have two things: lots of greenery and Victorian style chairs. It's a nice mix of modern and peculiar with lots of Victoria Era nods like dark leather seating, plush velvet fabrics and Darwin style illustrations on their Menu. Their bottomless brunch (£35) which is only held once a week on a Saturday is definitely one of the better ones I've had in the UK. Shockingly there are only 5 locations of The Lost and Found: Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Knutsford (Manchester) and Bristol each with their own vibe and fictional professor with various interest such as Horticulture or Astronomy. You can expect to see items likeBaked British Camembert and Pork & Black Pudding Sausage Roll on the menu.
For this one, I really thought everyone's high street has a Lost and Found, so if you're one of the lucky ones that do have one in your city take advantage and dine knowing this isn't a massive chain (yet).
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Bundobust
Cuisine: Vegan/Vegetarian Indian
Vibe: Indian Street Food with Craft Beer and a 70s Feels
Number of Restaurants: 4
![Indian Street Food Restaurant with Craft Beer and a 70s Feels](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9a05de0d-9090-40c0-b28f-650f0d46be7f_683x1024.jpeg)
![Indian Street Food Restaurant with Craft Beer and a 70s Feels](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fea371f64-97db-4ed7-8f99-b593b635378b_684x1024.jpeg)
The first time I ate at a Bundobust I was on a first date chosen by a Tinder Match and it wasn't until I was perusing the menu that I was enlightened to the fact that this is a (mostly) a Vegan place. Now don't get me wrong I eat and cook Vegan/Vegetarian (I was a pescatarian for many years) but I like to know prior if I'm eating somewhere that is 100% no meat (I did have the best negroni of my life there and still have the recipe in my notes).
I say this all because Bundobust is somewhere you can appreciate more the second time than the first. Menu items feel best shared so you can try as many thing as possible (must tries are the Okra Fries and Paneer Tikka). They really have a thoughtful Menu that encompasses the ethos of Indian street food and their appreciation to craft beer. They really believe in sustainability in an interesting way by saving on water and energy by eliminating dishwashers in loo of 100% compostable serving packaging made with reclaimed sugarcane.
Bradford locals Mayur Patel and Marko Husak opened the first Bundobust in Leeds and has since expanded to Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. Unfortunately the Birmingham location at the Mailbox has announced their closure yesterday, which I am sad to hear. I blame the location of the Mailbox (because personally I've never even seen it in there) rather than the food or service. I hope to see Bundo back in Brum sooner rather than later.
The Ivy
Cuisine: International (i.e British, Curries, Italian)
Vibe: Vintage Tropical and Quintessentially British
Number of Restaurants: 37
The Ivy has certainly invested in making each of their locations have a distinct and unique feeling while keeping that Ivy quality. With 15 of their 37 locations in one city (London) that would have to hold true. What I think that makes the Ivy so successful is their ability to create a visually interesting space without it feeling too cluttered but still cozy. It's the right balance of prints, plants, and art that is just so quintessentially British.
If I had to design a restaurant (I would love to one day), the Ivy hits similar tones that I would (there really is not higher compliment than that) with walls full of vintage prints woven between pop art posters and with a plant not far out of sight. This is somewhere where I've chosen to spend my Christmas Meal and would do so again, but you shouldn't wait til Christmas to dine here. The cocktails are strong and thoughtful and in high quality and Menu has variety of multiple dishes, not just British, such as Crab and Queen Scallop Nero Linguine, Ivy Shepherd's Pie to Malaysian Monkfish, Prawn and Coconut Curry.
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Dishoom
Cuisine: Indian
Vibe: 1930s-1970s Bombay Irani Cafe
Number of Restaurants: 10 (+2 Cafe Locations)
If you haven't already had the incredible opportunity to eat at Dishoom, where have you been loca? What started in Shoreditch in London, the original Dishoom location, that famously takes no reservations and has a long queue (no matter the time or date) can now be found dotted around the nation. While 7/10 of those locations are in the capital (each Dishoom with its own distinct look and feel playing on the building architecture and a different time period reflected in their interiors) three lucky cities outside the capital are blessed with a Dishoom of their own: Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.
If you're looking for elevated Indian, well look no further. I've been eating at Dishoom since they opened with one location and now live within minutes to one in Birmingham and it truly never gets old. One of the most iconic dishes is their black daal which takes over 24 hours to make. Other stand outs personally are the Spicy Lamb Chops and seasonal bowl of greens (don't sleep on the veg sides).
In addition they've opened two experimental bar-cafes in Brighton and Cambridge (Oxford is coming soon) called the Permit Room (based off real life Bombay in 1949 when liquor was banned). These locations offer a shorter more playful menu and I cannot wait to try one of these (and yes they have the famous black daal on these menus too).
Honest Burgers / Byron
Cuisine: American Burgers /American Burgers
Vibe: / Also Industrial Diner Meets 1950s Classroom
Number of Restaurants: 39 / 12
With Honest Burger's 32 out of their 39 locations being in London it's almost unfair to put it on the list (honestly Honest Burgers why are you afraid of going up North?) That's why I also included Byron a completely seperate (but essentially the same) burger chain that fills the geographical gap. Byron started a couple years earlier but only has 9 locations left (some seem to be no longer). Both establishments source UK local beef and do a good burger. They even kind of look the same inside.
![Industrial Diner Meets 1950s Classroom Burger Restaurant](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4000fae1-69fc-4149-bb49-3db2de7a0503_968x544.webp)
![Industrial Diner Meets 1950s Classroom Burger Restaurant](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe2851b19-6158-4cf1-9c5e-5890acecd136_1280x960.jpeg)
The Alchemist
Cuisine: American and Asian
Vibe: Sullen, Sleek & Dark Interiors
Number of Restaurants: 23
Everyone already knows about the experimental (and super boozy) cocktails from The Alchemist, where you can come to expect sleek and modern interiors for your most Patrick Bateman friend while drinking cocktails that have more ingredients than your Tesco Meal Deal (counting drinks and crips).
What you may not of tried is the equally extensive food menu with options for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner like Cubano Pork Bon Bons and Fajita Style Sharing Boards. The menu is an interesting mix of American and Asian with items like Jalapeño and Parmesan donuts (yes please). I'm going to be honest I haven't formally ate dinner here (just small bites) but I also wouldn't be opposed, I wish they went more Asian-American Fusion than Asian and American (all it takes is a yuzu mayo). Their breakfast menu seems the most fleshed out so you if wanted a boozy brunch this isn't bottomless this may be for you.
Wagamamas
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Vibe: Japanese Minimal Modern with Warm and Soft Lighting
Number of Restaurants: 166
Starting over 30 years ago in London, Wagamama's has been a high street staple for a longtime. While it won't be the most authentic Asian food you've ever had it certainly hits to the spot. I definitely have a specific craving when I want Wagamamas. Portions will be smaller than average but that means more options for starters, they also introduce new dishes fairly often to keep things interesting.
Wagamama's is now expanding in the US so you might even be able to eat your favourites abroad now.
Miller and Carter
Cuisine: Steak
Vibe: New York in the 2000s
Number of Restaurants: 126
Now why I haven't personally have eaten here, it's been highly recommended by TikTok comment section and if I do anything it is listen to the people.
So why I haven't I ever tried Miller and Carter before? Well 1. There has always been better independent steak restaurants in the area I wanted to try and 2. Dated Interiors (I am a sucker for nice atmosphere).
Taking a closer look I can see why Miller and Carter is popular. First their shear density of restaurants and spread across the UK makes them highly accessible, second they source 100% British & Irish beef that is 30 days matured and they invest heavily in their chefs with each one attending 'Steak School' (sign me up). They also have Master Butchers then cut our off-bone steaks by hand.
Third, their price is right, you can dine on an 8oz Sirloin Steak for 18.95, a 12oz Ribeye for 21.50 or an 8oz Rump for 14.95. They also do lots of offers like Thursday date night or a Sunday lunch where you can get 3-course set menu £32.50.
For me, a steak restaurant is all about the sides because a good steak tastes so much better with amazing sides and they have reinvented classics like Camembert Mash, Stuffed Bone Marrow and Beef Barbacoa Mac and Cheese.
While the interiors feel a little dated (aren't we past fully carpeted rooms?) you'll dine on a above average meal for a below average price which sounds very much worth it.
Mowgli
Cuisine: Indian
Vibe: Fairy light Treehouse
Number of Restaurants: 23
Known for their iconic seated swings, Mowgli has a natural green colour palette paired with light wooden chairs and soft fairy lightings. It feels reminisce of a treehouse far away in a much warmer climate. Across all their locations there is no question that you know you're dining at Mowgli.
As far as food goes, Mowgli's speciality is Indian street food served small plate style. They have unique menu items like Mowgli House Lamb thats simmered with anise, plums, chickpeas (the owner's Dad's recipe) and Treacle Tamarind Fries so if you like a bit of sweet and savoury this palette may be for you.
They also offer 'Tiffin Boxes' popular in India, which is the chef's pick of meat, veggies & carbs for one. Some people mention the portions are smaller than your average dining experience so add an extra small plate when ordering if you're extra hungry!
Bistro Pierre
Cuisine: French
Vibe: Light and Bright French Bistro
Number of Restaurants: 20
Bistro Pierre has been serving French cuisine for 30 years. Each location does offerings like Wine and Watercolour, Unlimited Brunch on Sundays, and 6 course Tasting Menus which keeps things interesting.
Menu wise you'll find French classics like Steak Frites alongside Poulet Rôti (French style half roast chicken) and newer items like Moroccan Sweet Potato & Red Pepper Tagine. Each location seems to be doused in natural light, which I personally love and they really do an amazing job are continuing the French Bistro vibe at every Pierre.
Lounges
Cuisine: International
Vibe: Antique Eccentric
Number of Restaurants: 130
Lounges have been highly recommended by the people, and have been around since 2002 when three mates from Bristol decided they wanted to create a space that they would want to go to. Each Lounge operates under a different name that sounds like 'Zorro, Tiempo, Loco' or something similar.
While seated in quirky mismatched furniture and brightly coloured murals you'll be dining on International Tapas like Honey Whipped Feta, Spicy Beef Quesadillas and Bang Bang Fried Cauliflower. They serve mains like Nasi Goreng and Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Maple BBQ Sauce and have been have full seperate menus for Vegan and Gluten Free diners.
All in all, Lounges seem like a cool place to have a drink with a few mates, so doesn't seem like they're going anywhere anytime soon.
Bill's
Cuisine: British and American
Vibe: Barnyard Chic
Number of Restaurants: 45
In full disclosure I've only had Bill's for Brunch (and it's always been a very hungover breakfast at that). Besides my own personal experience, Bill's has been solidly recommended by the TikTok comment section so let's dive deeper into why Bill's is a favourite by many.
![Barnyard Chic Restaurant Bills](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F574e9732-1d29-4e85-8d90-e5a6087d78f0_2560x1707.jpeg)
![Barnyard Chic Restaurant Bills](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff6efae1b-09a0-489a-8a4b-f229754d5a15_1600x1067.jpeg)
They have a selection of starters and larger portions for sharing like Truffle Cheese Fondue. Mains you're looking at a mix of American and British options like Burgers, Chicken, Fish Pie, and Steak. They have a pretty wide Vegan and Vegetarian options that aren't just salads like a Hippy Bowl with roasted butternut squash & spiced cauliflower, green lentils, pickled red cabbage, ancient grains, avocado, & spinach with turmeric & mint yoghurt
I think Bill's is best for a seated Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch. The menu feels fresh and light (depending what your order). I think Bill's can do with a stronger inside, and its seems like they've put a lot of money since 2020 into revamping many of their locations.
So how did I do? Is your favourite on here? Is a restaurant that’s utter shite on here? Let me know in the comments, and finally subscribe for more content like this: