This January has seen the rise of the ‘empty restaurant’ TikTok trend – where local businesses share eerily quiet videos of their empty eateries during their post-Christmas lull. And, there are fears that the unfortunate lack of customers could be a regular occurrence throughout 2025, with Brits tightening their purse strings to allow for continual cost of living increases.

But, with a recent study showing that the average Brit intends to spend around £84 per month on dining out in 2025 – London Northwestern Railway (LNR) is encouraging the nation to spend that money eating locally, to support independent businesses this January and beyond.

They’ve done all the legwork, unveiling which iconic dishes each major UK city is famous for, and revealing the best local places to sample them. So, whether you’re looking to explore new flavours, or find the perfect date night spot, LNR’s ultimate regional culinary guide will help you discover where to indulge in the tastiest local dishes and kick those January blues…

Enjoy Classic Fish and Chips in London
It’s no shock that the classic British dish, fish and chips, is one of the most famous foods to come out of Britain – and of course, it originated in the capital city.

This iconic cuisine is most well known for being enjoyed on a Friday night by Brits, or when visiting the seaside. But the real question is, is it best served with mushy peas, gravy, or curry sauce?

Why not try out one of the most famous local joints in London for fish and chips – Oliver’s Fish and Chips in Belsize Park. Don’t forget to request lashings of salt and vinegar and batter scraps for a truly authentic experience.

The Famous Birmingham Balti
Thanks to Birmingham’s rich heritage, the city and nearby areas are well known for lots of famous foods, such as pork scratchings – gracing hundreds of UK pubs as a cheeky snack to enjoy alongside a beverage. But, besides iconic pub snacks, Birmingham is most famous for being the culinary birthplace of the Balti. While some historians debate its origins, proud locals believe the Pakistani-style dish was invented in Birmingham in the 1970s by a Pakistani restauranteur.

So, fancy trying some authentic cuisine from the source itself? Head to a Balti house located in the renowned ‘Balti Triangle’ along Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane, and Stratford Road for a true experience of the famous dish.

Hammer Down Some Haggis in Glasgow!
Although it doesn’t derive specifically from Glasgow, Scotland is as much known for its haggis as it is for bagpipes and tartan.

Although it may not appeal to all – especially vegetarians – haggis is a traditional dish made up of sheep liver, heart, and lungs minced with oatmeal, herbs, and spices. Not immediately grossed out? Head to City Merchant in the centre of Glasgow for a homemade taste of authentic haggis – it’s said this restaurant does the best in all of Glasgow!

Go Scouse in Liverpool
It’s a well-known fact that Liverpudlians are recognised as ‘scousers’, but what many Brits don’t know is this is because of their infamous delicacy – a stew called ‘scouse’!

The stew is usually made up of mutton or beef, alongside very thickly cut vegetables. Originating in Norway, it was brought to the city after seamen imported it across the channel when working on the cities’ port.

Looking to try out the famous dish when visiting? Look no further than the iconic Liverpool Cathedral or to find a real hidden gem – The Welsford Bistro. If you fancy going on a tour around the cathedral too, it’s free!

Another infamous location to mention for an unforgettable scouse is the Cavern Restaurant, which won TripAdvisor’s 2024 Travellers Choice award!

Enjoy a little Sweet Treat in Bristol
Ever heard of a mothering bun? No, neither had we. But, it’s what Bristol is most famous for when it comes to food!

If you find yourself in this beautiful city in the southwest of England, be sure to visit some of their cafes where you’re guaranteed to come across a mothering bun – a sweetbread with icing on top typically covered in hundreds and thousands. These famous breads get their name from being the preferred treat for Bristolians the day before Mothering Sunday. Who knew? If you fancy tasting the local sweet treat, you’ll find them at Joe’s Bakery on Gloucester Road and some other local bakeries.

Get a Sweet Tooth for Manchester’s Eccles Cakes
Named after the town in Manchester, Eccles, Eccles cakes are round pastries made from flaky puff pastry and are filled with currants, butter, sugar and a hint of spice.

However, Manchester is known for its diverse food scene, so isn’t famous for just one dish. They excel in all aspects of food, from the sweet and savoury and even drinks:

Manchester tart – a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with strawberry jam, custard and desiccated coconut. Head over to Wild Mint Kitchen Cafe to get your fix!
Vimto – created in Manchester in 1908, and since then has become a beloved refreshment for Brits, this famous blackcurrant drink is popular with Manc’s.
Rag pudding – originated in Oldham, Manchester, this suet pudding is filled with mince and onions – available to purchase at local fave The Stumble Inn Chippy.
Manchester egg – a modern twist on the scotch egg, the Manchester egg reflects the city’s drive to create food. This variation features a pickled egg wrapped in black pudding and sausage meat. Feel intrigued? You can give it a go at Manchester’s Abel Heywood.