The Rise of Street Food Businesses in the UK
In recent years, street food has become increasingly popular among food enthusiasts in the UK. The appeal is clear: it offers a chance to sample diverse, restaurant-quality cuisines from around the world at affordable prices. For aspiring entrepreneurs in the food industry, a street food business presents an enticing opportunity.
Compared to opening a traditional restaurant, the startup costs for a street food business are significantly lower. You can go from concept to reality in a matter of weeks, rather than months, and the flexibility of a mobile catering enterprise allows you to relocate to high-traffic areas where customers are abundant.
Related: Tips for launching a successful food truck venture
There has never been a more opportune time to venture into the street food market, especially in the UK. Below, we highlight some of the best cities in the country to establish your own mobile food business and capitalize on the growing trend of street food.
London
London stands out as one of the premier locations in the world to launch a street food business. As the epicenter of culinary diversity in the UK, the city boasts a population of food enthusiasts and tourists eager to explore new gastronomic experiences. With its affluent residents, you can set prices that ensure a healthy profit margin.
By participating in popular street food events like KERB markets and Street Feast, you can tap into London’s thriving street food scene. However, in a city teeming with culinary options, standing out from the competition is crucial. Researching existing vendors and carving out a unique niche can help you attract discerning customers.
Newcastle
Located north of London, Newcastle emerges as a prominent hub for street food businesses. With a vibrant student population keen on diverse cuisines, the city provides an ideal setting for launching a food truck. Major local events like the Christmas market and the Late Shows offer prime opportunities to showcase your culinary offerings to Newcastle’s food enthusiasts.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh emerges as another prime location for a food truck venture. With a dynamic entrepreneurial landscape and a penchant for gourmet cuisine, the city offers a fertile ground for street food vendors. Apart from catering to the student populace, you can leverage the city’s numerous weekly markets and festivals to expand your customer base.
The Scottish capital hosts a plethora of festivals and exhibitions, including the renowned Edinburgh Fringe, which attracts a sizable tourist influx annually. Securing a catering spot at such iconic events can significantly boost your profitability.
These cities epitomize the top destinations in the UK to kickstart a street food business. Whether you opt for established urban centers or seek out festivals and pop-up locations, several apps and digital platforms can help you scout prime spots for your food truck:
- StreetDots – Connects location owners, event organizers, and street traders through an online booking system, ensuring a vetted service for all parties.
- Street Food – Offers an app for booking services at festivals, markets, and pop-up locations, facilitating vendor-organizer match-ups.
- Feast It – An online platform for event catering, linking suppliers with organizers for festivals, street fairs, and outdoor parties.
- FoodHawkers – A UK-wide hub for caterers and street food traders, enabling event organizers to source vendors or list their events for traders to offer services.
- NCASS Mobile Catering – Provides access to a ‘Work Opportunities’ board as part of their Membership package.