And We’re Off!

And we’re off! Yes, hospitality is in crisis. The UK High Street is facing a 14% year-on-year decline in footfall, and over 6,000 restaurants have closed in the last 12 months. But street food is bucking the trend. It isn’t just surviving – it’s thriving. New food heroes are now powering a sector projected to grow by 8% in 2026, according to the UK Hospitality Market Report. And the British Street Food Awards is at the heart of it all, in its sixteenth year, giving new culinary talent a chance to shine.

This summer, regional heats will take place all across the country, from Edinburgh to Portsmouth, leading up to a much-anticipated national final in September at the iconic Peddler Market in Sheffield. At this groundbreaking theatre of street food, Britain’s most exciting traders will compete for the title of Britain’s best, with the Champions earning a coveted spot at the 2026 European Street Food Awards in Germany – a gateway to international expansion.

The full list of locations is listed below. If you’re a foodie, do NOT miss this opportunity to eat drink vote. Clear your year. If you’re a trader, head straightover to our new application form on the website. Our Awards have been drawing attention to the great works being done in the world of really casual eating since 2009. And, since 2017, things have been going crazy at our Awards in Europe and the USA. But it was the British Street Food Awards that started it all off. Now’s your chance – come and join us.

British Street Food Awards – Scottish heats at the 2026 Scottish Street Food Awards
The Pitt, Edinburgh, May 1-3

British Street Food Awards – South West heats
Harbourside Market, Bristol, May 16-17

British Street Food Awards – Southern heats
Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, May 22-25

British Street Food Awards – Welsh heats at the 2026 Welsh Street Food Awards
Street Food Circus, Pembrokeshire, June 27-28

British Street Food Awards – Northern heats
Stockport Foodie Friday, Stockport, August 23

British Street Food Awards – the Final
Peddler, Sheffield, September 4-6

European Street Food Awards – the Final
Die Street Food Familie, Saarbrucken, September 18-20