The Secrets Behind Why New Data: Leeds and York Named Among UK’s Five Fastest-Growing Hospitality Cities

It seems like the place to be for a great meal or a night out is right here in the North. Forget what you’ve heard about London being the centre of everything; new figures show that the real buzz is happening up here. And the brilliant news for us is that two of our very own cities, Leeds and York, are officially among the top five fastest-growing spots for hospitality in the entire UK. This means more new restaurants, cool bars, and cosy pubs are opening their doors in Yorkshire, making our region a proper leader in the country’s food and drink scene.

The north is officially leading the way

Ever feel like there’s always a new café or restaurant opening up nearby? Well, it’s not just a feeling. A proper detailed analysis, shared on 9 February 2026, has put some numbers to it. The research, carried out for the Northern Restaurant & Bar event, looked at how many 'licensed venues' – that’s basically any spot that can sell you a pint or a glass of wine, like pubs and restaurants – have opened or closed across the UK.

The results are pretty clear: the top five cities for growth are all in the North of England and Scotland. It’s a clean sweep! While major southern cities like London and Birmingham actually saw a drop in the number of their hospitality venues, our northern cities are booming. This shows a real shift, with Yorkshire playing a massive part in the growth of the UK's entire hospitality sector. The people who own and run these places, known as operators, are clearly finding success up here.

Here’s how the top five hospitality cities stacked up:

• Newcastle: +2.2% growth

• Chester: +2.0% growth

• York: +0.9% growth

• Glasgow: +0.2% growth

• Leeds: +0.2% growth

In contrast, London saw a decrease of -0.8% and Birmingham dropped by a hefty -2.9%. Seeing both York and Leeds on that top-five list is fantastic news for Yorkshire, proving the strength and appeal of our local scene. This impressive growth in licensed venues highlights the strength of the Northern food and drink industry.

So, what’s the secret to this northern success?

It seems to come down to a couple of simple things: great local pubs and customer loyalty. Think about your favourite local pub. It’s more than just a place for a drink; it's a community hub. The data shows that this feeling is much stronger in the North. About 39% of northern consumers are regulars at their local traditional pubs, compared to just 35% in the South. This loyalty makes a huge difference, helping these beloved venues not just survive but thrive, even when things are economically tricky. Northern pubs are seeing their sales grow, which is a testament to the support from local communities.

But it's not just about loyalty; it’s about satisfaction, too. When people go out in the North, they generally have a better time. The overall satisfaction rate up here is a massive 87%, beating the South’s 82%. What does that mean in real terms? It means that northern venues are getting things right. The analysis pointed out that they score higher on cleanliness, the variety of food and drinks on the menu, and how quickly they serve customers. A good experience keeps people coming back, and that high level of customer satisfaction is a cornerstone of the region’s success.

It’s all about a quality experience

Everyone is feeling the pinch with the cost of living at the moment, and the research shows that consumers in the North are particularly careful with their money. Around 72% said cost is a big factor when deciding whether to go out. But here’s the interesting bit. When northern consumers do decide to treat themselves, they focus on quality over quantity. They’re not just looking for the cheapest option; they’re looking for the best experience.

This might mean saving up for a really special meal to celebrate a birthday or choosing a place known for its amazing food and drink. It’s about making the times you do go out count. This trend reinforces just how important it is for venues to offer something special. The most successful operators are those who create a memorable experience, from the friendly welcome to the fantastic food. It's this focus on quality that builds loyalty and keeps the hospitality scene vibrant. The success of these hospitality cities is built on this very principle.

What the experts are saying

This fantastic news isn't just a blip on the radar; it’s part of a bigger picture of strength in the Northern hospitality world. Chris Brazier, who is the Group Event Director for NRB26 (that’s the Northern Restaurant & Bar event), summed it up perfectly.

He said: “The North’s hospitality sector has always been built on strong community roots, genuine value and standout experiences, and this data proves just how powerful that combination remains. Despite continued economic pressures, Northern operators are finding ways to grow by focusing on quality, loyalty and creating places people genuinely want to return to. It’s a positive signal for the future of hospitality in the region.”

His words confirm that the success of places like Leeds and York isn't an accident. It's built on a foundation of community, good value, and creating an excellent experience for every customer. This is what keeps the growth going.

The future of food and drink is northern

This trend shows no signs of slowing down, and the whole industry is taking notice. Events like the Northern Restaurant & Bar trade show are becoming more important than ever. It's where the creative people behind the UK's best venues get together to share ideas and find inspiration for the next big thing in food and drink. The next event is set to take place on 10–11th March at Manchester Central, bringing together thousands of operators from across the North.

It's at events like this, held right in the heart of the action at Manchester Central, that the future of the industry is shaped. For anyone who loves discovering new places to eat and drink in Yorkshire and beyond, this is all fantastic news. The continued growth and focus on quality mean there will be even more amazing venues to enjoy right on our doorstep.