Hotels

Feed Your Clients’ Appetite with British Foodie Adventures

While fish and chips, afternoon tea, and the pub culture are British favorites, there is so much more to discover in Great Britain’s exciting food and drink scene. Delving into the destination’s gastronomy reveals new layers of flavors, age-old traditions, and culinary innovation that will easily wow your clients’ palate, plus offers an enriching portrait into British people and places.  

Travel advisors can create unexpected and immersive food-and-drink-focused journeys that are ideal for couples and friends traveling together – ones that incorporate London or all corners of Britain beyond the capital cities. Culinary travel is not only big business, it’s of big interest to today’s consumers. According to VisitBritain research, nearly half of U.S. travelers want to enjoy traditional afternoon tea and more than one-third would like to experience a wine tour in England’s vineyards.  Agents can satisfy their clients’ appetite by getting the inside scoop on tasty itineraries on Britain’s regional food specialties on the VisitBritain Trade website. Here are themed trip ideas for advisors to consider: 

Classic afternoon tea – think scones, clotted cream, jams, finger sandwiches, cakes and tarts – epitomizes century old British culinary tradition. Follow the world-famous route by booking afternoon tea at The Savoy or enjoy creative variations with Japanese and Moroccan influences, a whimsical (and delicious) world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or the Rosewood London’s new art afternoon tea inspired by acclaimed British sculptor, Antony Gormley. Your java-loving clients needn’t worry as Britain has a rich coffee culture, too! 

Gin has seen a big revival with new craft distilleries popping up all over the country. Travellers can go behind-the-scenes at the popular Bombay Sapphire, Hendricks or Beefeater gin distilleries and learn about the special handcrafted production process, culminating with a refreshing gin and tonic cocktail. Venture to smaller makers like Daffys from Scotland and Da Mhile Seaweed Gin from Wales, and savor each brand’s distinctive taste.

Immerse your clients in the ever-growing, award-winning vineyards of southeast England, surrounded by picturesque countryside that’s easily accessible via a day-trip from London. The country’s oldest commercial vineyard, Biddenden Vineyards produces red, rosé, white and sparkling wines from 11 different grape varieties. Raise a glass of delicious fizz at Nyetimber in West Sussex, the royal wine of choice, and tour one of England’s largest vineyards, Denbies Wine Estate.  Another option for your clients?  The Gourmet Garden Trails. Travellers can enjoy castles and freshly caught seafood or the rugged beauty and manicured gardens of the countryside. For more details, click here.

Complementing the budding wine industry are beer traditions reflecting Britain’s proud heritage. Add a little” hop” in your clients’ step with a trip to Manchester’s iconic Marble Brewery, which specializes in cask, keg, can and bottle beer. 

Cheese shop in York, England - Credit: ©VisitBritain/ Sam Barker

Head to Devon, land of cream teas (tea and scones with jam and clotted cream). Try a Cornish pasty, the regional D-shaped pastry from Cornwall filled with beef and vegetables. Visit Yorkshire, where clients can taste more than just Yorkshire pudding – think Pontefract cakes and parkin (gingerbread cakes), and some of Britain’s best dairy products, from creamy ice cream at Our Cow Molly to crumbly cheeses at Wensleydale Creamery.

The Penderyn Distillery, Wales.  Credit: ©VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

Take “a bite” out of Welsh food and drink as a perfect way to absorb local culture. Enjoy fine dining in Cardiff or join the Loving Welsh Food Tour where visitors sample traditional and modern dishes across the city. Forage for mushrooms along the scenic west coast or visit Penderyn Distillery to sample award-winning single-malt whisky and spirits. Visit the Abergavenny Food Festival, held in September across nine towns in the city, to experience master classes, chef demonstrations, and food-tasting workshops. 

Follow the Scottish seafood trail, a journey between 11 seafood restaurants on Scotland’s west coast. The only trail of its kind in the world, the Malt Whisky Trail brings visitors to one historic distillery and seven world-famous operating distilleries, including Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. For tastings, whisky-food pairings, and in-depth master classes, book Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience. 

This is just a snapshot of the food-and-drink-inspired trips to Britain that travel advisors can create for their clients. Ideal for first-timers or repeat visitors, themed culinary adventures thrill the plate year-round. With the convenience of an efficient rail network, short flights and scenic drives, travelers can easily explore regional cuisines across Britain, from bustling cities to seaside towns to quiet villages off the beaten path. 

Enroll in the BritAgent destination training program today and become a Great Britain specialist in no time!
 

The editorial staff had no role in this post's creation.