Two beloved Greater Manchester restaurants, Fat Pat's and Burgerism, have been shortlisted for the Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Awards 2026. The annual awards, run by the food ordering platform to celebrate its tenth birthday, aim to spotlight and champion small restaurant businesses across the UK.
Fat Pat's: From Hole-in-the-Wall to Viral Sensation
Fat Pat's, a backstreet sandwich shop that started as a tiny hole-in-the-wall in an alley in 2022, has grown through word of mouth, long queues, and thousands of social media shares. Located on Portland Street near Chinatown, the takeaway serves mega sandwiches such as the Philly Cheesesteak, Hot' Honey Fried Chicken, and Shrimp Po'Boy. The team has also gained recognition for community initiatives, including support for people experiencing homelessness and contributions toward protecting vulnerable people, animals, and wildlife.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Fat Pat's wrote: "We're incredibly proud to have been nominated for Uber Eats Restaurant Awards 2026. To be recognised alongside some of the UK's best restaurants means a lot to us. From a pop-up in Chorlton, to our hatch in Manchester Chinatown, and new restaurant in Shoreditch, we're still a small independent business slinging sandwiches - and we couldn't have done it without your support."
Burgerism: Cult Burger Brand Expands
Also nominated is Burgerism, a cult-favourite Manchester-born brand famous for its smashed patties and seasoned fries. Launched in 2018 as a delivery-only dark kitchen on an industrial estate in Salford, it has become one of the most popular options on delivery platforms and was named one of Britain's top 10 burgers. Founder Mark Murphy identified the opportunity for smashed burgers, inspired by US food trends.
Today, Burgerism spans two dark kitchens in Salford and Manchester, takeaways in Gatley and Denton, and a presence at Freight Island. In February 2026, eight years after launch, the brand opened its first dine-in experience in Piccadilly Gardens. Menu highlights include the fan-favourite 'Cheesed' burger with two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and signature sauce on a seeded brioche bun, plus chicken burgers, wings, seasoned fries, and sauces like BBQ, Blue Cheese, Spicy Buffalo, and Garlic Ranch.
Uber Eats Awards Categories
For its anniversary year, Uber Eats has included two special categories: Gamechanger, recognising a best-in-class medium-sized restaurant that has impacted the food industry over the past five years; and Titan Trailblazer, spotlighting a restaurant or individual making a meaningful community impact through local causes, sustainability, or building best-in-class teams. Food lovers across the UK and Ireland can vote for their favourite shortlisted restaurants before polling closes.
