Uber Eats UK has unveiled the nine regional champions competing to be named the country's best restaurant. The winners were chosen through a public vote from a shortlist of independent restaurants across the UK.
Each regional champion will now compete for the national title and a share of the prize fund. Representing the North West is Liverpool-based Nashville Cluck, which serves hand-breaded fried chicken made with Nashville spices and house-made sauces.
Nashville Cluck's journey
Khalid Yafai, director at Nashville Cluck, said: “We’re really proud to be this year’s North West regional winner. It’s been four years since we launched Nashville Cluck, and we’ve always focused on making our food different and unique. We're looking forward to September and showing the judges what authentic Nashville buttermilk chicken is all about.”
Nashville Cluck first opened in the Georgian Quarter in October 2022 with the hopes of creating the "perfect" chicken burger. At one point, the business served more burgers than McDonald's on Uber Eats.
The brand can be found dotted throughout Merseyside in places like the Baltic Market, Townfield Lane in Wirral and Concert Square. The brand’s latest opening came last year when it opened on Duke Street.
National competition and prizes
Now, the Nashville Cluck team will compete in a two-day live cook-off in London next month. The judging panel will be led by comedian, podcaster and food enthusiast Ed Gamble. The Liverpool business previously represented the entire region at the 2024 annual Uber Eats Awards.
The winner will receive £100,000 to invest in their business. All nine regional champions will also receive £5,000 and a bespoke Uber Eats UK growth package.
This year, marking five years of the Restaurant of the Year Awards and 10 years of Uber Eats in the UK, the prizes for second and third place have also increased. They will receive £25,000 and £10,000 respectively.
The 2026 Regional Champions
Bradford, Yorkshire and North East – Shimlas: Shimlas is a beloved Bradford destination that brings people together over authentic, flavour-packed curries, signature kebabs, and traditional recipes cooked to perfection.
Bristol, South England and Wales – Gurt Wings: Gurt Wings is an award-winning Bristol favourite known for its ultra-crispy, hand-breaded fried chicken wings, tenders, and signature homemade sauces.
Central London – Coqfighter: Founded by three friends inspired by hot summer nights eating Korean fried chicken in Melbourne, Coqfighter offers quality, flavour-packed fried chicken that has grown from casual pop-ups into multiple vibrant full-service restaurants.
Coventry, West Midlands – Jinseon: Jinseon offers an authentic Korean BBQ experience in Coventry, combining high-quality meats, bold traditional marinades and interactive tabletop dining for friends and family.
Glasgow, Scotland and Northern Ireland – Piatto: Piatto serves authentic Italian comfort food in Glasgow, featuring freshly made pasta, artisanal pizzas, and rich regional flavours crafted from high-quality, traditional ingredients.
Leicester, East Midlands – Ragin Bird: Ragin Bird serves up craveable, bold-flavoured fried chicken, loaded burgers, and fiery sides made fresh to order for Leicester's spice and comfort food lovers.
Liverpool, North West – Nashville Cluck: Nashville Cluck brings the fiery soul of Tennessee to Liverpool with hand-breaded, freshly fried chicken tossed in authentic Nashville spices and house-made sauces.
North London – Junglees: Founded in 2021 by former City lawyer Nomaan and his foodie business partner Hamza, Junglees serves freshly cooked-to-order burgers with premium ingredients and unlimited customisable toppings in a welcoming, community-focused space.
South London – Brorritos: Inspired by Mexican street food, Broritos delivers hearty burritos, tacos, bowls and sides prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavour combinations in a casual, friendly atmosphere much-loved by locals.
Merve Basci, general manager of Uber Eats UK, said: “Independent restaurants are the beating heart of the UK’s food scene and that shows when the public rally behind their local spots. Whether it’s your go-to local lunch place, the perfect late-night smash burger or a TikTok-famous street food pop-up, Uber Eats is proud to support the businesses that bring flavour, jobs, and culture to our communities.
The Restaurant of the Year Awards are about more than claiming the title alone. They’re about investing in the people who are championing hospitality right across the UK and helping them accelerate their growth.”
