Tasty foodie spots to discover by rail

It’s officially Winter. Some of us are considering turning the heating on. About 80% of us are coming down with a cold. And what’s the saying? Feed a cold? Well, you don’t need to tell us twice. Fend off the chill with a warming trip to one of our fave foodie spots across the UK – all reachable by rail. Treat yourself to something delicious, and we don’t just mean a Seatfrog upgrade.

Credit: @lupintheromanian

Malton, Yorkshire

Nearest station: Malton

Known as the food capital of Yorkshire, Malton is absolutely spoiled for delicious spots to discover. Start in Talbot Yard, home to artisan producers including a butcher, baker, and macaron maker. There’s a huge range of great restaurants and pubs to choose from, including top pizza at Florio’s and gorgeous brunch at Forty Six Malton. There are also foodie events throughout the year, including a monthly food market, a Food Lover’s Festival, a Harvest Festival, and a Christmas Festival, so keep your eye out.

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North Berwick, Scotland

Nearest station: North Berwick

Just half an hour from Edinburgh, North Berwick sits right on the sea. Chefs and food-loving locals have been moving in here over the years, and properly delicious spots have been cropping up as a result. Bostock Bakery has racked up a global reputation for its pastries – NOMA’s Rene Redzepi sent his pastry chef over from Copenhagen to learn from them. What higher praise? And as seafood, head to the Lobster Shack on the harbourfront for super-mega-local fish and crustaceans (check their social media, as opening can depend on season and weather).

Credit: @hauserwirthsomerset

Bruton, Somerset

Nearest station: Bruton

This picturesque market town has become a proper foodie hotspot. Alongside seriously good local restaurants like The Chapel, The Old Pharmacy and Roth Bar & Grill, sits Osip – holding both a Michelin star and a green Michelin star. Committed to seasonal and local produce, there are no menus. Just trust their chefs to create something incredible and memorable. Over at The Newt Estate, foodie events and activities are always on the calendar.

Credit: @barb49d

Cartmel, Lake District

Nearest station: Cark & Cartmel

Not the best kept foodie secret, perhaps, but Cartmel is one of the greats. There are two unmissable food icons in this pretty Lake District village. The first is the sticky, delicious Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding. The village shop started selling it as a take-home treat in 1989, and it exploded in popularlity. Sure, you can buy it in the supermarket, but this is the OG. The second is L’Enclume. Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in the world, with three Michelin stars, chef Simon Rogan’s 20-course menu is one to travel for. And save up for.

Credit: @silly_tees

Deal, Kent

Nearest station: Deal

Margate gets all the attention – Shoreditch on the Sea, blah blah – but a little way down the coast, Deal has been quietly building up its reputation as a foodie hotspot to contend with. Technically, it’s actually closer to France than London, so lean into that Gallic proximity and load up on cheese, bread and pastries from No Name Shop, or sit back with a glass of French wine at La Penardier. For a more local experience, book in at Deal institution The Dining Club for a real dinner party vibe – menus change regularly and it’s BYOB. It’s great value and great fun. What more could you want?

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