How Many Restaurants Are There in the UK in 2026?

According to our analysis of the latest Companies House data, there are approximately 97,393 active restaurant and food service companies registered in the UK as of March 2026. This covers everything from independent cafes and takeaways to multi-site restaurant chains.

Restaurants by Region

London accounts for nearly a third of all restaurant companies in the UK, reflecting the capital's position as the centre of the UK's dining scene.

Industry Challenges

The restaurant sector has one of the highest rates of overdue accounts and confirmation statements of any UK industry. This reflects the well-documented challenges facing hospitality businesses — thin margins, rising costs, and high failure rates. Our data flags these compliance issues on every listing, making it easy to identify which businesses may be under financial pressure.

Ownership Patterns

The restaurant sector has notably diverse ownership. PSC data shows significant representation of Indian, Chinese, Turkish, Italian, and Bangladeshi nationals among restaurant company controllers — particularly in London and major cities. You can explore ownership nationality breakdowns on any of our restaurant browse pages.

Browse Restaurant Companies