The Food & Beverage (F&B) sector in the UK, particularly in major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, is a vibrant and highly competitive market that caters to a diverse, multicultural population and a world-renowned tourism industry. The sector is valued at over £100 billion and continues to grow, driven by high consumer spending, a thriving hospitality culture, and increasing demand for dining and delivery experiences. The UK’s restaurant scene is rich and varied — from classic British pubs and local street food to Michelin-starred establishments and international cuisine — making it a global culinary destination. In retail, major supermarket chains coexist with premium grocers, specialty shops, and an ever-growing e-commerce grocery segment. With the UK government’s focus on food sustainability and local sourcing, there’s also increased investment in agritech, while rising consumer awareness around health, sustainability, and ethics is shaping demand across the sector — creating fresh opportunities for producers, restaurateurs, and F&B tech startups alike.

At John & Partners, our Food & Beverage practice advises clients across the entire value chain — from British producers and international importers to restaurant groups, franchises, and food tech companies. For retail and hospitality clients, we offer guidance on commercial leasing in high-traffic urban areas, drafting and negotiating franchise agreements for international brands entering the UK market, and navigating employment law challenges in an industry known for high turnover and seasonal staffing.

Our intellectual property team supports clients in protecting their brand identity, proprietary recipes, packaging designs, and trade secrets. Meanwhile, our corporate lawyers advise on M&A transactions, investment structuring, and joint ventures in what is a rapidly consolidating sector. With the increasing digitalization of the food economy, John & Partners also counsels delivery platforms, dark kitchens, and e-grocery startups on regulatory compliance — including data protection, consumer law, and partnership structuring between platforms, couriers, and restaurants.