Newcastle’s pubs, bars and nightclubs have the second best food hygiene ratings of 17 major UK cities, with none rated 1, according to an analysis of Food Standards Agency ratings by Virtual College, an online compliance training provider.
The city’s pubs, bars and nightclubs averaged 4.81 out of 5, with 86.49% rated 5 and seven premises awaiting inspection. Only Nottingham, at 4.94, scored higher. The findings were sent to newsrooms on 16 October 2026.
Across all food premises, Newcastle ranked ninth with an average of 4.59. Of its premises, 76.20% held the top rating of 5 and 0.97% were rated 1, with 76 awaiting inspection. Nottingham came first overall with 4.84 and Birmingham last with 4.28.
By type of business
Newcastle’s schools, colleges and universities ranked sixth with an average of 4.93, and hospitals, childcare and care homes ninth with 4.86. Neither category had any premises rated 1.
Restaurants, cafés and canteens ranked 12th, averaging 4.50, with 72.93% rated 5, 1.30% rated 1 and 45 premises awaiting inspection.
Takeaways and sandwich shops ranked 11th, averaging 4.23, with 56.99% rated 5 and 2.10% rated 1. Takeaways were the weakest category nationally in the study.
Jamie Ashforth, business and strategy director at Virtual College, said: “A strong hygiene rating is a genuine competitive advantage. Businesses that display and promote their rating tend to build more trust with local customers.”
How the figures were worked out
Virtual College used Food Standards Agency hygiene rating data for 2026, grouped by city and business type, across 17 of the UK’s major cities. It calculated each city’s average rating, the share of premises rated 5 and rated 1, and the number of premises awaiting inspection. Every rating is published on the Food Standards Agency register. More from the sector is in our hospitality section.