30 August 2026
Ruby Deakin
Photo Credit: Joe Horner
The world’s biggest street food competition is heading to Sheffield for its national grand final. After five fiercely competitive heats spanning every corner of the country, 15 remaining traders will take to Peddler Market and cook for the title of Britain’s top vendor.
From Friday 4 – Sunday 6 September, foodies from Sheffield and beyond will have the chance to sample the best bites from up and down the country and vote in the People’s Choice Award, with the winners announced on the final day of the competition. And the best part – it’s free to enter!
Image: Joe Horner
There are 15 awards up for grabs in total, with the titles of best dessert, main, snack, burger, vegetarian and spice dish decided by the expert panel of judges.
Their annual Sustainability Award celebrates the traders going above and beyond to minimise their environmental impact, whether that’s through reducing food waste, working towards a clean supply chain, or keeping connected with local communities. The judges will crown the overall British Street Food Awards Champion on Sunday afternoon alongside all major winners.
Image: Jacob Fisher
Food fans can also vote in the online awards for Best Looking Van, Truck & Trailer, Best Digital Content Creator and Best Food Hall.
For the awards team, Sheffield was a natural choice for the grand final. The city is fast becoming one of the UK’s top food destinations and is home to big BFSA winners from years gone by. Much-loved Mexican hotspot Pellizco was named Best Newcomer in 2020 and, after their Northern heat win, was awarded Best Vegetarian dish in 2021 for their soy and sesame crispy cauliflower tacos.
Image: Joe Horner
Cambridge Street Collective was also named Best Food Hall two years in a row in 2024 and 2025. This year, Cutlery Works in Neepsend is hoping to claim the category’s top spot.
Richard Johnson, Founder of the British Street Food Awards, said: “Honestly, the finals of the 2026 British Street Food Awards couldn’t be happening anywhere more fitting. Because if anyone has helped lead the street food revolution in the North, it’s Peddler.
“What started as a warehouse market became a movement — championing independents, backing proper talent, and proving that some of the best meals in Britain are eaten standing up with a beer in hand. We can’t wait. Big flavours. Big crowds. Big Sheffield energy.”
Image: Joe Horner
Away from the food, DJs in Peddler Warehouse and Factory Floor will soundtrack the festival all weekend long. The event will also host a local makers’ market selling goods from independent vendors including The Yorkshire Print Company, Ragtag Ratbag and Echino Ceramics.
The event is family and dog friendly, with Poem of Stones offering live pet portraits. Patterns & Synchronicities will also be hosting on-site Tarot Readings, with slots bookable on the day.
Following the UK final, the top winners will battle it out against street food champions from across the continent, representing Britain at the 2026 European Street Food Awards in Germany.
Image: Joe Horner
The BSFA will be announcing their finalists’ menus and guest judges soon, so keep your eye on their socials for all the latest updates.
The British Street Food Awards 2026 will take place at Peddler Warehouse from 4 – 6 September. For all the info, visit peddler.market and britishstreetfood.co.uk.