Here at Mystudenthalls.com, we’ve ranked the 40 best “drunk food” spots in the top university towns and cities across the UK.
See which student locations and late-night food stops top the list for the pengest chicken, greatest kebab, and of course, the cheesiest chips in the country.
Here’s how we worked out the Drunk Food Index:
Three key indicators were used. These were:
- After Hours Points (opening hours) – For every hour after midnight that a food establishment is open, one point is awarded. To bring fairness and consistency to the ranking, this is measured on a Friday – traditionally a big night out in the university week.
- After Club Grub Points (proximity from student union or main university campus) – Proximity score is worked out using a tiered points system, rewarding establishment closer to the University. For example, if a food establishment is a 0-5-minute walk away from the university, 10 points are awarded. If an establishment is 5-10 minutes away, nine points are awarded. This continues down to zero points.
- Student Saver Value – Student Saver Value is worked out by benchmarking the price of a recommended dish on the menu vs the price of a Big Mac Medium Meal (£4.29). For every 20 pence cheaper than the popular dish is, one point is awarded.
The Winner: Nabzy’s, Liverpool.
After Club Grub Points: 8
After Hours Points: 4
Student Saver Value: 8
Total: 20
In the words of The Beatles, ‘All you need is love’. But really, all you really need is Nabzy’s. In 2016, it was voted the city’s best takeaway, and ever since, it’s reputation as the place to eat, post going out, has remained. Boasting three universities, Liverpool’s Nabzy’s has three branches, with an extensive menu, reasonable prices. Someone even wrote them a love letter.
Our recommendation: The cheesy chips everytime (with or without gravy) and try make sure you try their famous red salt.
2. Chicken Base, Reading
After Club Grub Points: 8
After Hours Points: 5
Student Saver Value: 7
Total: 20
According to the dictionary, a ‘base’ is officially the foundation or starting point for something, and number 144 on Wokingham Road is very much this. So, if you’re returning home from a night out in Reading or the Union, and in the mood for some nuggets, strips, wings, or pieces of chicken, Chicken Base ticks all the boxes. They have a dedicated halal options and a dedicated Peri-Peri menu too.
Our recommendation: Anything with the word chicken in it. Okay, If we have to pick, fried chicken and chips.
3. Trailer of Life (aka the Van of Life), Cambridge
After Club Grub Points:9
After Hours Points: 3
Student Saver Value: 7
Total: 19
This unassuming food van, perched on Market Street, has been a staple for Cambridge students for over twenty years and is a mecca for students. It’s highly likely you’ll bump into fellow hungry zombie classmates in the early hours of the morning, before stumbling back to your halls.
Our recommendation: Two words, Cheesy chips. One online review claimed they’re “life changing.”
4. Runnymede chicken and ribs, Egham
After Club Grub Points: 7
After Hours Points: 0
Student Saver Value: 11
Total: 18
A hotspot for students on Egham High Street, the Runnymede is the pengest munch for Royal Holloway party goers. A pillar of the local community, it’s owner, Mr Ranam (or “Bossman”) loves to hang out with RHUL students and plate up arguably some of the best chicken and ribs in Egham.
Our recommendation: 6 crunchy wings
5. Dorothy’s, Cardiff
After Club Grub Points: 8
After Hours Points: 4
Student Saver Value: 5
Total: 17
We couldn’t put it better than the words of Steve M on TripAdvisor: “Want chips with off the bone chicken curry? This is THE place since 1953. An institution in a street renowned for its line of chip shops and kebab shops.” One fun fact for you though, Dorothy’s claims to be the oldest resident fast food shop on Caroline Street.
Our recommendation (and Steve’s): Chicken curry and chips
6. Clark’s Bakery, Dundee
After Club Grub Points: 8
After Hours Points: 7
Student Saver Value: 2
Total: 17
A 24-hour bakery. What more can we say! Well there’s lots, because it’s a bakery like no other, and even includes a celebrity fan, the comedian Kevin Bridges. Always open, the famous shop sells a variety of baked goods, including pies, paninis, pizza, bridies (a Scottish meat pastry), sausage rolls and more.
Our recommendation: A Scooby snack (1/4 pounder burger, Lorne, bacon, fried egg) or if you’re feeling really peckish ask about the Helicopter burger
7. Patrick’s Pizza (Paddy’s), Durham
After Club Grub Points: 10
After Hours Points: 3
Student Saver Value: 3
Total: 16
On the way back from a big night in out in Klute or Loveshack, there’s only one after party to be at, Paddy’s. They claim to have an endless range of pizzas, including the classics, all the way through to Chicken Kiev and Bolognese Feast, and from what we hear, they’re well worth queuing for. For any super fans, they also sell merchandise – who wouldn’t want a branded Patrick’s Pizza jumper!
Our recommendation: A pizza of your choice…as long as you go Deep Pan (and a jumper)
8. Munchies, Newcastle
After Club Grub Points: 9
After Hours Points: 7
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 16
One of three 24-hour establishments on our list, Newcastle’s very own Munchies, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has seating, if you’re feeling fancy. A popular late night spot for students, it’s known for fast service and bargain value.
Our recommendation: Cheesy gravy garlic chips
9. Buddies, Brighton
After Club Grub Points: 9
After Hours Points: 7
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 16
24-hour joint Buddies is a must visit for all (drunk) foodie fanatics. Whether it’s a post-night Pizza you’re after, or a build-your-own breakfast to beat away the booze, Buddies is a staple to top off any seafront night out.
Our recommendation: An English breakfast. Because hey, there’s nothing better than watching a sunrise alongside a tower of hash browns, right?
10. AJ’s, Leicester
After Club Grub Points:10
After Hours Points:4
Student Saver Value: 1
Total: 15
A regular stop for Nixon Court-ers, AJ’s is the guardian angel of Leicester nightclub goers. When the dancefloor stamina starts running on empty, AJ’s is always on hand with a healthy dose of banter and unquestionably awesome drunk food.
Our recommendation: Keep it classic with an AJ’s kebab
11. Abdul’s Food to Go, Manchester
After Club Grub Points: 9
After Hours Points: 5
Student Saver Value: 1
Total: 15
Let’s face it, when it comes to breeding legends, Manchester knows its stuff. From Sir Alex and the class of ‘92, to the Gallagher’s, Pep and the Rover’s Return, Mancunians have a whole lot of legends to shout about. But when it comes to late night munch, there’s only one true God: Abdul’s Food to Go. With curries, pizza, and burgers aplenty, this Fallowfield marvel has been an institution of drunk food through the generations.
Our recommendation: A chicken kebab sandwich
12. Taka Taka, Bristol
After Club Grub Points: 10
After Hours Points: 4
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 14
Taka Taka is so good they named it twice (previously MagicRoll). Nestled way up in the Clifton mountains (don’t judge, it feels like that after a night out) and now, in a rather more convenient spot on Bridewell Street, Taka Taka is a bonafide Bristol favourite for after club grub. Taka Taka’s Greek joys include pitas filled to the brim with succulent filling, wraps and souvlakis. Tuck in!
Our recommendation: Chicken Gyros pita. And if you haven’t discovered their halloumi chips, get stuck into some massive chunks of halloumi and garlic sauce.
13. Hassan’s, Oxford
After Club Grub Points: 9
After Hours Points: 4
Student Saver Value: 1
Total: 14
Hassan’s food pedigree needs no introduction. One happy camper even wrote online that Hassan’s gave him the ability to, ‘levitate, and…manipulate space and time’ – make of that what you will. It was also recently nominated for the illustrious, ‘Kebab van of the year’ award, and Jezza Corbyn attended the ceremony!
Our recommendation: It’d be rude not to try one of Has-man’s kebabs, but be sure not to miss out on the cheesy chips, which also hit the spot. Or just get both.
14. Aslan’s Kebabs, Sheffield
After Club Grub Points: 8
After Hours Points: 6
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 14
There is only one king of the Sheffield drunk food jungle: Aslan’s. Rumour has it, C.S. Lewis actually named Aslan the lion after Sheffield’s kebab master. Having enjoyed a BNO in Tank, C.S. apparently stumbled his way to Aslan’s for a pizza and pick me up with the Quidditch Soc – C.S was the snitch. In all seriousness, though, with crispy fried chicken, mouth-watering kebabs and unbeatable pizzas, who could really blame him?!* *Disclaimer, C.S. Lewis may not have been on a BNO to Tank – he prefers dancing to Single Ladies in Pop Tarts.
Our recommendation: Doner kebab and chips
15. City Kebab, Belfast
After Club Grub Points: 9
After Hours Points: 5
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 14
City Kebab is a no-frills taste sensation. Catering for veggies and carnivores alike, they have something for everyone on the menu. So, whether you’re looking for a succulent veggie kebab, or a meaty quarter pounder, City Kebab’s got you covered.
Our recommendation: It’s called ‘City Kebab’, what d’you think?! Doner meat kebab and chips all the way.
16.Chicken Cottage, Holborn
After Club Grub Points: 9
After Hours Points: 4
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 13
If you live, work or study in London, you’ll be well acquainted with Chicken Cottage. If you’re not, though, let’s give you a quick overview to get you settled in! Å champion of chicken, it’s pretty simple; you’ve got all the greasy, fried chicken delights to satisfy a grumbling stomach, without having to hand over half your student loan to the Colonel. Not bad, eh?
Our recommendation: The Peri Peri meal is absolutely top dollar
17. Viallis Fast Food, Leamington Spa
After Club Grub Points: 8
After Hours Points: 5
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 13
According to Viallis’ Facebook page, this classic takeaway joint is ‘the number one in fast food in Leamington Spa’ – quite an accolade, I’m sure you’d agree. Described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by its band of loyal supporters, you should handle Viallis with caution. Once you’ve had a taste of Viallis sweet, sweet magic, you too may have, ‘a permanent Viallis chips aroma’ in your lounge. Nice.
Our recommendation: Cheeseburger, chips and a drink. Just be sure to stock up on Febreeze, too.
18. Crispy, Leeds
After Club Grub Points: 8
After Hours Points: 5
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 13
As the saying goes, ‘When one door closes, another one opens’, or in Crispy’s case, when one club closes another one opens. That’s right. Not only is Crispy home to a mean serving of Cheesy Chips, it’s also home to the world famous Crispy’s Disco! When the clock hits midnight, if you’re lucky enough to be in there on a Crispy’s Disco night, you’ll be treated to disco balls galore, and a healthy serving of tunes to get you right back in the mood for dancing.
Our recommendation: Fish, chips and your best dancing shoes for a bit of TayTay
19. Palmrya Pizza, Edinburgh
After Club Grub Points: 10
After Hours Points: 2
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 12
Situated perfect stumbling distance from the Old Town and student accommodation, Palmrya’s is an ideal drunk food stop-off. It does exactly what it says on the tin, offering all the classics you’d expect, with a few extra twists here and there. It’s a little on the pricey side, so make sure you head in there with a friend (or a new found ‘mate’, if you need a bit of energy before getting to know each other). For cheaper options, Lonely Hearts Club members need only look towards Palmyra’s wraps- some of the best you’ll find in Edinburgh!
Our recommendation: Start with a margherita and customise from there
20. Pizza Land, Birmingham
After Club Grub Points: 9
After Hours Points: 3
Student Saver Value: 0
Total: 12
Far cheaper than pizza places that sound like Mominos, Pizza Land is Selly Oak’s go to for hungry, cost cutting students. Look for their Student Meal Deals, and get friendly with their patient staff.
Our recommendation: Pizza, obvs. And for 29p extra order the Special Pizza Land Sauce
Remaining Drunk Food Destinations
21. Chicken Cottage, London
22. Bistro Fast Food, Glasgow
23. Devrish, St Andrews
24. Spice Hut, London
25. Mario’s Pizza, Loughborough
26. Dino’s Pizza, Nottingham
27. Fish and Chipper, London
28. Efes pizza, York
29. Blue Lagoon, Glasgow
30. Roti King, London
31. Bosphorus Kebabs, London
32. ICCO, London
33. Nuro, Surrey
34. Belmont Kebab & Pizza, Aberdeen
35. Alfalafel, Bath
36. Goldenhorn, Exeter
37. Sal’s Kebab & Pizza House, Southampton
38. Oliver Tree, East Anglia
39. Ado’s, Lancaster
40. Bene’s, Edinburgh
Enjoy responsibly Mystudenthalls.com
