Five Guys named UK's most popular fast food chain

The group – which launched in the UK in 2013 - knocked last year’s winner Nando’s in to second place after receiving ‘exceptional’ scores on food quality, cleanliness and staff friendliness.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen, KFC and Burger King rounded out the top five with Burger King receiving the lowest scores on speed of service, cleanliness, value for money, food quality, atmosphere and its range of healthy options.

The Market Force Information survey asked over 4,565 consumers to rate their experience at each chain and how likely they were to recommend it to others.

Cheryl Flink, chief strategy officer for Market Force Information, said: “The quick service restaurant category is evolving all the time, with new chains launching and arriving from overseas. Our research shows the quick traction of newcomer Five Guys – guests really appreciate the tasty burgers and think the brand offers great value.”

Coffee, Italian and pub offerings​

Pret A Manger was ranked the country’s favourite café while Café Nero beat Greggs in to second place ahead of Costa Coffee and Starbucks.

Flink said:  “The popularity of speciality coffee in the UK has exploded and shows no signs of slowing. Our research shows that this sector is intensely competitive. Although Pret A Manger scores best, the other brands have very similar guest ratings and will need to focus on product quality and the service from staff to differentiate. ”

Pizza Express was the highest rated pizza restaurant and Italian concept – alongside Prezzo – while JD Wetherspoon overtook Toby Carvery as the top pub and bar eatery.

The study also found that one in five people were left unsatisfied after their most recent visit to a fast food chain.

One in four had visited a café at least 10 times the last 90 days, with diners most likely to have visited Costa Coffee.