Mintel research estimates that the sector is now worth almost £3.3m, up from £2.7m in 2011, with further expansion on track.
American-style burger bars are set to overtake Mexican outlets as one of the fastest areas of growth in the UK restaurant scene over the next few years, according to a Horizon’s report.
Londoners are continuing to drive the gourmet market, with 20 per cent visiting a premium outlet between May and June this year, compared to just seven per cent of people across the UK.
However, the growing number of gourmet concepts has seen customers become more demanding of fast food and other burger outlets across the country.
According to Mintel’s study, 40 per cent of people are keen to see more customisable dishes in fast food restaurants, with the ability to choose bread, meat and toppings, and 35 per cent are interested in seeing a wider choice of meats other than beef.
It comes after McDonald’s announced plans to roll-out its cooked-to-order premium burgers across the UK.
Sixteen per cent of fast food diners are also keen to see more restaurants serving alcohol and 23 per cent want outlets to offer a wider range of meat free options.
Kiti Soininen, head of UK food and drink research at Mintel, said: “Customisation is also a top expectation for gourmet offerings, in line with a more general demand for knowing what goes into one’s food and the trend for personalisation. Fast food venues are already looking to incorporate customisation options into their menus and competitors should look to follow suit.”
The study comes after US burger chain Five Guys beat Nando’s to the title of the UK’s favourite fast food chain earlier this year.