EnglandFood and Drink

Today’s food scene in England is richly spiced with global influences and has developed several of its own dishes that have reached continents in every direction.

Scones are a beloved snack often served at tea time, with Cornish clotted cream and jam. There is some debate as to whether you spread the cream or jam first to let it soak into the scone. On your trip to England, you’ll have to experiment to see on which side of the debate you land. Don’t get locals started on MIF (milk in first) versus TIF (tea in first) when it comes to tea!

Bubble and squeak, a meal traditionally made on Mondays with leftovers from the big Sunday meal, is a fried meat, cabbage, and potato casserole. Bangers (sausage) and mash (mashed potatoes) are often served with baked beans and make a hardy meal. Some England tours and hotels may include a full English breakfast, made in a frying pan filled with eggs, bacon, blood sausage, beans, fried tomatoes, and fried bread on the side.

At tea time, spoil yourself with a cuppa at the Ritz in London. At the opposite end of the spectrum, no English vacation would be complete without a visit to a chippy—a fish and chips shop, with deep-fried fish and potatoes. These are traditionally wrapped in newspaper to catch the grease and keep it warm on the way home (they’re also a bit cheaper than sitting down to fish and chips at the pub).

In the larger cities, all kinds of ethnic foods are available, but even in small towns, you’re likely to find at least one Chinese restaurant and a curry house. Curry has been so popular that it has been adopted as a national dish. In fact, the first curry house opened in London in 1810, more than two hundred years ago!

What is England’s traditional cuisine?

The culinary landscape across the UK is fiercely competitive and varied, keeping Michelin inspectors busy, year after year. That said, the traditional Sunday roast remains an institution in many British pubs, and fish and chips is still the national comfort food. For something more creative, try a scotch egg, a sausage roll, or black pudding if you’re feeling adventurous. High tea is an afternoon treat enjoyed across the country, typically including a variety of sandwiches and pastries, while desserts ranging from jam roly poly to spotted dick, to the Eton mess are sure to tempt your sweet tooth. Some of your favourite Indian dishes were invented in London and Birmingham as well. 

What is the dining etiquette in England?

There are countless points of etiquette to be observed at an English table, and almost as many situations in which they go right out the window. On your England trip, always use cutlery, with your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right. Only use fingers for eating at a barbecue (or a takeaway wrap, kebab, or sandwich,) and never speak or chew with your mouth open. If invited to dinner, try to arrive within half an hour of the start time, and bring a small gift such as flowers or wine. Always respond to an invitation, whether you can go or not, and give plenty of notice if your plans change. Likewise, any allergies or food preferences should be given to the host well in advance. They’ll almost always accommodate you, but criticizing or avoiding the food during the meal is very bad manners. 

What is the drinking etiquette in England?

English people love to share a pint or a chi-chi cocktail, but one thing to watch for in England is “the shout.” This is essentially taking turns buying a round for the whole table, and English people will often do this automatically if sharing a drink. If you don’t want to be part of the shout, be sure to say so (even all inclusive English vacation packages don’t include rounds for the house!). It’s extremely bad etiquette to leave before at least offering to buy a drink for those who’ve bought you one, and you can forget anything we’ve said about British politeness if you do!

Does England cater to dietary restrictions?

If you can imagine it, there’s probably a kitchen in England that serves it. English food is as diverse as English society, so vegetarians, vegans, coeliacs, people with allergies, and those with religious restrictions will never have to look far to find a tasty meal. If you are still concerned about your dietary restrictions, a travel agency can help you locate restaurants that cater to your specific needs.

What do meals typically cost in England?

Dining out in England is expensive. A humble plate of fish and chips or Sunday roast can easily set you back US $25-30 in London, with a 3-course dinner for two running closer to US $110. Even Londoners often can’t afford those prices every day, which is why you can also pick up a delicious snack at a local market or cheap eatery for less than US $15. 

Restaurants are roughly 20 percent cheaper in the rest of England, unless you’re following the bus tours in historic towns like Bath or York, or in the upmarket restaurants that shape England’s food scene. Asian restaurants often have cheaper options too, and South Asian food in England ranks among the best you’ll try anywhere.