Good English cooking is superb and there are some restaurants specializing in old English dishes. In general, the north of the country tends to offer more substantial and traditional food, at more reasonable prices than the south. Every region, however, has its own specialty. For those who want variety, London and the larger cities offer every type of ethnic food imaginable, Chinese and Indian being particularly popular and good value for money.
Things to know: Table service in restaurants is usual but there are self-service snack bars. The English pub is nothing short of a national
institution and even the smallest village in the remotest corner of the country usually has at least one. Bars are common in cities and towns, often having a ‘happy hour’ (when prices are reduced) in the early evening. Pubs are typically open Mon-Sat 1100-2300, though many now stay open later, and Sun 1200-2230.
Regional specialties:
• Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
• Spotted dick (suet pudding with currants and raisins).
• English cream tea, particularly in south coast seaside resorts, consisting of scones, jam, butter, clotted or double cream and, of course, tea.
• Regional varieties of baking such as Bakewell tart, a pastry base covered with jam, almond filling and topped with icing; and breads of all description.
• Famous English cheeses such as Cheddar, Wensleydale, Lancashire and Stilton.
Regional drinks:
• Beer - bitter and lager are the most popular, but stout, pale ale and brown ale are also widely drunk.
• Cider.
• Tea.
• Gin.
•
Pimm’s, a refreshing gin-based drink, usually mixed with lemonade, fruit and mint, and especially popular in summer.
Legal drinking age: 18.
Tipping: A service charge (usually 10-12.5%) might be included in the prices stated on the menu but it is more likely to be added to the bill at the end. This is technically an optional charge. Where ‘service is not included’, a tip of at least 10% is expected. Diners should check the bill thoroughly, as tipping is not required on top of a service charge. Tipping is not expected, but is welcomed, in bars and pubs if ordering at the bar.
NightlifeThe main cities, London in particular, have a vast range to choose from:
theater (including open-air in the summer),
opera,
ballet,
concerts,
cinema,
restaurants,
nightclubs and, of course,
pubs.
The website and weekly magazine
Time Out (website:
www.timeout.com/london) publishes a comprehensive guide to events in the capital.
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