What to eat London? culinary specialties and gastronomy

It is well known, the English eat earlier and restaurants are often crowded as early as 6:30 p.m., just after the job is done. To guarantee you a table, come instead around 8:30 pm. And to really eat at English time: think about booking. Restaurants are generally open daily, often close earlier on Sundays and are very often full on Sunday noon for sunday roast.

London offers a wide range of dining budgets. Numerous chains are located throughout the city, offering reasonably-priced meals. Pubs are also a good option for inexpensive British cuisine. From Prêt à Manger to Michelin-starred restaurants, London has something for everyone. Credit cards are accepted in virtually all restaurants, and even for a single pint at the pub. If the portions are a little too generous for you, don't hesitate to ask for a " doggy bag ", a practice much more widespread in England. You can take your leftovers with you, or the end of your bottle of wine.

In London restaurants, the tip is now added to the bill at the moment of checkout. This means that an additional 10-15% is systematically added to the price of the dish. The amount is usually indicated on the menu. This tip goes directly to the waiters. You can always refuse to pay it if the service is very bad, but you'll have to justify it. And the English never do.

In London, you always book your table, no matter what day of the week it is. So it's a good idea to get started, especially if you're a large group, to avoid disappointment when you arrive. On Saturday evenings in particular, restaurants are booked well in advance. Sunday lunch is spent at the restaurant, where you can enjoy a traditional sunday roast. If you only want to drink water, specify that you want tap water, so you don't have to pay for an expensive bottle of mineral water. Finally, in English restaurants, you'll rarely be asked for your preferred doneness for meat, and the result will often be"well cooked". Don't hesitate to ask for it yourself if you're more of amedium rare or blue meat type.

Many restaurants apply the "BYOB" (Bring Your Own Bottle) system, which means you can bring your own wine or beer from the supermarket across the street. A smart way to reduce the cost of your meal. Lists of BYOB restaurants are available online.

London restaurants all have a hygiene rating, from 1 to 5, displayed on the doors or windows. It's a little green sticker. Avoid all restaurants with a rating of less than 4, especially in markets.

In restaurants, children are welcome. However, in the evening, pubs are forbidden to under 18s. Unless otherwise indicated.

As in France: no smoking in public places.

Bars and pubs close quite early, between 11pm and midnight. Not all bars and pubs have a licence to serve alcohol later. Some have this late license and can close around 2am. They are generally open from lunchtime. They are busiest after work, around 5pm and all day on Sundays. Happy hour is not very common in London. You can enjoy an afternoon tea, which includes a tray of pastries and a cup of tea.

On average, a pint costs between £6 and £8 in London pubs, depending on the area. All small pubs accept credit cards. You don't pay tips in bars.

The purchase and consumption of alcohol is permitted from the age of 18. You will always be asked for your ID card, until you are 25, in supermarkets to buy alcohol or to enter certain bars, especially at weekends. Whatever your age, always take it with you when you go out, just in case.

Every evening, after their day's work, the English meet up with friends in pubs for one pint after another. Around 5 p.m., they're usually packed to the rafters, with a variety of crowds milling around the bar and especially on the sidewalk. Especially on Friday evenings, when colleagues celebrate the end of the week. As alcohol legislation is different, bars generally close earlier. Then it's off to the clubs.

In pubs, there's almost never a menu for draught beers. They are often at a common price, around £7, regardless of the pub and the district.

Sunday lunch is spent in local pubs, where we eat sunday roast. Then it's off to the pub for an afternoon of beer and board games with friends and family. Many pubs organize Pub Quizzes, typical fun quiz nights where you can win drinks and bottles.

In pubs, you'll order directly from the bar, even for food. There's no point waiting in vain for a waiter.

Children are not always welcome in pubs, especially in the evening. Signs at the entrance will tell you the establishment’s tolerance for younger children.