How to Eat in London on the Cheap

English food is nothing to laugh at any more. In fact, London is quickly getting a reputation as one of the best restaurant cities in the world. But good food often comes at a high price, so shop around if you're on a tight food budget.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• London Visitor Travelcards
• Maps
• Restaurant Journals
• Travelers' Checks
• Maps

1. Save a few pounds with takeout ("take away") food. It's almost always cheaper to get food "to go."

2. Eat ethnic. There are some great deals in London on curries, kebabs and various specialties from India, Asia, the Middle East and many other regions. Just bear in mind that dishes may sometimes come with french fries ("chips") rather than the rice you might otherwise expect.

3. Dine on pub food. It's hard to predict - sometimes heavy and starchy, sometimes wonderful - but it's usually cheap and filling, and you can have a pint of ale or lager while you eat, if you like.

4. Go grocery shopping, and buy what you need for a few days. Of course, this works best if you have a fridge or cooler in your room, but you can picnic on nonperishable foods.

5. Eat vegetarian. Although not every veggie restaurant in London is cheap, many of them offer excellent value. Try some of the vegetarian restaurants in the Neal's Yard area (near Covent Garden).

6. Eat fish and chips. It's still a good budget standby, although the quality varies widely. Stand outside and take a deep breath: If you smell rancid oil, move along to the next fish and chip shop!

7. Ask around. People who live in any given neighborhood probably know the best and cheapest places to eat; most will be willing to offer a suggestion or two.

Tips & Warnings

• Good, cheap food can often be found at the various public markets around London; just check to make sure that the food is being prepared under sanitary conditions.
• Look for lineups or "queues." It's easy to tell where the good food and good value can be found in most London neighborhoods - just look for the locals, and get in line behind them!
• Always consider service charges and taxes when you are trying to estimate the price of a meal. These charges can add 30 percent or 40 percent to the cost of your dinner. Also remember that most restaurants will charge you for bread, unlike spots in the United States and Canada.
• Avoid tourist traps and eateries in expensive or trendy neighborhoods - an upscale atmosphere invariably leads to a price increase.

[grimsleygl]

on 12/8/2009 Great articles and comments (obviously from a Londoner!) as well. Thanks bunches. I hope to be back to London to eat some of their great sausages in the near future. Oh yea, and even though they may not actually be what you would consider "London Fare," that's the only place I've ever had Scottish Eggs. Absolutely love them! 5*'s

[Mr_Cellophane]

on 6/6/2007 VAT is payable on hot takeaway food !!!
VAT is always included in the charges shown on the menu and any service charge must also be shown.
Service Charge is not compulsory and if the service has been exceptionally bad, you can ask for it to be removed.

on 12/16/2005 VAT is always included in the price shown in restaurant menus, the price shown is what you pay. Service is normally only included if you are part of a large party (8 people or more, although sometimes 6), details should be given on the menu.

In terms of tipping, just round up the bill to the nearest pound and add a pound on top of that if the meal is under c. £30. If it's more then up to 10% of the bill. Generally, no one tips more than 10% unless:
1. the service was exceptional
2. they're drunk
3. they've just won the lottery

on 11/22/2005 You will find stands that sell "jacket potatoes." These are the English equivalent of a huge baked potato with your choice of toppings. They are deliciously hot in the damp British climate, and they are filling enough to be a meal. Enjoy!

on 11/22/2005 London delicatessens, often owned by Cypriot immigrants, provide great, cheap lunches or dinners. I would buy a container of taramasalata (delicious garlicky Greek caviar dip), some "pitta" (we'd say pita) or wholemeal (we'd say whole wheat) bread and an apple or some carrots, and have a small feast to eat in a park or, in bad weather, back in my room. Also, surprisingly, you can eat fairly cheaply by buying small amounts of "take-away" prepared food, cheese or pastries at normally expensive places like the Harrod's Food Hall or Fortnum and Mason. Just be judicious.