Comments on: How to Eat in London on the Cheap

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.

on 11/22/2005 If in Leicester Square, try the 5 fixed Chinese menu - both veg & non-veg. They offer up to 15 dishes; eat as much as you want. If in Angel, try the Gupta's for veg buffet priced at 5. Look for such great spots and enjoy a full stomach within budget.

on 11/22/2005 When I was in London with a friend, we were poor students and ate lots of fresh bread, pastries and scones, bought at little bakeries. Maybe we didn't get as many fruits and veggies as we should have, but it was relatively cheap, nourishing and delicious.