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, will have its own specialty; these include roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, game or venison pies, rack of lamb and many fish dishes. Britain is still the home of puddings: apple crumble (slices of cooked apple with sweet crumble); spotted dick (suet pudding with currants and raisins); and syllabub (a Medieval dish consisting
of double cream, white wine and lemon juice). The English cream tea is still served in tea rooms, particularly in south-coast seaside resorts.

It generally consists of scones, jam, butter, clotted or double cream and, of course, tea. There are many regional varieties in baking: the flat pancake-type scones of the North of England and Scotland; Scottish black bun, a fruit cake on a pastry base; Bakewell tart, a pastry base covered with jam, almond filling and topped with icing; and breads of all description. 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. Cheddar and Stilton are the most famous British cheeses.

Tipping is not compulsory and it is up to the individual whether to pay the 10 to 12 per cent service charge often added automatically to bills. Table service is usual but there are self-service snack bars. Set-price lunches, especially on Sundays, with a choice of about three dishes, are particularly good value, as is pub food.
The British pub is nothing short of a national institution and even the smallest village in the remotest corner of the country will usually have at least one. There are about as many beers in England as there are cheeses in France and the recent revival of real ale has greatly improved the range and qualities of brews available. Look out for the sign ‘Free House’ outside a pub, meaning that beer from more than one brewery will be sold there.

Bitter and lager are the most popular beers, but stout, pale ale, brown ale and cider are also widely drunk. Wine bars and cocktail bars are now common in the larger cities and towns, and the latter will often have a ‘happy hour’ (when prices are reduced) in the early evening. Under 18s will not be served alcohol and children under 16 are not generally allowed into pubs, although they may sit in the garden. Licensing hours vary between towns, but many pubs, especially in main centers, are open typically 1100-2300; the visitor should not be surprised, however, if they find a pub closing for a period in the afternoon. On Sunday, hours are 1200-2230. Private clubs often have an extension into the early hours.