London Food

Traditional English Food: What to Eat in London

Discover the traditional dishes, desserts and pub classics that are part of British food culture.

When we think of British food, it may not be the first cuisine that comes to mind. And it’s true: England doesn’t have an endless list of traditional dishes like some other cuisines around the world.

But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a food culture of its own. Many of its best-known dishes are part of everyday life and, above all, pub culture.

If you’re visiting London and want to try something genuinely traditional, here you’ll find the dishes worth knowing, some classic desserts and places where you can try them. Keep in mind that, in general, under-18s can only stay in pubs until around 8 pm.

3,500+

London is a city of pubs

There are more than 3,500 pubs in London, so finding somewhere to have a pint and try some traditional food usually isn’t difficult. The hard part can be deciding which one.

The essentials

Traditional dishes you should know

You don’t need to try twenty different dishes. These are some of the classics you’ll come across again and again in traditional pubs and restaurants around London.

Fish and chips, traditional English food

Fish & Chips

The classic

Battered and fried fish served with thick-cut chips. It’s usually served with tartar sauce and, depending on the place, peas or mushy peas.

Pie & Mash

Very London

A savoury pie, traditionally filled with meat and served with mashed potatoes. It is particularly associated with the history of London’s East End working class.

Sunday Roast

Sunday

One of Britain’s great food traditions. Roast meat, potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. It can be made with beef, pork, lamb or chicken.

You may also see it listed as: Sunday Roast or Roast Dinner.

Bangers & Mash

Pub classic

Sausages, traditionally pork, served with mashed potatoes and gravy, usually made with onions.

Sausage Roll

On the go

Sausage meat, usually pork, wrapped in puff pastry and baked. It’s a very common snack in bakeries, cafés and supermarkets.

Full English Breakfast

Breakfast

A hearty breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, mushrooms, tomatoes and toast. Depending on the place, it may also include hash browns or black pudding.

A tip?If you want to try several of these dishes during your trip, traditional pubs are often a good option because many of them have several British classics on the same menu.

And something sweet…

British desserts worth trying too

British food doesn’t end with the main course. Many pubs serve simple, comforting and very British desserts.

Apple Crumble

Baked apples topped with a crunchy mixture of flour, butter and sugar. It’s usually served warm with custard, cream or ice cream.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A soft date sponge covered with warm toffee sauce. It’s a classic that appears frequently on pub menus.

Scones

Small sweet breads traditionally served with clotted cream and jam. They’re one of the stars of the famous British afternoon tea.

Treacle Tart

A sweet tart made with golden syrup, breadcrumbs and lemon. It’s one of the traditional British desserts that still appears on some restaurant and pub menus.

Jam Roly-Poly

A traditional dessert made with pastry and jam, usually served warm with custard.

Humble Crumble

If you’re looking for something more casual, Humble Crumble has different crumble options at several locations around London. It’s an easy way to try this classic in a more modern style.

And what about scones?We count them as a dessert, although technically they’re usually part of afternoon tea.If you want to try one easily, GAIL’s has scones at its bakeries around London.

The British experience

More than food: pub culture

If you want to understand British food a little better, step into a pub. In London, a pub isn’t just somewhere to drink beer: it’s also a place to eat, meet friends, watch a match or simply spend some time.

You’ll find everything from historic pubs with centuries of history to chains with hundreds of locations. They don’t all offer the same experience or prices, so here are a few options to help you get your bearings.

Greene King · ££

A widespread chain across London. Usually a practical option when you’re looking for pub food at a more reasonable price.

Fuller’s · £££

One of the historic brands associated with London pubs. Its venues tend to have a traditional atmosphere and can be slightly more expensive.

Nicholson’s · £££

Traditional-style pubs, many located in historic buildings and central areas of London.

💷 How to read the prices

£ · Budget ££ · Mid-range £££ · A little more expensive

Prices are a general guide and may vary depending on the venue and the dish.

Our selection

Where to try traditional English food

There are countless pubs in London and they don’t all offer exactly the same experience. To make things easier, here are a few options by area and, most importantly, what we’d order at each one.

Important:if you have an allergy or intolerance, always confirm directly with the venue before ordering.

Saving money

💷 Wetherspoon: a budget lifesaver

If you’re looking for an inexpensive meal in London, Wetherspoon pubs can be a very practical option. There are many across the city and prices are often considerably lower than at many central London pubs.

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend them if you’re looking for the most memorable food experience, but they’re useful when you want to eat something, have a drink and keep exploring London without spending too much.

For a quick meal, we’d especially look at options such as burgers, pizzas, wings or boneless. Depending on the dish and promotions available, a meal with a drink can cost around £10–15.

Breakfast options are also usually available at budget-friendly prices, around £6–10 depending on the menu and location.

🔎 Find a Wetherspoon near me →

To go with it

What beer should you order?

A pint is practically part of the pub ritual. If you want to try some beers associated with London and the UK, here are a few you can find fairly easily.

Camden Hells

A very popular London lager that’s easy to find in pubs and bars across the city.

London Pride

One of the best-known London ales and a classic choice in a traditional pub.

Meantime London Lager

A lager associated with London and a straightforward choice if you prefer something light and refreshing.

Young’s London Original

A traditional-style ale that fits perfectly with the experience of a British pub.

🍺 Want to try something more modern?
You may also come across beers such as Neck Oil, especially in pubs and bars with a more modern beer selection.

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Traditional English Food

Traditional English Food: What to Eat in London