Find out more about tradition British food

Traditional London Food

London's food doesn't come any more traditional - or tasty - than good old pie and mash. Locally caught eels were the usual pie filling but they have been gradually replaced by minced beef.

Pie, mash and eel houses have been around in London since the 18th Century.

Today, eels are still served, either stewed or jellied, and with or without pie and mash. The essential accompaniment is green 'liquor' - a salty, parley-based 'gravy' - or chilli vinegar for extra pep.

F. Cooke's pie and mash restaurant on Hoxton Street, Shoreditch, London

F. Cooke's pie and mash restaurant on Hoxton Street is one of the many restaurants still serving hot jellied eels today.

Tube

• Old Street Tube Station (0.9 km)
• Old Street Station (1.0 km)

World Foods

Thanks to the capital's multicultural population, you'll find more than 60 different national cuisines from French, Italian and Spanish to Thai and Japanese. Indian food is especially popular in Britain and many people often eat at their local 'curry house'.

Vegetarian Food

Vegetarianism is an accepted part of London's restaurant scene and most places offer at least a couple of dishes for those who do not eat meat.

Take-Away Food

London's fish and chip shops are part of a uniquely British take-away tradition. The city also has thousands of burger and chicken fast-food restaurants. It also has many Indian, Chinese and pizza take-aways.

Pies are becoming a popular take-way food.

Pies sold in Covent Garden, London

Find out more about take-away food in Britain

Tea and Coffee

Londoners are famous for their love of a good cup of tea, at home, at work and in cafes. Coffee has been drunk in London since the 17th century, when coffee houses were hotbeds of political discussions and debate. Now-a-days American-style bars such as Starbucks are everywhere.
Find out more about tea and coffee in Britain

Public Houses

London is packed full of pubs (public houses), where people go to drink beer or wine, and perhaps have a bar meal.
Find out more about pubs

More information

Find out more about the food in Britain

What is typical English food? 

What food is eaten for pudding?(desserts)

When are meals eaten? (Meal Times)

What is Afternoon Tea ?

What do you drink in the UK?

Back to London Index