First time in London? Try these first!

Welcome to London, one of the world’s most vibrant cities and your new home as an LSE student! While you’re here, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in British culture is through its food and drink. From hearty classics to sweet treats, there’s a lot for your tastebuds to explore!

Fish and chips

Let’s start with a proper British classic – fish and chips. This dish is a must-try, especially if you’re new to the UK. It’s all about crispy battered fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips. Squeeze some lemon on the fish, add a sprinkle of salt and vinegar, and you’re good to go. For the full experience, get it wrapped in paper from a local chippy and eat it while strolling along the Thames.

Full English breakfast

A full English breakfast is the ultimate way to start your day, especially after a night out or before a long day of lectures. This hearty meal typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs (fried or scrambled), baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. You might also find black pudding (a type of blood sausage) on your plate – it’s an acquired taste, but worth a try! Many cafés around London serve this breakfast all day, so you can enjoy it whenever the craving hits.

Sunday roast

The Sunday roast is a British tradition you’ll want to experience at least once while you’re here (and preferably, on a Sunday). This meal typically includes roasted meat (usually beef, chicken, or lamb), served with roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding (a savoury, fluffy batter pudding), and lashings of gravy. It’s a comforting and filling meal, perfect for a lazy Sunday with friends. Many pubs in London offer a great Sunday roast, so gather your flatmates and head out to enjoy this quintessential British dish.

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is a light meal typically eaten between 3:30 and 5:00 pm, and it includes finger sandwiches and a selection of cakes and pastries, all served with a pot of tea. While you can find fancy afternoon teas in high-end hotels, there are also plenty of affordable spots around London where you can indulge without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to treat yourself after a long week of studying.

Pies and pasties

Pies and pasties are staples of British comfort food. A traditional pie is typically filled with meat and vegetables, encased in pastry, and served with gravy. Popular varieties include steak and ale pie or chicken and mushroom pie. Pasties, on the other hand, are pastry turnovers filled with meat and vegetables, perfect for eating on the go. The Cornish pasty, with its hearty filling of beef, potatoes, and vegetables, is a particular favourite. You can find these in many bakeries and pubs around London.

Bangers and mash

Bangers and mash is a simple but delicious dish consisting of sausages (the “bangers”) served with mashed potatoes and often accompanied by onion gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially on a cold, rainy day. Many traditional pubs serve this dish, making it an easy and satisfying meal option when you’re out and about.

Scones with clotted cream and jam

Scones with clotted cream and jam are a treat you’ll find during afternoon tea, but they’re also worth enjoying on their own. A proper British scone is slightly crumbly, served warm, and generously topped with thick clotted cream and sweet strawberry jam. There’s a bit of debate about whether the cream or jam goes on first, but either way, it’s a delicious combination you shouldn’t miss.

Sticky toffee pudding

If you have a sweet tooth, sticky toffee pudding is the dessert for you. This rich, moist sponge cake is made with finely chopped dates and covered in a luscious toffee sauce, often served with vanilla ice cream or custard. It’s warm, comforting, and utterly indulgent – perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up.

British beverages

No guide to British food would be complete without mentioning the drinks:

• Tea: Of course, tea is a big deal here. Whether it’s a classic cup of English breakfast tea or a refreshing Earl Grey, you’ll find tea-drinking is a daily ritual. Get into the habit of having a “cuppa” and making a "cuppa" for other people (remember to ask how they like their tea first!).
• Cider: Britain is known for its cider, a refreshing alcoholic drink made from fermented apples. It’s a popular choice in pubs, especially during the summer. Try a pint of cider on a warm day, or opt for a mulled version in the colder months. There are lots of different flavours, so it's worth trying a few to find your favourite.
• Ale: If you’re into beer, British ales are a must-try. Ales are often darker and more flavourful than lagers, with varieties like bitter, pale ale, and stout offering a range of tastes. Many pubs and bars in London have a great selection of local ales on tap.

London is a melting pot of cultures, but diving into these classic British foods and drinks will give you a taste of traditional British life 🇬🇧