Eating out in London is always a pleasure. The sheer range of cuisine on offer reflects the multi-cultural diversity of this vibrant city. A short stroll through the streets takes you past Caribbean restaurants, Indian, African, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Greek, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Eastern European, Scandinavian eateries – the list of foods on offer is endless.
Alongside these distinctive international cuisines, visitors also discover some very English dining options in London that are hard to resist. Two traditional foodie appointments worth keeping during your visit are afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.
Afternoon tea
The quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea should be enjoyed if you get the chance. Many of London’s grand old hotels offer lavish tea menus featuring the most delicate of finger sandwiches, lightest sponge cakes and pastries, moist scones, jam and clotted cream and a selection of artisan blended teas, all served on the finest bone china. Take your pick from elegant Claridges, The Savoy, The Dorchester, or The Ritz. For something a little unconventional with a creative twist, afternoon tea at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge is popular with the fashionable crowd.
Sunday lunch
Gastropubs are a relatively new English innovation combining the best of modern British cuisine with the enduring appeal of the great British pub. Kill two birds with one stone and enjoy fine ales whilst selecting from an extensive gourmet menu. These establishments often serve the best traditional slap-up Sunday lunches. Popular London gastropubs include The Thomas Cubitt (SW1), The Anchor and Hope (SE1), The Duke of Cambridge (N1) and The Wells Tavern (NW3).