Despite an internationally poor reputation, British food can actually be quite good especially if you stick to the country's specialties. Britain is an island of meat eaters and this accounts for their excellent roast-beef, lamb, pork and fine cooked hams.
For those with less ambitious appetites, more emphasis is now being laid on lighter fare, such as quiche, salads, chicken and fish. English cheese is diverse from the many varieties of Cheddar (available everywhere) to the strong but delicious Stilton. Breakfast is generally a large meal as the British believe "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a noble, supper like a slave".

Most Pubs or bars (public houses) around the country stop serving alcohol at 11.00 p.m. However, there are exceptions. Hotels are exempt from this law and some bars manage to get around the law by turning themselves into clubs which generally are allowed to stay open till 2.00 a.m. Clubs in London are allowed to stay open longer.

Restaurants generally stop serving food at about 10.00 p.m. Fast food outlets stays open a little longer. A typical restaurant meal will cost you about £12-£15 a person with drinks costing extra. Hotel restaurants are usually a little more expensive depending on the hotel. Expect to pay a lot for food in London.

Food and cooking in the UK may be different from what you were used to in your native country. Most English shop for food at large stores called supermarkets. You can also buy food at smaller grocery stores and specialty shops. In larger cities with well-established immigrant communities, you may find specialty food stores that sell food from your home country; but some of your traditional foods may not be available in the UK or may be very expensive.

• Remember that meat is eaten more often, and vegetarian food is not that common.
• Ask the people at the restaurant for vegetarian dishes. If they don't have any, order something and tell them you want it without meat, and without eggs if you don't eat eggs.
• Be careful with the salads because not all salads are vegetarian.