Delicious Britain & Ireland
When you take your tongue out sightseeing in Britain or Ireland, what are its favorite taste treats? (Or does it just want to go back home?)
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Good Value Meals in London
Recently returned from London, having had a delicious meal at the friendly Mermaid's Tail in Leicester Square. Traditional fish & chips meals of Haddock, Halibut, or Sole are 10.50 pounds; fish can also be ordered baked or pan fried. Portions are substantial! Cheerful interior murals, with outside tables on the Square.
Also recommend neighborhood French restaurant Denise's on Southampton Row in Bloomsbury. The welcome from Denise is always warm and the food good, having either a bowl of onion soup or a full meal. On Sundays there is almost always a roti poulet special for just under 10 pounds. Vegetarians will like the tasty sandwiches at Red Veg in Soho (and Brighton), and for everyone the reliable sandwiches,soups,and salads at Pret a Manger.
Sue Goodman
Honolulu, Hawaii USA 11/11/2008
Yummy food in Ireland
We just spent 2 mostly delicious weeks in Ireland! Our best meal was at the Bushmills Inn in Bushmills (the town was kind of a dump, but this restaurant made up for it). Also, Ivan's in Howth had wonderful grilled lobster and oysters!
Sarah Dirk <email>
Euclid, OH USA 10/28/2008
Eating in Britain
In your recent column in THE STAR LEDGER you left out an important source of good food at reasonable prices. We go to the carveries in local hotels for a late lunch. There are enough food choices to opt for healthy, low-cost meals.
Joan Dobrowolski
Highland Park, NJ USA 10/12/2008
Vinopolis
My wife and I went to Vinopolis. We thought it was a waste of money. The prices have gone up, audio guides are one pound extra, which we thought was odd, and it's now closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Matt
Chicago, IL USA 10/06/2008
Favorite Pub Food in Ireland
To save money on food in Ireland we ate several meals in pubs and smaller restaurants. Our favorites were the great salads at the "Poet's Corner" in Ennis, the seafood chowder at the "Spaniard Inn" in Kinsale, great sandwiches at "JAM" in Kenmare, and stuffed baked potatoes at "Couch Potato" in Galway. For great wine and tapas we loved "Sebastian's Wine Bar" in Galway.
Sharon
Atlanta, GA USA 10/04/2008
An Alternative to Deacon Brodie's
Last year we ate at Deacon Brodie's Tavern and we voted it the worst food in Scotland. It took some doing to be awarded that distinction. A much nicer alternative is just down the way on St. Giles Street called (appropriately enough) St. Giles Cafe. We ate there last year and it was called something else but they just changed the name not ownership. We found it again this year and they had the same high quality. They have very good salads, baked goods, soups pasta and sandwiches.
Catherine McNabb <email>
Port Townsend, WA USA 09/13/2008
Good Food in London
Marks & Spencer at the Kensington High Street Tube Station has a great food court in the basement. They have a good selection of reasonably priced food and fresh baked goods. Very tastey and convenient if you are staying in Kensington. A good way to cut your food bill.
Cindy
Holland, PA USA 09/12/2008
Dingle
Just back from Ireland where we spent our (short) honeymoon. We spent almost all of it in Dingle, west Kerry as my hubby's granddad came from Ballydavid, a lovely seaside hamlet. Dingle is where we found the best pizza ever! We had 3 nights at a wine bar called the Blue Zone, ate their duck pizza and cajun chicken salad, drank the most amazing wines and listened to taped jazz. Another really good place is Out of the Blue, a seafood only restaurant, best fish in town, maybe in Ireland. We'll be back!
Dee & Jerry Portland
Chicago, Ill USA 08/12/2008
Great Waitrose prepared food
My husband, myself and two sons stayed in Windsor, GB in June and our hotel was next door to the Waitrose Windsor. We thought we were in heaven! What a great selection of prepared sandwiches such as Peking Duck wrap (2.80 pounds)and bagels and lox (3.50 pounds)and rolls for breakfast and desserts. They were large, very tasty and well worth the price. The bottle of Diet Coke which were similiar in size to the 20 oz US size were 99p, not much more expensive than the US. We found the Waitrose to be priced similiar to the prices in NJ and we really didn't spend a fortune on food like we thought we would have to. Besides it was fun to picnic on the benches around Windsor Castle.
Eileen
NJ USA 07/23/2008
restaurants ireland
we have just visited the best restaurant i have ever been to The Phoenix in Castlemaine co. kerry vegetarian food to die for lovely gardens loads of fresh stuff growing and th accommodation like an eastern palace. cant belive you dont have them listed. we are used to high standards in ch. and this is really way up there
christina hurlimann <email>
bremgarten, ag switzerland 07/16/2008
Vinopolis Alert!
The Vinopolis tour is now closed on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays...so we have two unused tickets if anyone is interested.
Marsha McCracken <email>
Mill Creek, WA USA 06/24/2008
Cross Keys in Ruthin, North Wales
The Cross Keys, just before the turnoff to Bryn Awel outside Ruthin, North Wales, was just great, very local and delicious food. We had the best conversations with proprieters and guests alike.
Marsha McCracken
Mill Creek, WA USA 06/24/2008
I was a student in Scotland a couple summers ago and the best thing I found on a tight budget was a chain bakery called Greggs. Very delicious and most locals eat there for lunch.
Jess
Nashville, TN USA 05/30/2008
very good small restuarant in Windsor
Everyone told us not to expect great food in Great Britan. We found a very good small resturant in the town of Windsor. The name of the restuarant is Falstaff's and it is on Church Street about 1 block off of the main road leading to the castle. The food was excellent and the price was right.
Terry Sawyers <email>
Raleigh, NC USA 05/26/2008
Giraffe Restaurant in London
It's a chain restaurant but we loved the food, friendly service and general atmosphere so much, we went back a second night. The branch we visited was the Brunswick Centre location in Bloomsbury.
They have wonderful Monday-Thursday specials on food and drink that really help stretch the budget, plus I liked the emphasis on fair trade and organic/GM free sources for the food.
Vanessa
Halifax, NS Canada 05/26/2008
Great Turkish restaurant in Edinburgh
I strongly recommend Hanedan (41 W. Preston St.), a Turkish restaurant near the recommended B&Bs near Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh. We had wonderfully grilled and generous portions of steak, chicken, and Scottish lamb there for a really reasonable 8-9 pound price.
Elizabeth
Minneapolis, MN USA 05/19/2008
Food and Folklore in Dublin
While visiting Dublin recently, had opportunity to hear a presentation of Irish folklore along with excellent food at The Brazen Head pub on Bridge Street. It takes up the evening (7-10 PM) but is well worth the fee.
Terry
Nashville, Tenn. USA 05/08/2008
London's Best
Going to London with far less of a budget than originally planned. Looking for sugestions for London's best "cheap eats" - Thanks!
Denise Bouret
Quebec City, QC Canada 04/26/2008
Squigl Restaurant
Located in Duncannon, a pleasant coastal town in County Wexford, this restaurant's menu was filled with original, delicious dishes, well presented. Servers were friendly and helpful, making for an elegant, relaxing experience.
Ron and Jan
Seattle, WA USA 04/22/2008
Glenarm Tea Room in Northern Ireland
On a recent trip to Northern Ireland my daughter and I discovered a wonderful tea room in Glenarm along the Coastal Causeway. The tea room and walled garden are newly opened and adjacent to Glenarm Castle, less than 100 meters off the road. Follow the well posted signs. We had a terrific Irish lamb stew followed by apple cinnamon scones with clotted cream and jam that I can still taste when I close my eyes. Delicious!
Aggie
Waterloo, Belgium 04/14/2008
Fishy Fish Shop's deli, Kinsale, Ireland
Last spring we stayed in Kilkenny for a month and took many side trips. One was to Kinsale. As it was lunchtime when I arrived with friends, we looked for the Fishy Fish Shop (and deli) and found ourselves at the Fishy Fish Cafe. It was a beautiful day, and the place was completely full inside and out with a long line. In spite of the hectic situation, two servers took the time to direct us to the shop. When we got there, we waited inside the door for
15 minutes near where a menu was posted. Apparently there was some system, but it was completely beyond us.
Occasionaly someone who appeared to be a hostess glided by with a party of people but never made eye contact with us. At that point of the day more than half of the tables outside were full while more than two thirds inside were empty. After 10 more minutes, I went up to one of three shop workers milling around the counter which had no customers and asked how we might be served. She snapped back in a very surly manner that we had to wait in line. Even after being ignored and scolded, we waited five more minutes before heading out to find lunch by the water. That was definitely the most unfriendly and disorganized establishment we encountered during the month long trip.
Ron
Seattle, WA USA 04/13/2008
Food Around Ireland
Anywhere in Ireland: lunch from a Garage (petrol station) deli counter. Inexpensive and tasty. Lots of fried options but also made-to-order sandwiches and salads. If you like chocolate, definately try Galaxy & Cadbury bars.
Trim: Wau Asian Cuisine. Looks formal but feels welcoming and tastes excellent. Cashel: Kearney's Castle Hotel Bar--feels a bit stuffy. Dingle: John Benny Moriarties a bit over-hyped; Out of the Blue Seafood Only & The Marina Bar--excellent seafood; Goat Street Cafe--tiny, welcoming, & delicious. Doolin: O'Connor's Pub-fast and good, definately get the soup of the day; Ballyvaughn: Monk's Pub--great chowder & soup; Portrush: Ramore Oriental--normally wouldn't on vacation but went twice for the exact same meal; Belfast: Cayenne--expensive but delicious; Dublin: Wagamama Noodle Bar-try the Wasabi Fudge Cake, The Church (a restaurant in an old church, complete with organ), Epicurian Food Hall a bit of a let-down--quite like a mall food court, Yamamori--mushy noodles.
Natalie
Oconomowoc, Wi USA 04/08/2008
Cheap Eats Dublin!
1. Try going to Dunne's stores with hot meals. The larger stores have sit-in cafes. There is one in St. Stephen's Green shopping centre on the top floor and another on the northside (Henry Street).
2. Try Ann's on Henry Street. It is a sit in restaurant and bakery.
3. O'Neills pub on Suffolk Street across from the Dublin Tourist Centre. Corned Beef and Cabbage €11.50 Irish Stew €9.50 Awesone food-- it is fresh, hot and filling and right in the city centre.
4. Lemon Crepes South William Street (little street that is behind Brown Thomas off Grafton) Many kinds of crepes, sandwiches, coffee.
5. O'Briens Sandwiches-- good for a quick bite (the bread is lovely)
They have them all over Dublin, and we used to get sandwiches and eat them in St. Stephen's Green.
Courtney
Austin, TX USA 04/02/2008
Good Food in London
When in London last week we had some great meals - Porter's, close to Covent Garden - traditional English food - meat pies and desserts. The Belgo Centraal was great - good beer and food - we had a chicken and fish plate that was good. The Belgian beer is fantastic. Maggie Jones was an even better choice - good portions and traditional food. We had tea at the Capital Hotel and liked it better than Harrods. It is cheaper and the quality was better. We stayed at the Westland Hotel and liked it better than other places we have stayed in London. It has a good breakfast by British standards. Bill & Pam - Van Buren, Arkansas.
Bill & Pam <email>
Van Buren, AR USA 03/31/2008
Economical meal in Belfast
Highly recommend Maggie May's Cafe in Belfast, N.I., located on Botanical Avenue near Queen's University. Cheap eats for students, all home-made food, the fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding was excellent!
Debbie
ON Canada 03/22/2008
Tea London
I was visiting my daughter who is studying abroad in Leicester. We went to London and had tea at a place across from Harrod's. The name began with an R. It was a wonderful place for tea and ice cream.
Alison <email>
Mt. Prospect, IL USA 03/15/2008
London
The Kensington Creperie is wonderful! I visited this restaurant last fall & it was my first European crepe. They have any and all kinds of crepes from dinner ones to dessert ones.
Kelly <email>
Columbus, Ohio USA 03/11/2008
Ireland-favorites of a 6 year old
Ireland Favorites of 6 Year Old Molly
My favorite thing in Ireland was looking at the water and the rocks. I also liked the festivals that they have there and meeting other Irish kids in the B and Bs.
Molly Hayes
alexandria, va USA 02/17/2008
Great food in Dingle
My husband and I just returned from a week's trip to Southern Ireland with our good friends. (Sadly, FAR too brief, but planning on a longer return trip next time!) One of the highlights of our trip, aside from it being February and OFF-OFF season, with nary a tourist to get in our way, was our stay at Murphy's pub in Dingle. Not only did we have the best rooms in the house (no competition) at 60 euros per night, but we also had fabulous meals of Irish beef, lamb, fish and chips (by far the best "chips" I have ever eaten), and a plate of sea bass to die for. After our leisurly drive around the tip of the peninsula, we returned yet again for a late lunch before heading out. The staff there were so friendly and just as nice as can be. Taz, the "pub dog" was a serious, yet friendly and fun addition to this memorable establishment!
Sue Goodwin <email>
Altus, OK USA 02/17/2008
cookies=biscuits
I love english biscuits, pick them up at grocery or marks and spencer stores. you almost can't go wrong. great with coffee or tea. skip the ones with chocolate though.
JS
Ca USA 02/16/2008
Tea in London
Important cultural tip: Londoners really don't "do tea" anymore. We just got back from five days of being directed to a Starbucks everytime we asked about a good tea place. Finally we went to the Brahmah Tea and Coffee museum on Southwark St (recommended in RS guide) and for 9 pounds had a great high tea. Well worth it, especially if you're in the neighborhood of the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's New Globe.
Meridith
Cary, NC USA 02/12/2008
Wagamama's: Affordable, Good, and Accessible
I go to London at least once a year, since that's where my in-laws live. And while I do get tired of staying at the same place (can't beat the price), we always make the excuse to escape once during the visit to Wagamama's. It's a chain with many locations throughout the UK, but the food is affordable and amazingly good at every one. There is nothing like it in the States, although I hear there are two locations in the Boston area. I am scheduled for a business trip to that area later in the year, so I'll have to make the trip.
The decor is a bit austere, but the food is super. There are even choices for vegetarians, which isn't always that easy to find.
Heidi <email>
Ocean, NJ USA 02/11/2008
Delicious Britain and Ireland
We have had great fish and chips and mushy peas at the Magpie Cafe in Whitby, England, and at the Sea Shell of Lisson Grove in London. The Magpie was relatively expensive, but the food was great. The Seashell was recommended by a London cabby, and was wonderful as well.
Denice
Cleveland, USA 02/09/2008
great pub in Wales
Some of the best food I've had! Go to the Black Lion in Pontrhydfendigaid, near Strata Florida Abbey and Devil's Bridge in mid-Wales. Not your typical pub menu. We had fresh salmon and veggie wraps. Heavenly! The kids loved it! Easy to find, a bright red and black building
Lori Hodgson
Whitecourt, AB Canada 01/24/2008
London restaurant
Porters on Henrietta street, just off of Covent garden was great. Traditional English food. Try the steamed syrup pudding!
Aerin
Auburn, AL USA 01/17/2008
Ed
Don't forget the Cornish or Welch pasties!
Wilson <email>
Lincoln, NE USA 01/04/2008
China Town in London
The best Chinese in London is at Top of the Town. We love to eat there. The Crispy Catonese Chicken is marvelous and my husband loves the Kung Po Chicken. They make it extra spicy for him. We get the mixed appitizers. Also try the Sizzling dishes- they are perfect.
Toni
Charlotte, NC USA 12/23/2007
Ice cream in York
There's a wonderful ice cream shop (just a window really) near the city gate northwest of the Minster. I wish I could remember its name, but they open around noon with four or five flavors of creamy, obviously homemade ice cream, and stay open only till that day's batch has run out.
Karen Sandness
Minneapolis, MN USA 11/24/2007
Best Chineae cuisine
The best Chineae cuisine we have had in a while was Busaba in Trim, Ireland. Service, atmosphere and food were top notch! We stayed at Highfield Guest House and it was super as well, oh the breakfast!!! Thanks Geraldine, Jo and Walter
Jo
Hudson, Fl USA 10/16/2007
Blue Zone
Rick rocks! Again we hit another gem, this time in Dingle. Best pizza ever and great wines. They had no live music that night but decent jazz tracks. We're going back next year.
Larry & Lorraine Jenkins
NYC, NY USA 10/11/2007
Good Eats in Glasgow
Hi There...just returned from two weeks in Scotland and England. We found two EXCELLENT places to eat in the center of Glasgow. After menu shopping for what seemed like hours in the pricey city, we found Bombay Blues...a reasonably-priced, delicious, clean and cheerfully-staffed Indian Buffet at 41 Hope Street about a block from the Central Train Station. Also, Essoup, Ltd., a reasonable soup and sandwich shop at 146 Wellington Street has an array of homemade soups, well-loved by the locals and staffed by very friendly women.
Katrina Hintze <email>
Grovetown, GA USA 10/10/2007
Earl's Court Eats
Masala Zone is our pick for tasty and affordable Indian food in Earl's Court. Our favorite Earl's Court pub - The Blackbird. Try their pie sampler! Yum!
Barb S.
Washington, DC USA 10/09/2007
Belgo Centraal - mucho mussels
Rick, thanks for the Belgo Centraal recommendation! Great food in a fun place in Soho.
Bill Lucas <email>
Boynton Beach, Florid USA 10/08/2007
London Restaurants
Enjoyed early bird special at Criterion restaurant at Picadilly Square. Belgo Centraal - great beer selection & good food too. Early bird special also good at Goya Tapas near Victoria Station.
Deborah
Plymouth, MI USA 10/08/2007
Worst Hotel in Scotland
The food served at the Invergarry Hotel near Fort William Scotand is the worst we ever tasted
Brian Glasgow
Glasgow , UK 09/28/2007
Kinsale's Best!
We just got back from Europe and had at least one great meal in every city. My favorite, by far, was in Kinsale, Ireland. The restaurant is "Jim Edwards". Never have I had better fish! We started with the crab claws and I finished with monkfish. The food was spectacular!!! Our waitress was so sweet! She was super busy (even when they opened @ 6) but took the time to actually check back with us! Almost unheard of in Europe! After looking at the menu, I couldn't decide between fish or steak. As all of their fish comes right out of the bay, I thought I should go with that. I can't say that I am sorry. My boyfriend had the Haddock with smoked Salmon & it was wonderful, too. This is an absolute MUST if you are in Kinsale. Just ask a local... we did. She replied "Jim Edwards" before we even finished the sentence!! I will never forget how great it was!!!
Bonnie <email>
Kirksville, MO USA 09/28/2007
Blue Zone wine bar
Wandering in the streets of Dingle, Kerry, we found the most amazing pizza place with a huge wine list. Best pizza we had in years! Try the duck & red peppers and the provencal beef. A band was playing really good blues so we all had a fabulous time, compliments of the Tyrell pinot noir!
Ely Glover
Boston, MA USA 09/23/2007
Watermarque Hotel, Cahersiveen
I recently had the pleasure of eating in the Watermarque Hotel recently and the food is excellent. My husband and I love having steak but don't order it because we are constantly being disappointed by the way they cook it i.e. we want them blue to rare and we get them medium well. Anyway, I had squab pidgeon and Ostrich fillet. I had the Ostrich blue/rare and it was stunning. My husband had asparagus and smoked salmon starter and duck breast which was also rare. Both our meals were excellent. The hotel which is in Cahersiveen is definately worth eating in and they look after you in there too
H
Dublin, Ireland 09/23/2007
Dining in Ireland and N Ireland
After a recent trip to Ireland, I can recommend:
In Kilkenny, Kytler's Inn, a pub with tasty food and oodles of character.
In Galway, fish and chips at McDonaugh's, which is popular place, but worth the wait.
In Portrush, the Ramore Wine Bar, which is a local favorite with a diverse, reasonably-priced menu, excellent desserts, and it's in a lovely spot above the harbor. Also in Portrush, 55 North's cafe, in the basement, is great for inexpensive and tasty eats, and it opens to a patio overlooking the Atlantic.
K & B
Bellevue, WA USA 09/07/2007
London eats
Belgo Centraal in London served great food in a unique and lively atmosphere. I had the bangers and mash and a Belgian beer and it was delish!
Kas
Bellevue, WA USA 09/07/2007
Went to England for the 4th time this past summer. Our best food was Sheilas Cottage in Ambleside(Lakes), Greyhound Inn (Shap), an Italian place(name escapes) in Hexam and several places in York. of them all Sheilas was the best
Tom
Laurel, MD USA 08/29/2007
vegetarian eating in London
Just got home from 2 weeks in London with my family (3 of whom are vegetarians) and have to say how pleasantly surprised I was at how easily we found delicious veggie food. Not at ALL like it was when I was there 25 years ago!! I have to recommend Food for Thought on Neal St. in London. It's the #1 vegetarian rest. in the city and deservedly so. Tiny, cramped, inexpensive, different menu each day - go there even if you're not a vegetarian - then take a stroll down the rest of Neal St. and head over toward Covent Garden for interesting street performers. We ate there so often we made friends with the chef! Oh - and try a desert they call "scrunch." Ahh . . . I miss it already, but came home with their cookbook so I'm ready to try my own!
Tracie
Tallahassee, Fla. USA 08/19/2007
Dining on Valencia Island Ireland
The Lighthouse View Cafe on Valencia Island in Ireland offers great fresh caught and smoked fish and organic salads made from ingredients grown on the premises. Valencia Island is part of the Ring of Skellig spur of Rick's Ring of Kerry made less scary route. The cafe is on the narrow road that leads to the Trogolodyte Footprints. There are several signs on the island roads that point you towards the cafe and the footprints -- and the food is great with a spectacular view of the islands and estuary.
John <email>
Cincinnati, OH USA 08/11/2007
Fine dining, with small town charm
Just returned from 2 weeks in England that were fabulous. Stayed at the Drapers Hotel and Brasserie in Earls Colne, between Clochester and Cambridge. It is a family run business. Libbie manages the restaurant and her dad, Kip manages the farm where they raise the meat for the brasserie. Their intent is to use all local products. Very nice variety on the menu and excellent presentation. Also 9 charming en-suite rooms.
Steve <email>
Deltona, FL USA 08/09/2007
Irish Cusine and the Fishy Fishy Cafe in Kinsale
We just returned from 3 weeks in Ireland and we were very pleasantly surprised about the high quality of food. We had misguided expectations of English "cuisine," but instead there was a variety of flavorful, properly cooked, and attractively presented dishes. One big letdown was the Fishy Fishy Cafe in Kinsale. It was the "splurge" meal we looked forward to while planning our trip. We shared 4 different entrees (including lobster), and none were good - mainly because the overuse of garlic and giants heaps of mayo spoiled what appeared to be high quality fresh fish buried underneath. My advice would be to enjoy the many other great places to eat in Kinsale, including assembling a picnic at the SuperValu and dining al fresco at the Charles Fort - the sunset view over the harbor is incredible.
Some of our favorite sights - Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park (although Rick hates it, we enjoyed it), the beach at Inch on the way to the Dingle Peninsula, the peninsula Drive past Dingletown, Killarney National Park and Muckross House, Don Herlihy's walking tour of Kinsale, Kingdom of Kerry Museum, GAA museum at Croke Park in Dublin, and the National Botanical Gardens in Dublin. We found the shopping opportunities fairly narrow, but the Blarney Woolen Mills stores have some of the more reasonable prices. We spent 5 nights in Dublin and we all agreed that 2-3 nights would have been enough. Try to take a nap during the afternoon so you can hit the local pub(s) from 9:30-11:30. We had some nights where we were the only non-locals and we spent the night singing and talking to the regulars (pure magic!). It was our 8th trip to Europe, but our first time in Ireland. Despite the weak dollar, it is a fabulous vacation destination.
Glen Baker <email>
Ft. Defiance, VA USA 07/11/2007
Some wonderful food
My mom and I just got back from Ireland we had some GREAT meals. In Galway try some healthy delicious food at Ard Bia (www.ardbia.com)
In Dingle. The Old Smoke House: Lower Main Street, Dingle, CO. Kerry 086 2360634.We had the Mushroom and goat cheese crepe as well as the Guiness Stew, YUM. In Dublin for Good Traditional Irish food: The Bull & Castle: Lord Edward Street, Christchurch, Dublin2: 01 4751122 www.BullandCastle.ie
Great Italian Kilkenny City: Rinuccini: 1 The Parade (www.rinuccini.com) 056 7761575, and finally Maxs in Kinsale
Andi
Marina Del Rey, CA USA 07/10/2007
Galway and Doolin
Just got back from Ireland and wanted to share. Pierre's in Galway offered a delicious prix-fixe for only 30 euros. I had steamed mussels & lamb shank, and dessert (chocolate mousse with a Bailey's center) was only 5 euros.
McDermott's in Doolin had incredible steak (the cows are grass-fed) and the Lazy Lobster was also excellent.
Jennifer
Houston, TX USA 07/04/2007
The Brunswich Center
If you're staying in Bloomsbury, or if you're near there, go to the Brunswick Center (right across from the Russell Square T-Station) - it's been totally revamped since I was here last (2 years ago), and has several new restaurants - We had good meals at Square Pies and Carluccio's; there's also an asian restaurant (The Hare & ??? - can't remember) that we didn't have time to try, but had seen it in a guidebook as a good place to eat. Another good find for us was Browns Restaurant on St. Martin's Lane. Good food, and great location for a pre- or post- theater meal or drink.
Sue
Boston, USA 06/27/2007
Name your London Pub Crawl?
You don't say which area of London you will be drinking in. These are a few of my regular watering holes. Hercules Pillars on Great Queen Street, very good beers and a pub that is larger and more comfortable that the small frontage suggests. Just down the road is The Prince of Wales on the corner of Great Queen Street and Drury Lane. Really good beers and excellent meat pies. For an out of the way pub try The Boot on Cromer Street in Bloomsbury. Decent beers and a very friendly atmosphere. Just around the corner is Mable's Tavern on Mableton Place. Great Beers including Bishop's Finger and Spitfire, the food is Ok as well. You simply must take in at least one Fleet Street pub ( do them all if you can ). I particularly like The Tipperary at 66 Fleet Street. At the moment the Princess Louise on Holborn is closed for renovation but it opens again in December, it is one of the great pubs of any age. Finally do NOT miss out on The Seven Stars on Carey Street. It's a tiny pub that survived the great fire of London in 1666 and is run by an absolute sweetheart called Roxie Beaujolaise ( honestly ). The beer and the company is as good as it gets. All of these pubs are authentic pubs and not recently invented tourist traps with high prices and fake fittings.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK 06/26/2007
Name your London Pub Crawl?
Going back to London with some friends as a 40th birthday gift for an extended pub crawl. We've got four days. Who can make us a list of authentic Pubs "not to miss?"
Dr. Will <email>
Morehead, KY USA 06/22/2007
London Pub Crawl
Check out fancyapint.com for pub crawl suggestions by neighborhood.
Avila
Dallas, TX USA 06/22/2007
Excellent restaurant in Howth, near Dublin
We took Rick's advice and stayed and dined at King Sitrics's in Howth, on the DART line outside Dublin. We had one of the best meals of our lives there, and the accomodations were excellent. A bit expensive by "back door" standards, but really worth it.
Mike Shiel
Lunenburg, MA USA 06/22/2007
Dublin Lunch at the Chester Beatty
We had a nice lunch on our recent trip to Ireland at the cafeteria at the Chester Beatty Museum in Dublin. They must have a Greek chef, since they had moussaka, stuffed grape leaves, and other Greek delicacies.
Mike Shiel
Lunenburg, MA USA 06/22/2007
I've lived in Barnes, in South West London (SW13) for two years and cannot recommend it enough for foodie delights and old world charm. Barnes is like a village plonked down in the middle of London. If you haven't got time to visit any of the UK countryside and are just doing London, consider going to Barnes as a 'country break' for a few hours without leaving the city. To reach it take an over ground (not tube) South West Train from Waterloo Station (every 15 mins) to Barnes Bridge station, takes 20 minutes. Or take the tube to Hammersmith (a stop on the piccadilly line from Heathrow) and catch the 109 bus to Barnes High Street (bus 10 mins). Barnes is famous for being on the river and the annual University Boat race between Cambridge and Oxford passes right by. On arrival make sure you are hungry and go to one of the best fish and chips shops ever, Tanya's, situated at the top of Barnes High Street at the river end. It's small with two eat-in tables so take your meal outside and sit on the river wall and munch away. It's owned by a Greek family who live upstairs and are lovely. If you come on a Saturday visit the organic farmers market held in the car park of Essex House (a former grand home now converted to a Doctors surgery). It has every type of gorgeous European food you could want! Open 9am-1pm. The centre of Barnes has a lovely duck pond (opposite Essex House) and green to sit on. Every July the Barnes Fair is held here complete with a parade of scouts and flag waving beforehand. It's usually a peaceful spot for an impromtu picnic lunch. The high street has several foodie shops and a great wine shop (Lea and Sandeman.) Barnes also has good curry restaurants (at the other end of the High Street where it meets a road called Castlenau) and a very posh Italian restaurant called 'Riva' that people come to from all over London. Barnes people are great and lots of people come for the market. You'll often spot actors, national news readers and the odd musical theatre director! Finally if you fancy a lovely cup of tea and a great slice of cake go to 'Orange Pekoe' (instead of exiting right at the rail station for Barnes High Street and the river go left and walk up river past some posh houses and a pub until you reach the top of White Hart Lane.) It's a small gorgeously decorated tea room and cafe that sells it's own tea and is run by a lovely greek couple called Marianna and Achilles. If you notice a 'malty' smell while walking to the tea shop it's the Mortlake Brewery nearby!
Beatrice
London/Venezia, USA 06/20/2007
I have to agree with Susan, The Swan Pub on Bayswater has fantastic food. We have a meal there every visit to London.
Robin
Ohio USA 06/19/2007
Favorite tast treats
My sister and I had the most delicious steak and ale pie while visiting London. I can't remember the name of the pub but it was about a block from the Millenium Hotel in Kensington. We went back the next night for a second helping. Yum!
April
Manchester, NH USA 06/14/2007
I enjoyed The Swan on Bayswater Road near Hyde Park. Good pub food, outdoor and indoor seating available, and a friendly Greek man to take your order. I had the roast beef "carvery" plate, but everything I saw at surrounding tables looked good, too.
Susan
Dallas, TX USA 06/11/2007
Nottinghill neighborhood restaruant
We found a great little Italian restaurant in the Nottinghill area, close to the Westland Hotel where we were staying. Mulberry Street,at 84 Westbourne Grove, is a modern eatery but has marvelous made-to-order pizza slices for 3.50. One is enough for a meal. Their salads are excellent, and reasonable, as are the pastas. Good wine and friendly Italian staff.
kay
portland, or USA 06/08/2007
LONDON
Several thumbs up for Rick's dining recommendations for London. Gordon's Wine bar is a funky place; ideal for hanging out. Get a table in the cave and drink wine! Maggie Jones was a wonderful date night - excellent food but it's a small place with a fair number of large tables/parties so if you are looking for quiet, scope out your table wisely. Andrew Endmunds was my favorite. Sit downstairs for a romantic dinner - I was traveling alone and they were happy to give me a table; but I was surrounded by couples and spent the whole meal wishing my husband were there with me! Highly recommend all three places. CHEERS!
Michelle
New Hampshire, NH USA 06/07/2007
re: Lunch in Trim Ireland
In my visit to Ireland, I went looking for Bennini's Cafe in the town of Trim.
Unfortunately, Bennini's was no longer in business. If you're looking for a light lunch, we ate at Ramparts Coffee Shop, which was located in the TI. They served great sandwiches & desserts. It was a popular spot for the local business people in town.
Pat Ryan
Chantilly, VA USA 06/03/2007
re:Resturant/Pub Across From Victoria Station
I have to agree with you on this one, the Shakespear is a great pub, been there a few times when on holiday in London. But you have to get there before or after the lunch time crowd because it gets crazy there. Go see the changing of the guard and then stop in for a pint, that's how i first stopped in there..
george
Easton, pa USA 05/10/2007
Rude Hostess
Just returned from a great trip to the West of Ireland. Galway is over run with students but charming nonetheless. I really love the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Town. Rick suggests eating at "Out of the Blue" and while the food is very good beware of the rude hostess who is very off putting at the door. That spoiled my experience and good food or not I will not put up with that kind of customer treatment there again.
Leo Desjarlais <email>
Falmouth, Ma. USA 05/08/2007
food in britain
If you are stuck at Gatwick, instead of eating at the airport, take the local bus to Crawley (10 minutes) and enjoy some of the local delights.
Stuck at one of the hotels near Heathrow, go out front door on Bath road and head towards North Indian Cuisine restaurant and hotel/bar. Clean, great food, nice people and you get a feeling of the local people.
steven Grabianowski <email>
redwood City, cA USA 05/07/2007
Out of the Blue - Out of this world!
Out of the Blue is a seafood restaurant in Dingle, Ireland. It prides itself on its freshness and the quality shows. The dishes are also creatively prepared and generous. Don't let the facade fool you. It's a charming restaurant with restauranteurs who are friendly and welcoming!
Anne
Kyiv, Ukraine 04/26/2007
Tea Houses
In Yorkshire there is a small local chain of tearooms called Bettys. The main tearoom is in York, they have a smaller tea room nearby, little bettys, but doesnt have the see and be seen quailty. The food is a wonderful blend of Swiss and Yorkshire styles. It was opened around 1900, and offers some wonderful deserts. I am also addicted to their basic Tea Room Blend. The even bought a tea company to ensure there blend is only served at their stores. The dress ranges from casual to semi-formal. Though I admit I felt a little out of place in my jeans and sweatshirt. But there is a blend of people and it is most busy on the weekend at lunch and dinner time. If you just want a cookie to go, you can skip the line waiting for seats in the tea room and visit their bakery side which serves the same deserts cookies, scones and breads for to go purchase. They also sell boxes of their tea room blend and the Yorkshire Tea Company's basic blends.
In Windsor there is the crooked Tea house, which has the best sticky toffee pudding i have ever had. It is small, the building really is tilted and lines are a regular occurance but the food and the tea are worth it.
Casey Hart
Chicago, IL USA 04/24/2007
The Crypt Cafe
Just a heads up.....The Crypt Cafe in StMartinintheFields (london) is closed until the beginning of October. We had read a lot about it here, and were quite disappointed when (about 2 weeks ago) we went there for lunch and found it closed.
USA 04/19/2007
London Bakers
The Village Bakery at 65 Blythe Road, Kensington, London. Tell them what you want and they may even make a batch specially for you.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK 03/20/2007
Can anyone recommend a British bakery?
Does anyone know of a "British" bakery in London that serves traditional English sweets such as curd tarts, "tipsy imps", and mince pies? There are great bakeries like that in York but we haven't found one in London-only different ethnic bakeries just like they have at home.
editors note: All questions must be posted to Travelers Helpline
Kim
San Dimas, Ca USA 03/19/2007
Bervie Chipper and Starbucks alternates
To offer another answer to the Starbucks inquiry: aside from Starbucks, there are also similar UK-based chains, Costa Coffee and Caffe Nero. I think Costa serves neat little sandwiches, so you can rest and have a snack.
Now for a Fish 'n Chips suggestion: The Bervie Chipper located in Inverbervie, near Dunotter castle in Scotland. It is tiny and full of locals and campers and staffed by a gaggle of teens. But easily the finest fish and chips I've experienced. I had a gigantic halibut (not Van De Kamps sized, but a big fried fish) and what we'd call steak fries. Even the curry sauce was tasty. My Scottish friend, Ewan, though seemingly dubious, ended up stealing quite a lot of it.
Jemma
Seattle, WA USA 03/17/2007
Incognito Top Chef
Today we stopped at a remarkable diner in Culloville, just inside the border of Northern Ireland, near Crossmaglen. The prices were quite reasonable, and that's nice of course, but the food was remarkable, and who knew you could find a comparable dessert menu this far from the Olympic Hotel? Ya gotta stop into Dev's Diner if you're in the neighborhood!!!
Rosemary <email>
Seattle, WA USA 03/13/2007
Good Pub meal in Northern Ireland
I had better than typical pub grub at a wonderful pub by the name of Murphy's in the small village of Meigh near Newry in South Armagh, Northern Ireland.
I had a steak and it came with chips and they had the best gravy I ever tasted to go with the steak and chips. It was some sort of peppercorn gravy. I normally dont "do" gravy but when I was with the locals and they were doing it I decided I had to as well. It was so good on the chips!!
Nora
AZ USA 02/20/2007
Curry!
Look up Brick Ln.. I think it is in the East End and worth the trip! The most authentic way to get curry in the whole city!
LondnLovr
Pittsburgh, PA USA 02/19/2007
kebob house off Hyde Park
We recently had a couple of dinners at a kebob house called Halepi Restaurant on Leinster Terrace (between Lancaster Gate and Queensway/Bayswater tube stations - Central and Circle lines) in London.
They do great grilled meat and fish dishes, wonderful hummus and the like, and surprisingly, a tasty beef strogonoff.
Halepi is not so cheap (expect to spend 8 to 20 pounds per person, depending on how much beer you consume). But, it is very fun, friendly, and family oriented.
The tables are adjoining, so be prepared to spend as much time chatting with your neighbors as with your own party. And, during our visits the clientele was local --- our neighbors gave us the first and second generation immigrant's perspective of the City.
Carol Moody
Atlanta, GA USA 02/19/2007
Good cheap eats in London
Google "Giraffe Restaurants" for London (and now Manchester). Family friendly small chain, one near the London Eye, next to Wagamama. Says "modern European" menu, Great food, great price - currently 6.95 meals 5 to 7, and 8.95 7 to closing. Great humus, organic, young/business crowd during the week (when we were there). Great fruit smoothies: often promos(called "concessions"). We got free smoothies with meals for both kids, promo for coloring a picture printed from their website. Adult place during the week, but popular evenings and weekends for kid birthday parties
Diane Yaghoobian <email>
Stowe (Pottstown), PA USA 02/14/2007
supper in pubs [London]
There is a great pub in London called the Pride of paddington, it serves great leg of lamb, mashed potatoes, and pimms, reasonably priced, quiet surroundings, good service, great location.
AUNDREA <email>
CANADAam 02/12/2007
Resturant/Pub Across From Victoria Station
"The Shakespear" is located across the street from Victoria Station. It serves great fish and chips (my husband's favorite) and offers a (British) pie of the day. I have had their Chicken and Ham, Steak and Ale, and their Sheppheard's pies- all excellent. The fried scampi is so-so as is the steak. Their starters are also pretty good. The chips (fries) are large and perfectly cooked. It is often crowded and you may have to wait a few minutes for a table- but the wait is worth it.
Toni
Charlotte, NC USA 02/09/2007
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Sparks has shops in most major cities. They look like a clothing store however they have a great food section where you can buy fresh pre-made sandwiches, portioned salads, small snacks, drinks etc., for box lunches. They also have great cooked meats and veggies that you can take to where your staying to enjoy a cheap meal.
Jim McGrath <email>
Acton, MA USA 02/09/2007
I love Wetherspoons
We found that Wetherspoons (Pommeler's Rest near Tower Bridge) had good food at good prices. This was also a non-smoking pub, which was greatly appreciated. Although this is within almost sight of Tower Bridge, it's mainly locals who frequent the pub, so pretty cool place to soak up the flavor, as well as the drinks!
joy
new port richey, fl USA 02/08/2007
Good Eats in Ireland
When in Ireland, I have found that good food at reasonable prices can be found at the lunchrooms at the historic sites. Muckross House and Glenveigh National Park were particularly good. You can get anything from a snack to a full dinner. And oh the vegetable soup with brown bread...my mouth is watering!!!
Ken
K'ville, Pa USA 02/01/2007
Wetherspoons Pubs are great.
I second Karen's recommendation of Wetherspoons Pubs for good, cheap meals. At the Liberty Bounds (a Wetherspoon pub) just a block from the Tower of London, we ate hearty English breakfasts for £1.99 (just £1.79 for the kids) almost half the days of our visit. You can't beat that price. The fish and chips dinner, which we had a couple of times, was good, too. The 2-for deals avaialble Mon thru Thurs are an excellent value.
Sandykins
Chevy Chase, MD USA 01/30/2007
Cheap London eats
I love the fresh salmon in Ireland. I'll have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The trendy, hip restaurants in London are plentiful and fun but oh so expensive. Are there any tips for reasonably priced meals in London?
William <email>
Boston, MA USA 01/24/2007
Wetherspoons Pubs
Not really a back door, but a good money-saving place to eat. These are discount pubs built in the 80s (recreated to look like traditional pubs). The food is cheap and good and you can get a decent pint. Take advantage of their 2-for-1 meals, served all day. About 6 pounds for two meals. They also have 5 pound burger meals that include a drink! Excellent bargain for London.
Karen
USA 01/17/2007
Great fish and chips and Indian food in SW England
I had the pleasure of spending two nights visiting former neighbors from the states who were spending the holidays in Torquay, a coastal town in the "English Riviera". There, I happened upon a local fish and chip shop that had the best fried fish I had ever had. I dont remember the name of the place, but its a small community so anyone would be able to tell you. This place routinely wins awards. I was also out for dinner one night at a place called Himalaya...and they served up some of the best Indian/Nepalese food I have ever had...even better than anything on Brick Lane in London's east side. Also, everyone in our dinner party was treated to a free after-dinner aperitif!
If you find yourself in the SW coast of England, try looking for these restaurants. You wont be disppointed. The food was good, the service was good, and everything was done without pretention.
Donny
London, UK 01/15/2007
Great fish and chips near Waterloo station
We were just in London during Christmas week and had the best fish and chips I can remember eating. The restaurant was Masters Super Fish, just three blocks from Waterloo station (191 Waterloo Road, I think). It was a hard-raining night and we hated slogging through the wind and rain, but I had read good things about this place. Once inside we were awfully glad we came. Complimentary plates of three steamed prawns came, to our surprise. Then a basket of sliced baguette and butter. There was good variety of fish to choose from. We chose cod and plaice for our fish and chips. I think we all gasped when we saw how huge the servings were, heaped high on oval platters. Thick, hefty slabs of cod were wonderfully fresh and moist and perfectly fried in a golden-brown, hard-crunchy shell. Large but thinner slabs of the more delicate and tender plaice were coated in a deliciously light and crisp, almost tempura-like shell. The chips were hot and crisp, just prefect. Our waitress brought around dill pickles, pickled whole onions, tartar sauce, and ketchup. There were malt vinegar and lemon slices, of course. What a great dinner it was! Too bad they were to be closed for the rest of our visit for the coming new year, because we were threatening to return every evening for dinner. And we would have.
They have a take-away window as well as an eat-in restaurant, the former offering fish and chips at about £2 less per order.
If you seek great fish and chips in London, you've got to try this place.
Sandy
Chevy Chase, MD USA 01/10/2007
Starbuck's in London
There are 2 Starbuck's in or near Victoria Station and numerous others all over the city.
USA 01/07/2007
Answer to Starbucks query
I think the question is where isn't there a Starbucks?
I know that there are other Starbucks in London - spotted a few inconspicuous signs while on the hop on/hop off bus. However, I didn't really think about it as we really tried to "go local" when we were in Europe (but after 3 weeks and one trip to a Belgian hospital, we excused ourselves by saying that Harrod's was known for having unusual stuff, some from around the world ;)
I do believe that Starbucks website has a listing of their cafes around the world, if you are interested in finding out.
Erica
DuPont, WA USA 01/07/2007
Other than the basement at Harrods, where does one find Starbucks?
USA 01/06/2007
Indian in London
For great Indian, try New Jomuna, on Wilton Road, not far from the Apollo Victoria, in Belgravia. It is just a few blocks from Victoria Station. FABULOUS butter chicken and meat korma, and the chat was some of the best I have ever had! It was recommended by Mrs Patel at the Cherry Court Hotel, and she helped us pick a winner!
Carrie McKenzie <email>
Wauwatosa, WI USA 01/04/2007
Harrod's
I'm surprised Harrod's Food Court isn't mentioned more... we enjoyed the variety and great "take away" so much we went twice! I was traveling with my parents - what we did was strike out on our own in the food court areas of Harrods, with the idea of each getting our own main dish and at least one side. Then, we walked back to our hotel in the Bayswater area through the park to our hotel (Westland), giving us the opportunity to enjoy the park and the view of Kensington Palace. Then, we enjoyed an in-room picnic, sharing each others "finds". We also picked up a couple of food gifts for people back home with Harrods logo. It was nice to have a relaxing, interesting meal in our pajamas while finding some interesting British TV after 3 weeks on the continent.
If you are staying within walking distance to the hotel, it is a good option after a long day of sightseeing using the Tube or the hop-on, hop-off tour. (Oh yeah, and for those who have been in Europe for three weeks... there is a Starbucks in the basement! I nearly screamed when I saw it (being from Washington, I was CRAVING a big ol' fix) and stunned the barista when I ordered a TRIPLE shot latte. Ha!
Erica
DuPont, WA USA 01/03/2007