Delicious Britain & Ireland: 2002
When you take your tongue out sightseeing in Britain, what are its favorite taste treats? (Or does it just want to go back home?)
London Italian and Chinese restaurants
Two fantastic London restaurants we found on our trip in November 2002: Jenny
Lo's Teahouse (in Belgravia area) and De Beppe (near British Museum). Jenny Lo's
is the best Chinese food imaginable, served in huge portions. Cash only, a couple
will spend about 18 pounds for dinner and nice tip. Other gem was Da Beppe, this
great Italian place near the British Museum. It's run by Beppe, this great Italian
charmer who will call the ladies "bella" - portions are huge and its the best
pasta I have ever eaten. Tortellini with gorgonzola sauce - to die for!
Elizabeth <email>
NC USA 12/12/02
Best food in Wales RUTHIN
Off The Square at ruthin is situated at the back of the castle hotel and is just
off st peters square!the restraunt fers great food, service from friendly staff
and a carribean atmosphere, where you will really feel comfortable. the food
has been rated fabulously in the local news paper by the taste test and i do
agree with the comments for the best food wine service and atmosphere you must
visit off the square, castle hotel, st peters square, ruthin, north wales, uk
01824 707004
traveller <email>
USA 12/11/02
READY SET GO!
Here are a few great foodie suggestions from the supermarkets in London and UK.
I spend a great deal of time perusing Marks & Sparks, Tescos and Sainsberries!
(ok, Sainsburys). Stocking up on luncheon Items is a snap in London! Sandwiches
come in all shapes and sizes and have been raised to an artful level. Triangle
boxed sammys are nothing like the truckstop American cousins! I have found teacakes
at M&S that have been permanently marked down to 99p. Think of moonpies, only
very fresh, nicely wrapped in lovely purple foil. These make great gifts to bring
home. Crispy cheese crackers are a favorite. The cheese section has "cheese bite" samples
for take away. The cheddar cheese with onion and fresh chive is FAB! The tiny
brie wedgies are top quality. Fresh bread is available everywhere. Tea is another
low cost alternative. It tastes so much better than USA stuff! This can be found
in many variations and also makes nice gifts. Little known Thornton's chocolate
bar with lemon cream filling is to die for!
Crisps (potato chips) are also a delight, so many diffent flavours to choose from. Every supermarket has 'hidden' specials and the larger ones have scratch and dent sections that you can reap 'local' brand savings on popular or unusual items. UK supers are very date/spoil conscious. Watch for last day price reductions, early in the day is the best time to find these 'specials'. Often times the food is such high quality that the items last for many days over the expiration date.
Often, I now avoid riding the tube and now arrive 'topside' by riding
the big reds and buses. You can miss so much by going underground. Jump
upstairs and grab that front window seat and have lunch and see the sights!
Always have a notebook handy to jot down great places to return to. Selfridges
Department Store has a restaurant that serves the most delicious salt
beef sandwiches on fresh cut rye. Get a beer to go with it and pile on
the heavy duty english mustard and a side of cole slaw and you are set!
Last minute dot com london website can hook you up with all sorts of
restaurant specials. Get an idea of the place you want to go and call
the establishment before booking online. Most times, they will honor
the special. Indian restaurants will often have a specially priced meal
arrangement all day on Sunday. CCheers!
MrDewey <email>
Sunny Phoenix, az USA 11/18/02
London and Edinburgh
1. Belgo Centraal is a really good deal if you get there before 7pm for their "Beat
the Clock" meal. You get either mussels, rotisserie chicken (yum), goat cheese
something, or sausage and mash...all served with really good french fries (and
tangy mayo to dip them in) and a choice of either the house pilsner, house wine,
or a fruity soda-like drink. We've been there four times and each time has been
great. If you have a party of four and get there at 5:30 (when they open for
dinner), they might give you four free shots of schnapps.
2. There's a chain of Turkish restaurants called Sofra and they are really good. I had never tried Turkish food before and I loved this place. They have a deal where you get 2 courses for 7 pounds if you're there before 6, and 2 courses for 9 pounds after 6. The dinners were all really good. Even my mom and grandmother (who have food limitations) liked it. There's one in Pimlico at 93-94 Wilton Road, and their business card says they have others in Covent Garden (36 Tavistock Street), Oxford Street (1 St. Christopher's Place), Mayfair (18 Shepherd Street), and Islington (341 Upper Street).
3. There's an Italian restaurant in Edinburgh that has really good food
but not the friendliest service...I can't remember the name of it, but
it's on Causewayside. If you can find Bierex (listed in Rick's book),
this place is on the other side of the street (Causewayside) and then
north about half a block or less.
Traci <email>
Studying in London, UK 11/03/02
London food
For a lot of good food for about 5 pounds during lunch, and good beer try The
Cock (I'm not kidding). Located on the corner of Great Portland and Margret near
Oxford Circus in London. The service, and atmosphere brought us back for a total
of three meals.
Eric and Jane <email>
Champlin, MN USA 10/15/02
Some Of The Best
We just returned from an 18-day circle trip around Great Britain. Near Blackpool
s north promenade, Toto s, 6 Gynn Square, Dickson Road, offers a £7.50 three
course menu: starter, mouth-watering main course (pasta, pizza or chicken), completed
with ice cream. This is served in a charming room with soft Italian tunes playing
over its music system. Strolling back to our room we observed Blackpool s Illuminations.
The journey to wee Oban — via Glasgow, along the ”bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, through picturesque glens of western Scotland — was a highlight. There we dined on generous platters of marvelous mussels, tasty bread, and McEwan s Ale at the atmospheric harborfront Oban Inn. The dish was at least a match with Belgo.
Lastly, in Durham the Queenshead Lounge, 2 Sherburn Road, Gilesgate,
offers a menu loaded with amazing values. The special we enjoyed was
impressive and delicious roast lamb with mint sauce. Absolutely memorable.
Dick
Seattle, USA 10/08/02
good food in the UK
yes,it IS possible to find good food in London, aside from fish and chips. I
had a wonderful greek lunch at Mario's on Broadhurst Gardens Road, just off West
End Lane,in West Hampstead. I have had good salads, baked potatoes and sandwiches
at Ponti's, and good pub grub in Windsor. Stick with ethnic and simple dishes
for value and taste.
melissa miller <email>
Oakland,, ca USA 10/06/02
Ice cream in Bath
The Cadbury shop in Bath has the best ice cream ever! They dribble melted Cadbury
chocolate over the top and it's only about £1.50 Even though it was freezing
the day we went, it's impossible to resist!
Madeleine <email>
San Diego, CA USA 10/04/02
flat caps and howsyafarva
When I was in the ole Britland, we would snack down on flatcaps when we were
in York Shire. Dee licious!! In London ask the pub landlord for a bit of Howsyafarva
- a local speciality
Dyane Dibbley <email>
Tuscon, AZ USA 10/02/02
London Recommendations
We took Rick's recommendations for food while in London a year or so ago. Soho
Spice was the best Indian food I've EVER had. The Ebury Wine Bar was phenomenal
as well. As always, Rick's advice resulted in a truly wonderful meal!
Stephanie Fahey <email>
Elmwood Park, IL USA 09/29/02
Eating in Britain
OK, British B&B breakfasts are very filling, but after a few days, two eggs,
bacon, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast and beverage can be a little much.
Leave room for desserts. They are great, especially the ice cream. Hope you like
french fries (chips) they are served with everything. I ordered vegetable stir
fry and got fries with it! Must sample (SAMPLE?) Cadbury and Butler's Irish candy
Portions in most Pubs were huge and we ended up splitting a lot of meals
Doug & Barb Mehling <email>
Sandusky, Oh USA 09/28/02
Wish I could have brought a serving home with me!
I had a great dinner at the Dog and Gun in the Lake District's Keswick about
a week ago! Their shepard's pie with cheese and leek was divine, and my husband
enjoyed a cumberland sausage with veggies and potatoes! I have to say that I
was really impressed by this little pub that advertised, "We don't serve chips,
so don't ask for them!"
Laura
Canada 09/25/02
Good food in London and York
It's been four years since our last visit to London and we were very happy to
find that Jenny Lo's Teahouse and the North Sea Fish House are both as good as
we remembered. We tried Upper Crust on recommendation from this BB while in Waterloo
station and it was indeed very good. It is difficult in England to find sandwiches
without mayonaise, though. In York, we discovered a wonderful (and fairly inexpensive)
Italian restaurant on Goodramgate called Ceasars Ristorante. My 24 yo son said
the pizza was the best he'd ever had and the pasta was excellent.
A Burgett
Beaverton, OR USA 09/17/02
London dessert
Berries and clotted cream from the grocery store
Barry <email>
Edmonton, 09/14/02
Chinese Delight
Fried seaweed at the Chinese restaurant near the Mansion apartments on Earl's
Court Road
Barry <email>
Edmonton, 09/14/02
Food in Cambridge
The food in Cambridge is pretty good. There is Nadia's and Smily's (i think that's
how you spell it); they have great sandwiches for lunch. Dojo is a great noodle
place and for good Italian it's Bella Pasta. The Anchor has really good pub food
as well.
rachel
mi USA 09/13/02
Hot chocolate in London
For deliciousness, we recommend the hot chocolate at the Tate Modern museum.
We ducked into the museum on a rainy London day, and were delighted by the incredible
art and the great hot chocolate...
Fred J. <email>
Washington, DC USA 09/12/02
Stay away from Aberdeen Steakhouse
In reference to another poster's advice to steer clear of the Aberdeen Steakhouse
in London, I would have to agree. On one of those Learning Channel or Discovery
Channel shows a few months ago about "Restaurant Hell," they featured video footage
from the kitchens in different Aberdeen Steakhouse restaurants, and those places
were appalling. Mouse droppings everywhere, open vats of who knows what just
sitting around, things hadn't been cleaned in decades, etc. I can't remember
the details of what was wrong with their kitchens, but I remember feeling nauseous
watching it and making a mental note never to go near that place. Really disgusting.
Traci <email>
Austin, TX USA 09/12/02
Ethnic Cuisine in London
Though food in London can get expensive . . . and well, a little meaty for my
taste, I found that many of the ethnic restaurants offered a reasonable alternative
to mainstream fare. During my time in London, my travel partner and I ate several
times at the Vegetarian Buffets located at 10 Greek Street (Tottenham Court Road
Tube) and 339 Euston Road (Warren Street Tube). The two locations have similar
food, all Thai and Chinese inspired, and without meat, dairy or eggs. The food
(fried rice, noodles, chow mein, salad, spring rolls, etc.) is great and so is
the price. It's only 3 pounds (about $4.50) for a takeaway lunch box and only
6 pounds (about $9.00) for all you can eat.
Also, if you're in the mood for something really special (and extra healthy),
go to Vitaorganic at 279c Finchley Rd. (Finchley Rd. Tube). The organic vegetarian
buffet is 6-7 pounds (about $9.00-10.50) and it includes lots of Malaysian,
Thai, Chinese and Japanese inspired curries, stir fries, noodles, soups and
salads. The waitstaff are very friendly and they will personally show you the
buffet and explain each dish to you. I also recommend the freshly made juices.
C.A.W.
Columbus, OH, USA 09/10/02
Happy to report that Cafe Med in Salisbury is alive, well and, if anything,
even better than the last time we visited. There's a new waiter in town, they
seem to have redecorated and the smoke free area seems more so. Food remains
a delight and you still get a bottle of the house red or white with your meal
before 1900.
k-b
Seattle, USA 09/03/02
Upper Crust!
I heartily agree with the Upper Crust recommendation. On my last trip to London,
I bought these for my friends and we had a fun picnic while riding on the Thames
from Tower Bridge to Westminster. The "egg mayonnaise" was yummy and the bread
was very fresh. Now I am hungry.
Amanda
TX USA 08/31/02
English Pub Food Guide
We homebrew and discovered CAMRA the British organization committed to promoting "Real
Ales" (hand drawn, cask-conditioned ale) in England. They publish a great pub
guide which details, not only the real ales on tap, but the history, ambience,
and food at the pubs. They do not list all the pubs, just the ones that serve
real ales, but they usually list the kind of food and serving hours. They also
have a pub food guide too.
Using their guide in Berwick-upon-Tweed, we went to a tiny pub called The
Barrels and had the most wonderful sandwiches -don't often find Stilton cheese
with halved black grapes and lettuce on hearty homemade bread. The pub guides
are a fun read too, particularly if you're looking for "historic" or "cosy".
The CAMRA web site is www.camra.org and I ordered right off the web. Cheers!
Susan Kappler <email>
West Winfield, NY USA 08/20/02
Wagamma and Belgo
We recently spent a week in london. We loved Wagamamma and Belgo. The mussels
and fries at Belgo were incredible. I came home and tried to recreate the Wagamamma
noodle bowl; imitation is a compliment.
James L. Jones <email>
Jacksonville, Fl USA 08/15/02
Edinburgh Budget Food.
Bar Napoli is wonderful. On Hanover, near George St. Home made pastas & gnocchi
(my fave). All the pasta dishes are huge, cheap (£5-6) and delish! Gnocchi Gorganzola
is amazingly rich and perfect. Seafood dishes were heaven. I've eatten there
3 times in 10 days.
Danny T. <email>
Chicago, IL USA 08/11/02
Edinburgh Budget Food.
Bar Napoli is wonderful. Home made pastas & gnocchi (my fave). All the pasta
dishes are huge, cheap (£5-6) and delish! Gnocchi Gorganzola is amazingly rich
and perfect. Seafood dishes were heaven. I've eaten there 3 times in 10 days.
Danny T. <email>
Chicago, IL USA 08/11/02
Upper Crust
For cheap eats, we liked the Upper Crust which were found in all of the train
stations and the tube/train stations in London. They served baguette sandwiches
with different fillings, rock salt chips and a coke were under 5 pounds. Served
in a take-away handled bag. We enjoyed them so well we picked it up in Gatwick
to eat on the plane — beats plane food!
RW
Greenville, SC USA 08/09/02
London delicacies
The best place for reasonably priced food in London is the grocery store. The
Devonshire cream and strawberries are heavenly, the cheese in expensive and it
makes your pounds stretch farther
Barry <email>
Edmonton, AB Canada 08/06/02
Food in the UK
The North Sea Restaurant has the best fish and chips in London. For a splurge
experience try Simpson's in the Strand. It has the best roasts in London.
Karen <email>
Everett, ma USA 08/04/02
Welsh dinner
We found great food all over Britain and Ireland. Fish and chips is tops but
make sure you ask for salt. Our best meal was in Capel Garmon Wales, a tiny village
off the beaten track in Snowdonia, at the White Horse Inn. Lovely, gourmet food
with a rustic french flare. My advice? Try everything!
Joanna <email>
Louisville, KY USA 07/30/02
Coffee in London
We recently returned from two weeks in England and found the caffe lattes at
Coffee Republic to be the best taste treat of our trip. We bought a couple of
tins of their filter coffee to try at home and it is also wonderful. We're used
to drinking Community Coffee from Louisiana, so we like our coffee strong. Coffee
Republic has the strong flavor but no bitterness.
Susan
USA 07/29/02
Ruthin North Wales Dining
My wife and I discovered a delightful new diner in Ruthin, North Wales. It is
called Sinatra's (yes, after the Chairman of the Board!) and opened July 4th.
It is located one block off Market Square, and has a wide selection of sandwiches,
salads, etc. I had a great jacket potato with prawns and Marie Rose sauce.
Tom King <email>
Boise, ID USA 07/25/02
Food Quality
After hearing much about the poor quality of the food in England my family and
I were greatly surprised by the excellent food found in pubs in the Bath area.
We visited a number while staying in the area but two particularly standout.
The Faulkland Inn in the village of the same name and the Woolpack just a few
miles away. High quality in all respects. So good that we actually dined at the
Woolpack twice during our ten days in the area. The food in London was also good
but not to the high standards we found in Somerset.
Emory Jackson <email>
Bridgeton, MO USA 07/25/02
British food
Like most of you out there, I also found the pub grub to be quite nice. There's
a good one on the other side of the Tower Bridge (big Lincoln-log size "chips")
that I wish I could remember the name of. One thing to warn you about, much of
London really shuts down on Sundays — we came back from a daytrip to Cambridge
late and it was some searching to find anything to eat a bit later. But Hart's
Grocers are open 24 hours and the ASK pizza/Italian chain is really good and
is open until midnight or so. Try the one by the Gloucester tube station-delicious
house red, good salad, flaky crust pizza — yum yum yum! Also the Oriental Canteen,
right around from the South Kensington tube station is cheap and good for lunch.
I would steer clear of the English breakfast though...beans for breakfast????
Steve J
san diego , ca USA 07/24/02
Madogs in Edinburgh
We found a great value in Edinburgh if you're hungry. Madogs belongs in the book.
It's at 38a George Street and reminds you of a trending California restaurant.
I had a huge plate of Linguini & Mussels for £4.95 and my whole family was happy
with their choices. Good food, nice place, and almost McDonald prices.
Joe & Marty Loughlin <email>
Fremont, OH USA 07/23/02
inexpensive lunch
My wife and I were in Bath on a crisp and sunny day. We decided to have an inexpensive
lunch. We purchased a chicken baguette without salad(lettuce and tomato). We
sat in the abbey square to eat when a gentleman with a violin began to play for
all of us having lunch there. That was the high light of my trip
James & Jody Taylor <email>
Pembroke Pines, Fl USA 07/16/02
English Pub Food
We found the pub food in England to be delicious and no more expensive than eating
out in the US. Our favorite was The Hour Glass (21 Melbourne Street) in Exeter.
They serve delicious meals that are beautifully presented in a warm and friendly
atmosphere. We also enjoyed The Old Thatch Tavern in Stratford-upon-Avon where
the desserts were even better than the entree (if that were possible.)
Linda Brown <email>
Lakeland, FL USA 07/16/02
Good eats in London
London has so many different types of food to be had. We did Wagamomma and loved
it. We also tried little out of the way pubs and restaurants. One of our favorites
was The Black Lion in Bayswater. The pug grub was great.Just ask any local for
their favoite places and enjoy.
Bill <email>
Westampton, NJ USA 07/14/02
A Safe Bet
Whenever I am in Britain I try to eat at ethnic restaurants. My favorite choice
is often Italian In fact, whenever I am in any European city, I can pretty much
depend on the food being good.
DL
MO USA 07/08/02
St. Andrew's, Scotland and the Doll's House
The Doll's House in St. Andrew's, Scotland was recommended to us by a lady we
met at a luge park in Chamonix, France. We didn't intend to go to St. Andrew's,
but did so simply to visit this restaurant. We were so glad we took her recommendation,
as the food and the service were the best in Britain. Our waiter, a young Adonis
and sweet as can be, has been earmarked as marriage material by my two teen-aged
daughters. He was one of the highlights of their trip! St. Andrew's is a beautiful
town (not dingy like Edinburgh), and is well worth a visit, even if one doesn't
play golf (we don't).
Dannette <email>
Kennewick, WA USA 07/03/02
Salad Cream and Sullen Waitresses
While most meals in Wales/England/ Scotland were acceptable, and some were even
delightful, we were constantly surprised by the fact that salad dressing was
limited to a strange, one-flavor critter called "salad cream" which often had
to be asked for in order to avoid a dry salad. On the upside, tomatoes were a
dream come true. Every tomato tasted like it had just been plucked from the vine.
This, in itself, redeemed meals potentially sullied by a few English waitresses
(yes, all women) who, as soon as they heard our American accents, turned became
something less than polite. However, the old adage of "cutting one's nose off
in spite of one's face" came into play, as their subsequent tips reflected their
unwarranted behavior. On the upside, we took the saved tips and more than amply
rewarded others who were incredibly delightful!
Dannette <email>
Kennewick, WA USA 07/03/02
Eating in Bath
I second the comments of k-b of Seattle about Demuth's in Bath, near the Abbey
and Sally Lunn's. Eat there even if you're not a vegetarian, for the food is
delicious and prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. The beverage choices
are good, the staff are proud of where they work and happy to chat with customers,
and the atmosphere is inviting. We also ate well at the Pump Room, as was to
be expected, but for a lot more money and in a more elegant but less comforting
environment.
Cathy of DC
Washington, DC USA 07/03/02
Chipping Campden restaurant
The restaurant Alexious on High Street has the best food, friendly service and
a comfortable and inviting atmosphere! It was our favorite in england
karen <email>
Atlanta, GA USA 06/30/02
For cheapskates exploring London
Our most successful London meals, starting with most recent (2001): 1. Cafe Uno.
There are many. The one we went into was two blocks north of Marble Arch. If
you got a coupon book from your Tube pass, look for an Uno offer in it. 2. Also
near Marble Arch: "The Hanging Tree", pretty fair pub food. Laundrette nearby.
3. L'Authentique, French creperie on Villiers Street near Charing X. Fresh and
hot crepes. 4. Orangerie in Kew Gardens, for lunch. Cafeteria with reasonable
prices and quality food. 5. "Blue Anchor", good fish and chips in South London.
Can't recall the exact location because our B&B hosts drove us a long way to
get there! Between Bricklayer's Arms and Rotherithe just off the main road? It
*may* be on the street of the same name that I see on my map. 6. Unknown soba
noodle shop, a few steps away from the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. Tasty and cheap,
and inside No. 2 fare zone. Full of locals. Bon appetit!
Dan C. <email>
BC Can 06/25/02
London Eats
A few thoughts on pros and cons in London — for really good takeaway sandwiches,
Pret a Manger beats Benjy's hands down. Near British Museum (on Southampton Row,
due east from S entrance (Great Russell St? Could be...)) is Rafael's, with great
eat-in or take-away panini and Internet. If you're dying for steak, please avoid
Aberdeen Steakhouse, which is overpriced and really, really bad. Texas Embassy
is imitation Tex-Mex, but actually not bad — plus truly good 'ritas — and right
on Trafalgar Square. But the big tip, IMHO, is the Indian food. An inexpensive
favorite is on Marchmont St. (right, then first left out of Russell Sq. tube,
on the left 1 blk, name escapes me). Cooler and classier, and still not too expensive,
is Masala Zone, near Carnaby Street, which in turn is near Oxford Circus tube.
Did Wagamamma, in Leicester Sq., once — better than OK, but not WOW!, in my opinion.
Finally, for good pub grub *entirely* tourist-free, unless I'm there, hit the
County Hotel's attached pub, on Upper Woburn Place near Euston Station — meat
and three for 3 pounds, draft beer under 2, super-friendly.
John Barcus <email>
Dallas, TX USA 06/20/02
Eating in London
As an American who went to school in London, I have to tell you that eating out
for the first time in Britain can be quite a shock. However, I did learn one
important rule in regards to the food: If you pay good money for it, it will
taste delicious. (Just like in America!) It's easy to stumble upon a place in
London with cheap menu items (and saving money is an important issue when traveling),
but the less money you spend, the worse it's going to taste. I've found that "pub
grub" is a great inexpensive option. Sip a tasty beer and savor some excellent
(however greasy) snacks! My personal favorite is Ye'Old Surgeon on Tottenham
Court Road.
Heather
Dallas, TX USA 06/18/02
WispaBites
I absolutely LOVE London and everything about it - especially the WispaBite candy
bars. I brought several home but they are all gone now. Is there anyway to get
some here in the states?!?!?
Elizabeth <email>
Louisville , KY USA 06/13/02
ASK Pizza = excellent
Some great restaurants include ASK Pizza (a reasonably priced, romantic Italian
restaurant) located in Brighton and in London (across the street from Victoria
train station). Their food is delicious, and their desserts are wonderful - especially
the tartufo. On a side note, make sure to avoid the cluster of touristy steakhouses
by Victoria — my boyfriend and I went once because we were in the mood for a
steak — they charged us extra for everything besides the steak, including the
garnishes!
American gal <email>
Washington, DC USA 06/08/02
Irish Sambos
I have been living and working in Ireland since September last year. My absolute
favourite FAVOURITE thing here to eat is a mini baguette with some ham or turkey
and coleslaw. It sounds very simple, but it's delicious, and cheap, and available
in all delis and newsagents. I hated coleslaw in Canada, where I'm from, but
the coleslaw here is absolutely lovely. Ellen
Ellen
dublin, ireland 06/07/02
dont be shocked
All you Americans are discovering what us Brits have known for years-we eat and
live like kings!! No seriously the food in England is excellent-it's funny to
read people describing as exotic what seems so normal (pasties, cosy pubs and
'local' things') you all seem so suprised!!! England isn't a third world country,
you know, so get out there and get stuck in! I've been to America and had my
fair share of bad, believe me. I have also had some amazing meals in the US.
But at the end of the day, England rules!
simon
cambridge, brit! 06/07/02
Lovely Pub in Lovely London
In my first night in London, me and my best friend spent a lovely evening at
Skinkers Pub, on Tooley St, right near Waterloo Station! Decent size, but gets
quite packed when the business people come in after work, so get there early!
Whats quite unique is you can hear all the trains that go by from Waterloo station!
Its quite a lovely and unique place indeed! Great wine and sandwiches! Also,
head to lovely little family owned pubs outside of London, or in any pub in the
countryside! Such pleasant and relaxing places, many with fireplaces and the
family's cats and dogs! I could spend hours on end just hanging out and relaxing
in a pub!
Jill <email>
Valrico, FL USA 06/04/02
Food hints
In London we rented an apartment on Balderton St. in the Mayfair district. We
had the pleasure of finding ourselves two buildings down from an Indian Market
w/ a large assortment of ready made, take out dishes. This was cost effective,
the food delicious, and we didn't have to wait for the food to be prepared as
in a restaurant.
The kids completely loved eating at Harrod's. It was pricey, but the food was great, and while they lingered over their meals, I could browse through the departments.
In the Cotswold's my husband would be up first each morning. He would walk down to the local bakery and buy fresh baked scones for our breakfast. Absolutely mouth watering!!
I tried the fish & chips at a local stand. The vender adamantly warned me
that they were not what I was used to, but I was game to try. I should've heeded
his warning. Yuck.
Manya <email>
Covina, CA USA 06/02/02
Restaurant
Cambridge has many good restaurants... on Mill Road there is a wonderful North
African place with draped cloth for ceilings (like tents) and the most delicious
smell comes from the grill. Sometimes they have live music- accordions, guitars,
drums, etc. Their houmous is the best I have ever tasted. But if that doesn't
sound nice, adhoc.co.uk has all kinds of Cambridge restaurants and shops listed.
You should come to Cambridge; it's a beautiful town!
Sarah Outterson
Cambridge, UK 06/02/02
Bland English Cooking? Twaddle!
I just got back from a week in London following a week in the English countryside,
and I have rarely eaten better. One bite of warm treacle pudding with custard
will forever dispell the myth of bland English cooking. While the "traditional
full English breakfast" is a pale imitation of its Irish counterpart (a full
Irish breakfast should be the only meal you'll need all day), lunch and dinner
pub fare more than made up for it. I had a magnificent, epic trip, but I find
myself longing for the food (and, of course, the hand-pulled, cask-conditioned
real ales).
Kevin <email>
Boston, MA USA 05/31/02
english food rocks
There is not anything much finer than a load of cod and chips wrapped in newspaper
on a pier in Liverpool. Just follow the smell to the water. (the fried fish I
mean) Follow it up with a pint and a mix grill at the Old Post Office Downtown.
Plus if your just wandering as a student grab a bite at the Uof Liverpool cafeteria.
Cheap and Good Off to France in the Fall
Crazy Mick <email>
washington DC, USA 05/30/02
British 'Eats
For the best fish 'n chips, try Geales (a bit pricey but well worth it). For
desert nothing beats a Yorkie Bar......... May I tempt you with this cuisine?
Dan Berger <email>
San Mateo, USA 05/25/02
Restaurant in Bath, England
My daughter and I happened on a restaurant in Bath, England I want to rave about.
It was the very best meal we had during our ten day stay. It's called "bistro
Papillon" located a couple of doors from the best laundromat we found. The address
is 2 Margaret's Buildings, Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LP with telephone of 01225
310064. Wonderful food and wonderful service......outside dining if you like.
Karen E. Christensen <email>
Seattle, WA USA 05/22/02
Loving to eat in London...
I must say I don't understand comments about not finding good food in London.
We had a wonderful time in London, there were far too many restaurants to try!
Tops on the list was Halepi, a cozy Greek restaurant on 18 Leinster Terrace near
the Queensway tube stop. Generous portions, wonderful food, and wonderful service — the
people here were so friendly, even to complete strangers! (And it was obvious
they had many regular/return customers, a good sign.) Start with some hummous,
and the moussaka and baby lamb is melt-in-your-mouth. Other notables were the
North Sea Restaurant ay 7-8 Leigh St. near King's Cross station. Go to the take-out
half for cheap prices and wonderful fish and chips. Or Melati, for delicous food
from Indonesia and southeast Asia — the Singapore laksa is incredible. For budget
meals, we looked no further than the closest Sainsburys grocery store. Pre-packaged
sandwiches were delicious and relatively cheap (try the chicken korma sandwich)
and they had great selections of yogurt and take-away curries, too. Two people
can eat well for well under 10 pounds, a real bargain for the budget traveler.
Ariane <email>
OH USA 05/16/02
Edinburgh eats
In Edinburgh, make haste to Deacon Brodie's Tavern. Located on the Royal Mile
just down from the castle, the food is great and the atmosphere is warming. Fish
and chips, shepherd's pie, etc. at a fair price. Jinx Hoover
Jinx Hoover <email>
Austin, Tx USA 05/16/02
Good Food, and non smoking in London
I have a couple of recommendations for eating in London. The Red Lion pub on
Whitehall (t's on the right hand side as you walk to Trafalgar square) serves
tasty, not too expensive meals in a smoke free dining room, upstairs from the
pub. I've eaten there on 2 different trips, and both experiences were very good.
There is also a good pub near Covent Garden, called "Porter's". Their goal is
to serve the best pub grub in London at a reasonable price. Although a bit pricier
than the Red Lion, the food is excellent! They also have non-smoking seating.
For a CHEAP & tasty meal, pick up hot from the oven pasties and meat pies at
a Cullen's grocery stores. They have locations all over London. The pies and
pasties cost 1 or 2 pounds, and you can also buy fresh fruit to round out your
meal. Our kids loved that option!
jean <email>
kirkland, wa USA 05/13/02
Benji's Take Away
To save money in London, my husband & I do take away from Benji's. They have
great sandwichs & very reasonable prices. There are many locations, so you can
usually happen upon one. We grab a sandwich & a soda & plop down wherever we
can find a "seat".
Holly & Pat Tufts <email>
Marysville, OH USA 05/10/02
Cafe Uno
My husband & I have done England twice now & have dined at Cafe Uno at least
4 times. It is near the Goodge Street tube stop in Bloomsbury. It specializes
in Italian food. He loves the pizza & I go for the pasta. Prices are not bad
at all, especially for London. It also sits on a corner so you have great views
of the crazy London traffic scene.
Holly Tufts <email>
Marysville, OH USA 05/10/02
Food is Fun Tour
While in London, one evening take Rick's "Food is Fun" Tour. Do not miss Wagamama,
Belgo Centraal (beat the clock!) and Yo Sushi. All very fun places with very
good food at very resonable prices. Four of us 30-somethings had a great evening
hitting these three places; as recommended in the book.
Allan
San Francisco, CA USA 05/09/02
Food in the UK
My husband and I had a terrible time finding good meals in the UK. It was the
first vacation we've had where we lost weight and dreaded mealtimes. We finally
learned to stick to the ethnic cuisine, jacket potatoes, cream teas and the continental
version of breakfast. The UK was a great place to tour and the people were wonderful
but I sure don't miss the food.
Jody
USA 05/07/02
food in Britain
Must agree with everyone in complimenting the food in London. Was there over
Christmas and never had a bad meal!! Do try "Grumbles" near Pimlico - sort of
Mediterranean/French - Excellent! and right across the street from it is a place
(I can't remember the name) that serves it's own hard ciders and meat pies, etc.
We each tried a different cider - Fizzy and Fun! Marks & Spencer was our saving
grace after long days of Christmas shopping and we cooked our own Christmas Dinner
(hotel suite had a kitchen) after a FUN trip through the Food Galleries at Harrod's!!
We had a blast!! Oh, and we had really good Indian food at a small place near
our hotel - excellent service and Deeeelicious food!
Karen <email>
Federal Way, WA USA 05/01/02
Ee'usk in Oban
Ee'usk (Fish Restaurant) in Oban was a great recommendation. The fish was wonderful,
the decor attractive and the location was only about two blocks from Rick's recommended
B&B's It really seemed like a much more expensive restaurant than it is. Highly
recommended..
Barbara Mawdsley <email>
Danbury, CT USA 04/26/02
Great food in Britain
My husband and I just returned from 3 weeks in the UK and we couldn't have eaten
better. To keep the prices down, we usually ate dinner off the "starter" menus.
We especially loved the wonderful homemade soups, but the warm goat cheese salad
at the "Old Mill Pond" restaurant in Pitlochry was hard to beat. When touring
castles/museums and such, stopping at the cafe for a warm-up/pick-me-up is also
a great lunch idea. There is nothing like a hot bowl of curried parsnip soup
and a sandwich after a chilly day on Culloden Moor. Yummm. The cafe at the Museum
of Scotland was great, too. Also had a wonderful last night dinner in Kew at
Q Verde for Mediterranean cuisine. One last word. All the food was fresh, we
had lots of perfectly cooked vegetables, and I just loved all the tomatos and
mushrooms at breakfast.
Molly Manaugh <email>
Fairbanks, AK USA 04/24/02
B & B short stay holiday
We have had numerous comments on the quality and ingredients of a "Full English
Breakfast"but, when you have it at Parkfields in Keswick, it is really the "Icing
on the cake".We have never had a more satifying B & B stay. WE would agree with
the comments that You and your staff of investigators have made. John and Susan
could not do any more to make ones stay a pleasure. There is a snag of course,
what, with all the nice things said, it could make it a bit more difficult when
you try to book a holiday for yourself. Betty & Peter Mulholland ( Scotland )
Peter Mulholland <email>
Renfrew, UK 03/30/02
Delicious (?) Britain
I have had great experiences with the food in England! In the pubs nothing I
have ordered has disappointed me. Treacle Sponge is the best thing I have ever
tasted in my life! My mother and I just returned from our trip last week and
we ate well the whole time. She was not a fan of beans and tomatoes for breakfast,
but other then that there were no complaints. In London we found a great little
place called Linda's (Soho, near Oxford Street) with fantastic Italian food and
great prices. Last year I ate at a place called Pollo (Italian again, in Soho)
and not only was it very very inexpensive but they were so busy they were seating
people at the same table as us! Which is a fun way to meet the locals! And such
fun trying so many new snacks and munchies! I think the key is to NOT order 'American' food
(I must admit to a truly awful burger) and try the local things like the pies
and puddings and such.
Sarah <email>
New York, NY USA 03/27/02
Southampton (England) Restaurant
Very nice eating establishment within the older part of Southampton. "LANGLEYS" on
10 Bedford Place (02380 224551) Has a website with photos & menus. www.langleysbistro.co.uk
Continental style in mid price range. (for England!) Cozy, pleasant service,
daytime upstairs cafe. Eaten there twice.
Peter Falk <email>
Oakland, CA United States 03/26/02
Best in Hereford
Goodbody's in Hereford is both warm and exquisite and was the one of the highlights
of our trip to Great Britain. Downstairs, you'll find a friendly pub with excellent
ale, a fireplace, and a fine selection of comfortable food. Upstairs, you'll
be treated to a rich and rustic atmosphere with the best food we had in Great
Britain. The chef uses local, organic produce and fresh meat, including excellent
game. You might even have the company of the resident ghost! The former carriage
house predates Henry VIII and is half-timbered. Wonderful!
K
Seattle, WA USA 03/25/02
Foreign supermarkets rule!
I always swore that I was the only person from the U.S. who loved British food.
That is, until I met my husband. When we finally visited England together, we
found lots of great places for pub grub, meat-and-two-veg, ploughman's lunch,
and fish and chips. Right before we left London, we popped into the local supermarket
and stocked up on inexpensive traditional eats to take home with us. Chokkie
bikkies (homewheat crackers w/chocolate), jams and marmalades, Cadbury and Flake
bars, and anything else that caught our eye. We spent a ridiculously low amount
of money for an obscenely big amount of English munchies! Eating them with family
and friends after we got home from our trip always spurred a funny story or a
shared memory. We did the same thing when we visited (other trips) France, Spain,
Sweden, and all around the U.S.
LisaD <email>
Boston, MA USA 03/22/02
Delicious (?) Britain
My mother and I went to England during our spring break and had some great food
there! By St. Paul's Cathedral in London, we picked Ozzie's from a line of small
restaurants and were not disappointed. Moreover, it was lunchbreak for business
workers nearby and we got to rub elbows with the locals. Even more so in Ye Olde
Cheshire Cheese, London's oldest pub. The atmosphere seemed unchanged from the
way it might have been in the 1400's, yet again we had discovered a hotspot for
businesspersons to meet. At Ye Olde Trip to Jeruselum, Britain's oldest tavern
dating from 1145, that we found in Nottingham, we ate delicious homemade fish
and chips and yorkshire pudding in a room carved out of the sandstone mountainside.
Siddons
Jacksonville, FL USA 03/20/02
disgusted in Belfast
I'm a fan of eating like the locals, but NOT when i'm in the UK! my first meal
in belfast was the most overcooked and oily fish and chip plate. it was at a
chip shop overflowing with locals opposite Benedict's Hotel in Belfast. we thought
that surely the locals knew where to go — but clearly, they didn't. Benedicts,
by the way, is overrated — pretty rooms, but the restaurant has terrible service
(we were late for an opera because they were so slow in getting our bill) and
my expensive fish was rather dry. eating out in the UK? hit and miss — unless
you're eating indian food, or paying WAY too much for a meal. i've never had
a bad indian meal in the UK, and i've had more than my share.
faile626
Lynnwood, WA USA 03/19/02
Delicious (?) Britain
Britain's underrated cuisine is a myth! We have eaten so well in our trips there
that we are amazed that people still think that it is all mushy peas and some
form of overcooked meat. Just a few places that we have had great meals: The
Castle Bar in Conwy, Wales (best vegetable soup, ever!). The White Swan in Pickering.
Chutney Mary in Chelsea, London. Pencubitt Hotel in Cornwall (worth a trip to
the restaurant even if you aren't staying there). Picnics/ food-on-the-go from
Waitrose. If only the US had a grocery with take-out like this. At Waitrose,
you can get hot Indian food, great sandwiches and yogurts, a great variety of
salads and their bakery competes with some of the best pastries I've had anywhere.
Pub food can be sublime in the most unexpected places. We ate at a pub in
Acaster Malbis, outside of York. I can't remember the name, but it is right
on the river. We had an incredible vegetable couscous dish with a presentation
that would fit in at a four star restaurant. The key is to think beyond fish
and chips when ordering at more moderately priced places. If you are vegetarian,
you will be in for a treat, since menus and packaged products are all labelled
with a 'V'. Most restaurants, pubs, cafes all have delicious vegetarian options.
To top it off, the British really know how to make a tasty dessert. Be sure
to try the treacle sponge with hot custard sauce that many pubs and restaurants
offer.
Barbara Christopherson <email>
Seattle, WA USA 03/16/02
Cheap Eats in London and the Rest of Britain
I lived in London for some months, and as a student, had to find cheap eats.
Luckily, there are plenty of great, cheap places. There are two simple restaurants
in Panton Row, just south of Picadilly Circus on the east side of Haymarket.
They are the Stock Pot and the West End Kitchen. The latter is actually a better
value, but the former is a significant evening hangout for locals. Cheap (under
5 quid) pizzas can be had at a chain called Express Coffee Co (ECCO). They have
locations at Gloucester Road and Covent Garden Market. Not to be missed is a
noodle restaurant called the Stick and Bowl, conveniently located in the Kensington
High Street. Throughout Britain, look for well-kept pubs with signs in the window
advertising 99p pints. These are run by a chain called Wetherspoons, which offer
great, hearty pub meals, sometimes 2 for 1, fair prices on drinks, and most importantly,
a no-smoking section! Happy travelling!
Michelle Gilbert <email>
Ontario, CA USA 03/12/02
Indian Food in London
While there are excellent Indian restaurants in London, West End Tandoori on
Old Compton Street near the theater district sure isn't one of them. When I asked
if we could order an appetizer, some bread, and a few beers first, I was told
we had to order everything at once. After that, the waiter was seemingly deaf
to our requests and did a hard sell on the "specials" ...read the most expensive
items..and we almost had to beg to order what we wanted. The food? Small portions,
mediocre food, terrible service...avoid it.
diogeron <email>
Bloomington, IN USA 03/11/02
Delicious Britain
First time to London in Oct. 2001. Did not have one bad meal. Ate at 3 of Rick's
recommends....Gaels(?) for fish and chips in Notting Hill, Wagamama's and since
we were staying in Kensington, went to Maggie Jone's twice and found it charming
and food was great. Also loved the Pret A Manger sandwiches and Marks and Spencers
food shops. Hotel was close to both and we had fridge in room so stocked up and
only ate 1 restaurant meal a day, as breakfast was included with room.
Barbara K. <email>
Phila., PA USA 03/10/02
British Food
In the two and a half weeks of traveling through Britain and Wales my husband
and I had some of the best food of our lives! We could tell that the preparation
started with fresh ingredients. The Pub food was amazing, especially Lamps Inn
in Greater Rissington, Cotswolds. Our first meal was Grouse with beet root and
Sherry triffle for dessert!
In the tiny village of Druid, Wales we had BLT's with really thick Bacon!
The Full English breakfast in Burton on the Waters outdoor resturant was wonderful,
the owner even brought pails of water for patrons dogs. Of course the fish
and chips in Britain are better than anywhere else. And I have to mention that
the dairy products were so fresh! And then there are the Cream Teas. How about
the Treacle (sp?)pudding? We loved all of it.
Julie Slater <email>
Grand Rapids, MI USA 03/09/02
Eat beef!
England has wonderful food. Get out there and you can find delicious inexpensive
food! And try getting some really good cheese at Neal's Yard Dairy - 17 Shorts
Gardens, Covent Garden — wonderful British cheeses. Lots of free tastes to find
the one you enjoy! First of all WHAT mad cow disease? France has more cases than
Britain does! So eat beef & lamb! And some of the problems with meats are often
from those mystery meats found in some processed food. Those are often from other
countries, not the UK! Which is how Foot & Mouth started - from another country!
So when you order a steak at a restaurant, you're not getting parts, you're getting
a full piece of meat. I'd be more worried about meat in Germany or France, not
Britain!
megadeal
USA 03/04/02
Eating in London
Great food in London-from Rick's London book - we tried the Counting House in
the City -great atmosphere, prices and food - best crowd around 5pm as works
ends. Also - Wagamama was wonderful and fun! Great food and peaople watching
spot-we also ate at the Dublin locale. Once again-Rick's pick's are excellent!
Tom <email>
Chino Hills, CA USA 03/04/02
Delicious(?) Britain
Britain has delicious fish! Maybe the best I've had! You all should worry about
beef and such if you are going to visit Britian, because of mad cow disease.
But no worries! Their seafood is a better reward than beef any day! I also tried
octopus for the first time. It was very good! You should try it!
Natalie <email>
Glendale, CA USA 03/03/02
Richard's Bistro, Llandudno, Wales
In Llandudno, northwestern Wales, my husband and I stumbled on a resturant a
few years ago that had a mission statement instead of a menu posted outside.
Richards Bistro - it intrigued us, we went in and had a most memorable meal.
So memorable that, 4 years and 14 countries later, we still found ourselves comparing
all food to that as our benchmark of excellence. For Valentines this year, we
went back to see if it was as great as we remembered. It wasn't...It was even
better. From the baked goat cheese with fresh fruit opener to the chocolate sampler
platter dessert, we have reestablished our benchmark! We have other countries
to now eat our way through. If we ever find anything as good as Richards, we'll
be back in touch!
USA 03/03/02
BFD and vCJD
I can't help thinking that many people seem unaware that eating those steaks
and chops now could lead to serious medical problems in the future. You may want
to read this article before eating all that beef and lamb. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1749000/1749113.stm
<email>
uk 03/01/02
finding good food in the UK
We had gone to Cambridge and found the pub food to be excellent. There also was
a rural pub that had a carver's table that was excellent. The desserts were to
die for. Also a wonderful tea house in Scotland on the Lock Ness with a very
good shortbread cookie. There is good food in the UK.
Connie Engle
Payette , Id USA 02/28/02
British cuisine
We once found a restaurant in the country serving tuna and banana pizza. It didn't
sound very appetizing. The best bet, for taste and for money, is the fish and
chips.
Erin Parker <email>
Snohomish, USA 02/28/02
Eating at Oban in winter
While MacTavish's and others closed at 1700 and the Oban Inn was too smoky, the
Caledonian Milton Hotel restaurant had great meals at bargin prices. The salmon
dinner was a steal at 8.95 pounds.
Ray Sturges <email>
Burke, VA USA 02/26/02
Wales
If you find yourself in North Wales I highly recommend Stones Bistro in Caernarfon.
It is on Hole-in-the-wall street just inside the old city walls. I had a delicious
meal of roast lamb and veggies. It has great atmosphere too!
John Spruill <email>
Kingston Springs, TN USA 02/25/02
Good pubs
You can find the "Good Pub Guide" online at http://www.goodguides.co.uk - easy
to search for great pubs in a particular area. Don't bother selecting any of
the "awards" boxes; it just narrows the selection, and all the pubs I've found
through this site have been great. Nice to hear so many positive comments about
our much-maligned cuisine.
Steve <email>
Oxford, UK 02/19/02
"English" food
Impressed to see so many people braving "traditional" English food - more than
most of the natives do when we eat out!
I would second many of the recommendations here - Pret a Manger are everywhere in central London and do excellent sandwiches, as do Marks and Spencer and Tesco Metro. Pizza Express (another chain) is as good a place as any for Pizza and better (IMHO) than Pizza Hut etc.
Also be aware of the fantastic diversity of ethnic food in London - lots of people have mentioned Indian, and the Southall area West of London is "little India" and has some fantastic and cheap restaurants if you fancy a short journey (commuter train from Paddington). Be aware that 95% of "Indian" restaurants in the UK are run by people from Bangladesh, and tend towards the generic - the most interesting Indian food is from particular regions. A lot of the food in Southall is Gujarati with an African twist (many of the people came from East Africa in the 1970s), and try somewhere like Rasa Samundra in Charlotte Street, food from Kerala in the far south. Also worth a try are the many Arab restaurants in and around Edgware Road, London's "Arab quarter", Thai, Chinese (in Chinatown) and Turkish - one of my personal favourites.
Best tip if you are in London for a few days is to get hold of the Time Out restaurant guide, which costs about £5.00 and is available from most newsagents and bookshops - indexed by type/nationality of food as well as area and a good barometer of what's new and good in a restaurant scene that moves very fast.
One more thing - "Napkin" is not a rude word, as stated in a couple of places
here. "Nappie", which is derived from it, means Diaper, but napkin doesn't!
People should understand what you mean. England being England there is also
a class angle; Napkin is the posher version of "serviette", which snobs would
view as a slightly vulgar coinage.
Simon
London, UK 02/15/02
British Food
I want to comment on the excellent food we have found just about everywhere.
The "real" village pubs are our favorite and have wonderful fish and chips and
decent steaks and, yes, even burgers. Good take-out food can be found in Marks
and Spencer stores located in many small towns, as well as the larger cities.
Try the Trifle for dessert. Nothing like it here. Even the local grocery and
petrol station shop will have nice freshly made sandwiches, in those plastic
triangle packages that are so hard to open! The dairy products are far superior
to what we're used to here. Simply relax, and to quote Rick.....eat like the
locals, and you eat cheaply and well. JE USA
JE
USA 02/14/02
take the train down to brighton. there are numerous quaint little
cafes and bistros there with price fix menues. also some of the hotels
on the waterfront serve great seafood. as with everything else in England,
everything is better if it is preceeded by a few pints of great beer.
John Doe # 67
Parts unknown, USA 02/09/02
Maggie Jones
I highly recommend Maggie Jones in Notting Hill for dinner (it's in Rick's book).
My fiance and I went there for New Year's Eve and had a wonderful time. The staff
is fun, the ambiance is cozy, and the food is delicious!
Jen
Chicago, USA 02/05/02
The Last Drop
A rule of mine while travelling is not to eat at the same restaurant twice. But
I so enjoyed The Last Drop in Edinburgh, a little ways off the Royal Mile, that
we had to go back! The theme is a hangman's noose, it's dark and smoky, but very
tasty! There's a mushroom stroganoff dish in a pastry puff that is so good, I
talked the waiter into getting me the recipe :-)
Dana <email>
KY USA 02/05/02
It Ain't Home Cookin'!
But then you wouldn't expect it to be, you re not at home! Be brave! Enjoy the
outrageous names – Toad in the Hole - and unusual ingredients – kidney
in Steak and Kidney Pie – and savor the delicate subtleties of a mixed
grill or Shepherd s Pie. My children still cheer for roast beef and Yorkshire
Pudding (which is not a pudding by any standards I know!) In fact it has become
our traditional Christmas Dinner.
There is nothing to compare in America to an English roasted leg of lamb with mint sauce and roasted potatoes and peas. And, yes they are greasy, but, OH! To taste the English Fish an Chips wrapped in newspaper once again! Or to bite into a Cornish Pastie or pork pie.
And as for pastries, there is nothing better! There s a small town called Milborne Port on the A30 west of Salisbury and just east of Yoevil. It has the best bakery in the world! It s on High Street. Everything is made fresh daily from the best of the best - I used to spend my summer holidays there. And there is no better strawberries and clotted cream than in Devon. Try the seaport of Ilfracombe on the west coast.
The cheese! Want the real thing? Check out Cheddar Gorge - the caves
are cool, too!
<email>
Sacramento, CA USA 01/16/02
Colley's Supper Rooms
If you ever get the chance and you are prepared to book many weeks in advance,
you must experience a night at Colley's Supper rooms in Reading. You start the
night at around 7.30 you are locked in for the evening and subjected to a night
of Victorian cuisine (staff in full Victorian attire). The many courses are brought
to your table by the chefs for you to choose from. My one tip is make sure you
are hungry and be prepared for the food fest that begins.
Kerri Baxter <email>
UK 01/13/02
Another use for fries
I was staying with a host family in Banbury. My family had gotten the traditional
fish and chips one night, and my host-mom wanted to show me how to make a "chip
butty." It was white bread, spread with margarine, topped with fries, and rolled
up. She offered it to me, but I politely declined. I want to live to see my 30th
birthday, after all.
Jorie <email>
Chicago, IL USA 01/08/02