HETV series

Travel & Accommodation

Welcome Brochure

(excerpt)

Written by Elise Tyson

(yes, I pretended to be British…)

Londoners have had a lot of time to perfect our way of life - almost 2000 years, in fact. It means we like things being just so.

Here are some tips on how to live like a true Brit while you’re here:

 

Immerse yourself in pub culture

There are over 3,500 pubs in this city, and they are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Think of the local pub as akin to a watering hole. It’s a communal place to socialise, relax, watch sports, enjoy a nice meal and, of course, drink. Grab a pint, or a half-pint if you fancy it. If you don’t drink, never fear. Alcohol-free beer is becoming popular here too. Pub culture means everyone takes it in turns to buy the group a round of drinks – don’t skip yours.

 

Have a cup of tea!

Tea can – and should! – be consumed at any time of the day here. If you’re a fan of sweets, you can enjoy your cuppa with small bites such as scones or cakes. More of a savoury person? Enjoy a cup of tea with a sandwich!

 

Try the cuisine

Brits love a hearty meal! Start the day right with a full English Breakfast. This usually consists of sausages, bacon, fried egg, mushrooms, baked beans, tomatoes and toast. Vegetarian and vegan options usually include a hash brown or bubble and squeak (fried vegetables such as potato and cabbage). English breakfast is accompanied by either a tea (English breakfast tea is, shockingly, the most common) or coffee. If you don’t feel like a large meal, have a crumpet instead!

 

Sunday Roast at the local pub is customary, with most offering a special Sunday menu. A traditional Sunday Roast consists of your choice of meat (beef, chicken, lamb or pork) with stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables and Yorkshire pudding – don’t be fooled by the name! This is not a sweet pudding, but a side dish made of eggs, flour and milk or water. For vegetarians and vegans, nut roast is served at almost all pubs as an option. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

 

Other British dishes to try whilst you’re here:

  • Fish & Chips from your local ‘chippy’ shop

  • Bangers & Mash: sausages and mashed potatoes

  • Toad in the Hole: sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter served with gravy and vegetables

  • Lancashire Hotpot: a stew made with lamb or mutton, baked with sliced potatoes on top

  • Beef Wellington: steak coated in puff pastry and baked; beetroot or other vegetables are often used as vegetarian option

  • Cornish pasties: classic British pasty, filled with savoury mincemeat and vegetables at one end and a sweet fruit filling at the other for dessert!

  • Desserts such as Trifle, Treacle Tart, Figgie Pudding, Shortbread, Bread & Butter Pudding, Sticky Toffee Pudding and any type of crumble!

Now that you’re fed, it’s time to get out there and explore London.

Here are our top tips:

[end excerpt]