Today, many London pubs have been turned into trendy gastropubs, whilst other more modern watering holes have gone to great lengths to achieve an old-fashioned look.

Nonetheless, those pubs that have been carefully preserved for hundreds of years make the perfect spot for any visitor to soak up a bit of traditional English culture and see day-to-day London life in action.

London: 5 classic pubs that we love

Before you head out, read our guide to drinking at a traditional pub in London. Ready to sip a pint? Here are five of the best to kick-start your London pub-crawl:

The Prospect of Whitby

57 Wapping Wall
E1W 3SH

This Docklands pub marks the spot where fishermen, sailors, smugglers and pirates used to stop off right back in 1520. Sadly, all but the flagstone floor was destroyed in a fire and the pub was rebuilt in the 1770s. In the seventeenth century, Samuel Pepys used to frequent this watering hole, hence the aptly named “Pepys Dining Room” upstairs. In more recent years the pub has attracted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton and Kirk Douglas.

The Prospect of Whitby is perfectly positioned on the edge of the Thames making it an ideal spot to gaze out at the river and admire the city of London whilst enjoying the comforts of a real local pub.

The George Inn

77 Borough High Street
Southwark, SE1 1NH

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Borough Market and flanked by some of London’s most iconic modern buildings, the George Inn is a perfectly preserved little chunk of old London. The earliest reference to the inn is on a map dated 1542, however, the George had to be rebuilt after the Southwark fire destroyed the original building in 1676.

Today, the George is famous for its wooden galleries that characterize the front of the building. The simple, wooden interior boasts plenty of cozy corners to escape the cold and enjoy a good ale and in the summer months, the enormous outdoor terrace is popular with city slickers and market traders alike.

The Argyll Arms

18 Argyll Street
Soho, W1F 7TP

Ever popular and ever special, the Argyll Arms is strategically located just off Oxford Street, making it the pub of choice for office workers, theatergoers and West End shoppers. Built in 1742, the Argyll received a makeover in 1897 when “snugs” became fashionable and the bar was split up into several ornately decorated little compartments so that punters could drink privately. Several years later regulators demanded that some of the partitions were removed to prevent “unsavory” goings-on and so the Argyll took the shape it has today.

The beautifully etched glass partitions and mahogany bar and paneling even survived the Blitz and the Argyll remains one of London’s most atmospheric pubs. Lovers of ale are also in for a treat as the Argyll boasts some of the UK’s finest cask-conditioned real ales and the selection is constantly changing, giving punters another reason to keep coming back.

The Holly Bush

22 Holly Mount
Hampstead, NW3 6SG

A real treat hidden away in one of London’s oldest villages, The Holly Bush is one of those rare urban locals that manages to transport you far away to a rural countryside hideout. The pub opened in the early nineteenth century but is housed in a building that dates back to the 1640s and the original fireplaces, wooden booths and oak paneling are all still intact and beautifully preserved.

The warm, inviting ambiance of the pub draws you in, as do the many different dynamics going on as you meander in and out of the rabbit warren of rooms. From romantic whisperings on intimate tables by the fire and walkers refueling after a brisk stroll across Hampstead Heath to family get-togethers on long tables in the back rooms, this is a special place that embodies what a traditional pub should be.

The Dickens Inn

Marble Quay
St Katharines Way, E1W 1UH

A wonderful way to enjoy the calm of St Katharines Dock, the Dickens Inn is actually a relatively new arrival on the London pub trail. However, this inn has an interesting story to tell and is certainly worth a visit! The timber frame that houses the Dickens Inn was built as a spice warehouse in 1775 and was sadly encased in brickwork in the 1820s to fit in with the modernization of the dock.

Almost 150 years later architects discovered what lay beneath and, in order to save the building, they had to transport it 70 meters across the dock to make way for a new housing development. The timber frame was painstakingly restored in the style of an 18th-century balconied inn and was opened by Charles Dickens’ grandson in 1976.

Your favorite pubs in London

If you need even more ideas, check out our list of 10 favorite bars in central London. Do you have a favorite pub you’d suggest adding to our list? Tell us about it in the comments section.

The post 5 Traditional pubs in London worth a visit appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If English people seem uptight on the tube, the pub is where we kick back and relax, catch up with our friends and put the world to rights.

Needless to say, a visit to the pub comes with its traditions and customs we’ve been learning since we’ve been old enough to drink. You can’t go home without experiencing this classic British tradition.

A guide to visiting a classic London pub

Drinks can be expensive, so we compiled some tips on how to enjoy a British boozer on a budget. Cheers!

The legal bit

You need to be 18 to purchase alcohol in the UK. However, people under 18 are allowed into London pubs depending on the licensing agreement of each pub, and 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to drink wine, beer or cider with a sit-down meal as long as someone over 18 accompanies them. Picture ID might be asked for: a passport or driving license will both do the job.

The cozy exterior of a classic British pub. Photo: Edmund V

Where to go

Now you know if you can go, where should you go? Sadly, London is expensive for drinking, and you’ll find that a pint is cheaper outside the capital. Wealthier areas of the city, such as Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Fulham, are likely to be more expensive too. Try and seek out places a little off-the-beaten-track for better prices: the pub guides on the Londonist website are a great place to start.

Related: Our 10 favorite local pubs in central London

There are a couple of chains that always offer lower prices: Wetherspoons and Samuel Smith. Wetherspoons can be a bit hit and miss, and some Londoners are very sniffy about them, but you’re almost guaranteed to meet an interesting cross-section of people drinking in one.

There are over 20 Samuel Smith pubs in London, and they often win praise from locals. As well as their inexpensive, own-brand drinks, the pubs are notable because they always have very traditional appearances. Well worth seeking out is their Princess Louise pub in Holborn. Not only does it have a great location close to the British Museum, but it’s also got a gorgeous mirrored original Victorian interior, as well as the cheap beers. Unsurprisingly, it’s often very busy!

Solo traveler?

There’s no reason to miss out on a pub visit, even if you’re traveling alone. If you fancy a chat, install yourself at the bar, if you want to sit back and survey the scene, take a seat at a table instead. Female travelers are fine going in by themselves, although they may feel more comfortable at less busy times. Read more about traveling solo in Europe.

When to go

Again, opening hours depend on individual pubs: although theoretically, they can be open 24-hours a day, many pubs stick to the traditional closing hour of 11 pm. Often “last orders” will be announced by a member of staff or the ringing of a bell about twenty minutes before the pub will close. Friday and Saturday evenings are usually a pub’s busiest times.

How to get served

If you’ve been spending time in Europe, you’ve probably got used to being served at your table. Not so in a traditional British pub, where you’ll need to go up to the bar to place your order. Calmly waiting and trying to catch the bartender’s eye is the best way to get served.

No matter how busy it is, don’t be tempted to wave your money around. Another key difference is that we don’t tip at the pub. If you want to extend gratitude for some superb service, you could offer to buy the bartender a drink but, other than a simple “thanks” as you pay for your drinks, that’s the most that would be expected.

A selection of beer on tap at a traditional pub. Photo: trombone65

What to drink

Budget drinkers should always stick to what’s on tap, rather than opting for bottled beers. English ales are almost always cheaper than foreign lagers. Be sure to check the price of ordering something such as Peroni first. Don’t be afraid of asking about the different options, because most bartenders will be happy to advise and may even let you sample before you buy.

If you’re not sure what you kind of drink you’ll like, you can always order a half pint, a cheaper way of trying things. Want a longer drink, but not sure if you can handle a full pint? Try a shandy: lager mixed with European-style lemonade. It’s a refreshing drink that’s lower in alcohol content.

Be slightly wary of house wines — they tend to be cheap and undrinkable or highly expensive. Again, your bartender should be able to advise.

It’s also worth checking the price before you order soft drinks. Sometimes they can be almost as expensive as alcoholic drinks. Tap water, however, should always be free. Pub-served coffee, however, is generally not worth your time or money.

What to eat

A traditional pub is bound to have some snacks on offer, whether bags of peanuts or crisps or typically British fare such as Scotch eggs, sausage rolls or pork scratchings. The majority of pubs now serve more substantial meals too, but they range hugely in quality from microwaved meals up to “gastropubs”, where prices can be higher than in a regular restaurant! Good pub food is probably quite basic and hearty: burgers, pies, fries and the like.

Pubs can also be the perfect place to try out a Sunday roast. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites for under £15.

Related: 10 ways to save on dining in London

Your favorite pub

Where do you like to sip pints in London? Tell us in the comments.

The post London: A guide to visiting a traditional pub appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

To help you start navigating your restaurant options in London, take note of the tips below. They should help you save a few pounds of your budget — and point you toward some great new eats.

Related: Top budget hotels in London

10 London dining tips

1. Avoid tourist traps

No one wants to feel like a ripped-off tourist, paying over the odds for an unsatisfactory meal. The first rule here is to avoid going out for meals in tourist hotspots. Look at where Londoners might go to eat — Soho or Shoreditch, for example.

While those areas aren’t necessarily going to be cheap, they’re likely to offer a far better dining experience than, say, one of the high volume eateries on the corner of Leicester Square. Think ahead, as a little planning can save you from a disappointing meal.

2. Do some research

There are loads of budget-friendly options all over London, but another benefit of planning is knowing what you are looking for! Time Out London’s Cheap Eats has loads of recommendations, and you can search by area, or ask at your hotel, and they should be happy to point you in the direction of a popular local.

Here are 10 cheapo restaurant picks, situated all around the city.

3. Don’t skimp on your hotel breakfast

Most London hotels will include breakfast in their room price. (Here are our favorite cheap hotels in Londons.) Filling up on a full English (or even just some tea and toast) is a great way to ensure you aren’t ravenous — and splashing out on snacks — by lunchtime!

We love the breakfast at likes of the Celtic Hotel, Luna & Simone Hotel, and Arosfa Hotel. A substantial breakfast means you can pick up light lunch at a supermarket, one of the reasonably priced sandwich chains such as Pret a Manger, or at a market. Speaking of which…

4. Think vendors, food carts and takeaway

Don’t just associate good eating with starched linen tablecloths. Kerb brings street food vendors to locations all around London.

And don’t forget the joy of a simple takeaway. Enjoying chips doused in salt and vinegar eaten out of their wrapper on a cold evening is a British tradition up there with visiting Buckingham Palace!

5. Don’t forget the pub!

A great visit to a pub can be as much about eating as drinking, as many serve reasonably priced food. It’s fun to stop in a local pub for some lunch and a pint. The tourist trap rule also applies to picking a pub (and —as a general rule of thumb — rule out any place boasting that they serve “London’s best fish and chips”).

They’re also a great place to sample that other British institution: the Sunday Roast. Here are our picks for our favorite pubs to enjoy a roast.

6. Splurge at lunch

If you do want to experience some of London’s more fashionable restaurants, it’s worth heading out at lunchtime when prices can be much cheaper. Look for set lunch deals.

Camden Lock Market has excellent food options for less than £ 10. Photo: Karsten Seiferlin

7. Eat at local markets

London boasts several bountiful markets throughout the city. Borough Market might be one of the most famous, but along with fresh produce, they also have several food vendors to fill you up for cheap. You’ll also find plenty of affordable dining spots at Camden Locks Market, which is open daily.

Here are a few more outdoor markets in London that offer several affordable food options.

Don’t worry about leaving more than a few pounds for your dinner or drinks. Photo: Ed Ivanushkin

8. Don’t go over the top with your tips

Before you tip your server, double-check your check. Often there will be a service charge included automatically, which means that you don’t need to leave any more money on the table. Serving staff are also less reliant on their tips to make up their wage than in the States, so as a general rule, Brits are less generous with tipping than their North American counterparts.

In general, our typical tip is closer to 10% than 15% — higher tips are really a reward for exceptional service. Check out our guide to tipping in London for more information.

9. Order tap water and BYOB

It’s completely fine (and safe) to ask for tap water with your meal, rather than expensive bottled water.

Another way to save on drinks is to look out for restaurants offering “Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze” or BYOB. For a couple of pounds, you’ll be able to bring in the wine or beer of your choice and avoid the high cost of a restaurant mark-up.

10. Save with websites and apps

With lots of money-off vouchers and discount cards online, both for chains and fancier eateries, why pay full price? Sign up for market and restaurant websites for deals, and use apps like Too Good to Go, Karma or Olio to rescue restaurant meals for cheap or Wowcher or DineClub for restaurant vouchers.

Your tips

How do you save when you eat out in London? Tell us in the comments below!

The post London Restaurants: 10 ways to save on dining appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So come on Cheapos, it’s time to pull out all the stops and show that special someone you care with a romantic (and budget-friendly) day out in London!

Call your sweetheart, book an affordable hotel in the heart of London, and follow along for a fun-filled adventure.

1. Escape the city on a romantic walk

Many visitors to London go no further than Regent’s and Hyde Park when in search of green spaces, but to really escape the madness of the city, just head north to Hampstead Heath. This wild and rambling area of parkland is the perfect place to get away from it all and whisper sweet nothings.

The view from Hampstead Heath. Photo: Martin Deutsch

Lakes, swimming ponds, rolling hills, and woodland all make for the perfect romantic backdrop. So, if the weather is good, take along a picnic and make a day of it. Don’t miss the climb to the top of Parliament Hill, one of London’s highest points, where you can take in a spectacular view of the city’s major landmarks including The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Canary Wharf and the Gherkin, to name but a few.

Hampstead Heath
Highgate Road NW3 7JR
Tube: Hampstead

2. Snuggle up at the movies

Make a trip to the cinema even more romantic and visit the Everyman. In each of the Everyman cinemas, you can choose to reserve a plush sofa for two complete with footrests and “sofa service” so you can sit back and enjoy a more intimate cinema experience. Although a little more pricey than a normal cinema ticket, with sofas priced at £17.50 per person, it certainly adds a touch of romance and is perfect for a special occasion.

Everyman Cinemas (several locations in London)
See website for more information.

3. Splurge on a romantic view of the city

Enjoy the ultimate romantic London experience and head for a sunset drink at the lovely Oxo Tower Bar. Whilst just thinking about dining at the Oxo Tower Restaurant or Brasserie is enough to leave most Cheapo’s out of pocket, sipping on an early evening drink is easier on your wallet and certainly worth the splurge. Located on London’s South Bank, the Oxo Tower is one of the city’s most iconic restaurants and the views across the river are unbeaten.

Oxo Tower Wharf
South Bank SE1 9PH
Tube: Waterloo / Southwark
website

4. Wine and dine by candlelight

There’s no better place to cozy up together and enjoy a great meal than at Gordon’s. Opened in 1890, this atmospheric haunt claims to be London’s oldest wine bar and offers excellent wine, exquisite cheese platters, and tasty traditional English fare at reasonable prices (meals cost between £10-13).

Gordon’s Wine Bar oozes character with low lighting and candlelit tables tucked away in the nooks and crannies of this underground cavern. It is entirely unique and is the ideal setting for that special romantic meal.

Gordon’s Wine Bar
47 Villiers Street WC2N 6NE
Tube: Embankment / Charing Cross
website

The post 4 Cheapo ways to be romantic in London appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That’s not to say it’s impossible, however! We asked London-based correspondent (and foodie) Alex Robertson Textor to suggest his 10 favorite budget-friendly restaurants in the city.

Bon appetit!

BAO Bar

53 Lexington Street (Soho); also Netil Market E8
http://www.baolondon.com/

The Netil Market location (near Broadway Market) in Hackney is open on Saturdays only, serving delicious Taiwanese baos for £3.50. But if you can’t wait for Saturday, check out BAO Bar’s Soho location for baos and other delicious things.

Herman Ze German

19 Villiers Street
http://www.hermanzegerman.com

Get a proper German sausage (among other varieties: bratwurst, bockwurst, and a veggie wurst option) at this bright little place in the shadow of Charing Cross. Note: Herman Ze German also has two sit-down restaurants, one at 33 Old Compton Street in Soho; the other in Fitzrovia.

Koshari Street

56 St. Martin’s Lane
http://www.kosharistreet.com/

This super carby Egyptian street food is delicious, a vegetarian dish that includes lentils, rice, noodles, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and a dusting of dried caramelized onions. Cap your meal with a fine milk pudding called muhallabieh. You might just want to nap afterwards, but at least you’ll have sweet dreams.

Masters Super Fish

191 Waterloo Road, SE1

In the shadow of Waterloo Station is a simple fish restaurant much loved by cabbies and retired locals. Masters Super Fish defines “old school” – you’ll pay a bit more for grilled as opposed to battered fish, and pickled cucumbers and onions are your essential sides. Some may find service surly, but make no bones about it. This is a true South London institution.

Pret-a-Manger

Located everywhere, really. There are almost 200 Prets in London
http://www.pret.co.uk/en-gb/

Many Londoners might complain about Pret-a-Manger’s ubiquity. Those with poor taste might even claim to like another sandwich chain more. But the fact is that Pret-a-Manger’s food is fresh and quite healthy, especially when viewed in the context of other fast-food restaurants or supermarket chain ready-made lunches.

Sagar Vegetarian Covent Garden

31 Catherine Street
http://www.sagarveg.co.uk

Delicious vegetarian South Indian grub in a heavily-touristed area for cheap? Yes please. Sagar’s dosas are delicious; the lunch special (a heaping thali) costs just £6. The restaurant also lists a vegan menu for those avoiding dairy. Sagar also has branches in Hammersmith and just off Tottenham Court Road.

Silk Road

49 Camberwell Church Street, SE5
No website

Sample the food of China’s Xinjiang Province at this fantastic, informal Camberwell restaurant. Standouts include cumin-dressed lamb kebabs, broth-based chicken with noodles, lamb dumplings, spicy cabbage, and a sharp cucumber salad. Bookings recommended at dinner time: +44 20 7703 4832.

Tasty Vietnamese at Sông Quê Café. Photo: Ewan Munro

Sông Quê Café

134 Kingsland Road, E2
http://www.songque.co.uk

Nobody comes to London for the Vietnamese food, sure, but this fantastic high-volume Shoreditch restaurant, usually crowded with hipsters, tourists, and Vietnamese Londoners, is a treat nonetheless. Beef pho and rice vermicelli dishes are recommended. You should be able to get out of here for less than a tenner.

Tayyab’s

83-89 Fieldgate Street, E1
http://www.tayyabs.co.uk/

The spiciest Punjabi food you can imagine, around the corner from the enormous East London Mosque. The queues here are long. A booking for dinner is more or less essential – don’t expect to be seated immediately even with a booking. (The restaurant appears to operate two queues at peak times, one for those with bookings and one for those without.) The karahi dishes are fantastic, as are the vegetarian items; for a good example of the latter, go for the tinda masala.

Terry’s Café

158 Great Suffolk Street SE1
http://www.terryscafe.co.uk

Terry’s Café is an old-style caff with well-sourced ingredients and a loyal local fan base. Eggs with fixings on toast begin at £2 per slice. Terry’s has even made concessions to the hipsters in the ‘hood. Guests can choose between “old-fashioned” coffee (from 80p) and Monmouth coffee (from £2.)

The post London: Our 10 favorite inexpensive restaurants appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

London is famed for its pub culture of pints and conversation, and many of these taverns also serve good food. Sunday afternoons is when the kitchen creates a tasty feast that brings out locals of all ages. Best of all, you can get a filling plate at Cheapo-approved prices. Most pubs charge around £10 to £15 for a roast with all the fixings.

Here’s a rundown of the history, what to expect, and where to enjoy a delicious Sunday roast in London.

History of this culinary tradition

There are many different beliefs as to when this tradition started. The original idea of feasting on a joint of beef on a Sunday is said to date back to Medieval times, when village serfs were rewarded with a hearty meal by their masters each week. The tradition continued into King Henry VII’s reign, when his royal guardsmen used to feast on roast beef every Sunday after church (which apparently earnt them the name they still carry today—Beefeaters!).

But the version of the Sunday Roast most similar to what we find on our plates today has its roots in the 18th century, during the industrial revolution, when families in Yorkshire would leave a joint of meat in the oven before going to church every Sunday. On returning home, families would sit together and tuck into the best meal of the week.

What’s on the plate?

So what to expect of a modern day Sunday roast? While a tender joint of roast beef teamed with spicy horseradish sauce and sweet redcurrant jelly continues to be popular, equally common today is a juicy roast chicken, roast lamb with mint sauce, or roast pork with apple sauce (and plenty of crackling!).

A good roast should always be accompanied by crispy roast potatoes and parsnips and steamed vegetables such as carrots and broccoli. If you want to try a Yorkshire pudding (beautiful and highly calorific side dish made from batter), you’ll normally find this served with beef, although it is becoming increasingly normal to find them served with other meats as well. To complete the dish, drizzle over some delicious gravy—a flavorsome sauce made from the juices of your roast meat.

The Crown Pub in Islington serves Sunday roasts every weekend. Photo: Ewan Munro

Where to enjoy a Sunday roast

Today most British pubs and restaurants serve Sunday Roasts, eager to fulfill demand from friends and families who want to keep the tradition alive but can’t spare the time to cook one up themselves. So if you don’t have a local family home to gatecrash on a Sunday, you’ll have no problem finding a restaurant to sample one in. Do be warned though that they vary in quality, so take our advice and veer away from the cheap as chips offerings in a Wetherspoons pub and spend a few more pounds on a better quality plate of food.

Our list of top pubs for a Sunday Roast in London is a good place to start. Oh and don’t forget to save room for a traditional British dessert… Bon appétit!

The post A London Pub Tradition: The Sunday roast appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In general, British food tends towards the substantial and, while the unkind may say it’s kind of stodgy, that’s a definite bonus for travelers wanting to fill up on a budget. Here are five affordable British dishes to try before you leave London.

Pie and Mash

Pie and Mash served with liquor is one of the most authentic London dishes—it’s been served up since the 19th century. Unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder to find the real thing, with many traditional establishments closing down. That’s probably because London pie and mash has a really distinct taste that may not appeal to all palates.

Check out Manze for a low-cost taste of pie and mash. Photo: Kake

The meal normally consists of beef-filled pastry, served with a side helping of mashed potato. So far, so good. However, the (non-alcoholic) liquor sauce is traditionally made using water that has previously been used to cook eels (at one time eels were also used as the filling for the pies), flavored using parsley. Hardcore eaters can also try the specialty side order of jellied eels. If this doesn’t appeal to your taste buds (and you’re definitely not alone in that opinion), it’s still worth trying to peer inside one of the pie shops: they’ve often retaining their original décor, giving a glimpse into a long gone London.

Where to get it: Try Manze, where a pie and mash should cost you less than £4.

It’s also worth noting that us Brits love our savory pasty concoctions in all kinds of forms: keep an eye out for steak and kidney pies, sausage rolls and pork pies on pub menus. All tasty, filling and definitely involving no eels.

It doesn’t get more traditional than a roast dinner. Photo: Annie Mole

Roast Dinner

Ask an English person about their favorite meal, and they’ll probably get misty eyed about their childhood roast dinner. Come Sunday, the majority of British households will probably be tucking into a roast: roasted beef, pork, lamb or chicken, served with Yorkshire puddings (made from a pancake-style batter cooked in the oven), roast potatoes, carrots and as many different vegetables we can stack onto our plate, all dowsed in a layer of thick gravy. Most pubs will serve up a roast on Sunday: in general you get what you pay for in terms of quality so it’s probably best to avoid the really cheap offers.

Where to get it: We’ve rounded up some reasonably priced London pub roast options here.

With a name like that, you know the fish & chips will be tasty. Photo: Clive D

Fish and Chips

While Britain’s best fish and chips are probably bought within sniffing distance of the seaside, London serves up some pretty decent options too. You’re looking for a perfectly battered piece of fish (London fish and chip shops tend to serve cod, while you’re more likely to find haddock on the menu in the north of England): crispy on the outside with a succulent flaky fish on the inside. By chips, we mean a deep-fried, chunkier kind of potato fries, rather than the snack served in a packet (we call those crisps instead). The crowning glory of this dish is the mushy peas: marrowfat peas that have been soaked overnight to give a distinctive lumpy texture and flavor. Add salt and vinegar to taste.

Although, you’ll easily find fish and chips on a pub menu, head to a dedicated ‘chippie’ for the real deal and to experience the fun of eating with a chip fork straight out of the paper.

Where to get it: Try the Fryer’s Delight near Holborn for a really old school chippie, or Poppies in Camden and Spitalfields for a generous portion of fish and chips and sides for under £15

A loaded jacket potato alongside a platter of fish & chips. Photo: Jason Swihart

Jacket Potato

The jacket potato is what us Brits call baked potatoes. And rather than being served as a side or stuffed, they’re often served as a main dish, topped with a choice of different ingredients. The best potatoes have a crispy, crackling skin on the outside and a soft and fluffy middle, the result of slow baking in the oven, perfect for smothering with butter.

Perhaps the most loved topping is a grating of cheddar cheese and baked beans. British baked beans are slightly different to those sold in the US: they’re more tomato flavored with no pork and less sugar. In fact, baked beans are a Brit store cupboard staple.

Where to get it: Again, you’ll find jacket potatoes on pub menus, while there are some businesses who consider them their specialty: you should be able to order one for £5 or less. Here’s a jacket potato directory (no joke!). Or—if you are staying in a hostel with a kitchen—you could easily recreate it in the oven for the quintessential British money-saving meal.

A classic English breakfast is always a full plate. Photo: Phil Campbell

English Breakfast

Forget delicate pastries or specialty bread. The typically English way to line our stomachs for the day ahead (or to soothe them after one too many beers the night before) is with an English breakfast. There are many components that make up an English breakfast: juicy sausages, crisp bacon, egg (fried or scrambled), baked beans (yup, again), buttered toast, cooked tomatoes, sometimes mushrooms and hash browns, and possibly black pudding, a rich blood sausage.

Add tomato ketchup or some tangy ‘brown sauce’ to lubricate all that meat and wash down with mugs of tea. Although the typical English breakfast is a meat lover’s dream, it’s fairly easy to get veggie versions too.

Where to get it: We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to tuck into ‘a full English’. Be warned: you probably won’t want to eat anything else for the rest of the day.

Want even more British dishes?

Canteen is a restaurant chain that specializes in “Great British Food”, from sausages and mash to traditional desserts such as Eton Mess. It’s reasonably priced by London standards, but it’s also worth looking online for money-off deals.

The post London Budget Eats: 5 classic British dishes to try appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

There are plenty of menus catering to the London theater lovers, and they can offer brilliant value for money. On the other hand, West End theaters are perfectly located for some of London’s best cheap eats. Either option is better than filling up on over priced ice cream in the interval. I recommend saving that money for a post-theater ice at Scoop instead.

Set menus and pre-theater specials

These are pricier than the usual eating-out options usually recommended on EuroCheapo, but they offer an excellent value for the money and, combined with your theater ticket, offer a great London experience. Do remember to book ahead to guarantee a table, and let your waiter or waitress know when you need to be in the theater: it would be a tragedy to have to rush your dessert.

Go for the cheap set menus at classy Brasserie Zedel. Photo: Ewan M

Brasserie Zedel
20 Sherwood Street

Brasserie Zedel is really one of the best impress-for-less eating places in London. It’s a large, buzzy bistro that oozes Art Deco style. In fact, it’s so stylish it’s hard to believe their prices. The prix fixe is £8.95 for two courses and £11.75 for three: pretty unbelievable when it’s pretty hard to get a decent steak for that price in London. The service is swift and slick, so it’s a good option even if the prix fixe doesn’t take your fancy.

Boyd’s Brasserie
8 Northumberland Avenue

Going to see some classic British theater? This restaurant, within a 19th century hotel building, offers fantastic reworkings of classic Brit food. Prices are £16.90 for two courses, or three for £19.90. Their starters menu—a British take on tapas—gives an idea of the type of food on offer here: think potted shrimps, Devon crab and haggis.

Kettner’s has been going strong since 1867. Photo: Ewan M

Kettner’s
29 Romilly Street

From the outside you might think that Kettner’s is not suitable for a budget-conscious eats. Or perhaps when you’re on the inside too—we don’t normally recommend places known for their champagne bars! But, with their pre- and post-theater menus, there’s the opportunity to experience this famous restaurant, which opened in 1867, for less. Two courses are £18.50 and three courses are £21.50. I’d be tempted to go for the post-theater menu—it’ll be busier, but you’ll really get a taste of the old-school glamor for which Kettner’s is renowned for.

Related: Affordable hotels near London’s biggest attractions

Cheap eats always available

There are loads of cheap eats options in the nearby area: check out the recommendations in our guide to Soho for starters.  But, be warned, some of the most popular don’t take bookings sometimes leading to lengthy queues. Get there early so you have time to enjoy your food before you enjoy the theatre.

Leon
Multiple locations

Leon specializes in fresh fast food and can be found in a number of locations around London: the branches on The Strand or Carnaby Street are probably your best pre-theater bets. They’re open in the day, but offer casual dining from 6 PM each evening. Leon does a mean burger (we’re in love with their halloumi burger) for around £8, and an awesome range of sides. And leave room for their deserts. Their gluten free brownies are some of the best in London.

Flat Iron
17 Beak Street

This is a no bookings place. But, to be honest, you’d probably want to come here early to have any chance of getting a table anyway. It’s also not a place for veggies. Flat Iron does one thing and does it amazingly well: steak. A steak and house salad will set you back £10, although their tantalizing range of sides and impressive cocktail menu is likely to push the price up slightly. And, another bonus, popcorn while you wait. Very hip, very tasty.

Yalla Yalla
1 Green’s Court

We’ve already told you about Hummus Bros—there’s a branch handily located on Shaftsbury Avenue, but for more chickpea joy check out Yalla Yalla, a small chain specializing in Middle Eastern street food. There are three in London, but the Green’s Court branch is closest to the theatrical action. All the classics are here, from tabbouleh to baba ghanoush, from roughly about £5 a plate.

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Pizza: Stringray Cafe
Locations in north and east London
Website

This friendly pizzeria with branches in east London’s Colombia Road and north London’s Highbury and Tufnell Park is a great option for a tasty meal at an excellent price. The brightly colored walls make Stringray Cafe a cosy and inviting place to stop for a quick lunch or a more leisurely evening meal. The generously sized pizzas are laden with toppings and start from as little as £5.45 each, while a warming bowl of pasta will set you back £6.45.

The two north London branches also have some great offers, such as the three-course £7.45 weekday lunch menu (Highbury) and a pizza and beer for £6.95 (Tufnell Park).

The Stringray cafe is cosy, inviting, and affordable. Photo: Ewan-M

Mediterranean: Fish in a Tie
105 Falcon Road
SW11 2PF
Tube: Clapham Junction
Website

This Mediterranean restaurant has become a bit of a Clapham mainstay for anyone looking for a good deal. Undoubtedly the best value comes from the two-course set menu for £12, so steer away from the a la carte options. Start with treats such as beef carpaccio or smoked duck salad, and follow it up with one of the delicious mains, which include things like salmon steak, pork escalope or chicken milanese.

Go on a Sunday for even better value, when you can get a full roast lunch with beef of lamb for just £5.95!

Mexican: Taqueria
139-143 Westbourne Grove
W11 2RS
Tube: Notting Hill Gate
Website

The burrito revolution has spread across London so quickly that it’s sometimes harder to avoid a Mexican fast food joint than to find one. Nonetheless, this eatery in Notting Hill Gate takes its tacos seriously and is a bit more of a treat than just wolfing down a take away fajita. The tacos are bursting with flavor and start from as little as £4.50 each. What’s more, you can head down between 5-7 pm Monday to Thursday and enjoy half price tacos. Cheers to that!

Turkish: Petek
94-96 Stroud Green Road
N4 3EN
Tube: Finsbury Park
No website

There is no shortage of Turkish restaurants in Finsbury Park, but Petek comes high up on my list of recommendations. Always lively and full of hungry diners looking to eat well without splurging, this bustling eatery is characterised by the hundreds of multi-colored glass lights that hang from the ceiling and make it feel more like a souk than a restaurant.

If you’re looking for a light meal, the set meze alone is more than enough. Priced between £7-9 per person (minimum two people), it fills the table with delicious little tastes, from fresh hummus to herb-filled cous cous salad. The bigger main plates start from £9 each and include simple yet classic dishes, such as lamb kofte grilled to perfection.

Japanese: Okan
Unit 39 Brixton Village Market
SW9 8PS
Tube: Brixton
Website

There are endless good value options in Brixton Village Market, but Okan is a great choice if you fancy trying something a little different. Open for lunch from Wednesday through Sunday and for dinner from Thursday to Saturday, this Osaka street food-inspired eatery champions the traditional Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with tasty toppings.

The menu is simple and good value, with the pancakes starting from £6.50 each and a small selection of Yaki Soba from £6.75 each. Portions are huge and very filling, so there’s no need to go crazy with the starters either. Make sure you bring cash though, as card payments aren’t accepted.

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1. East Street
3-5 Rathbone Place
W1T 1HJ
Metro: Oxford Circus / Tottenham Court Road
Website

This funky pan-Asian restaurant is the perfect stop off point when you tire of shopping along Oxford Street. The menu fuses together classic East Asian recipes, from Japan and Korea, through Thailand, Vietnam and The Philippines, right down to the traditional tastes of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Mains cost between £7-£12, or opt for the Express Menu from 12-6 pm daily, where you’ll get a main and a side dish for £8.95.

Get skewered at Pix. Photo: benandclare

2. Pix
Bars in Soho, Covent Garden and Angel
Website

This Basque-style pintxo bar is equally suitable for grabbing a tasty bite on the go or enjoying a long, relaxed lunch or dinner. Pintxos are delicious morsels normally presented on a piece of bread or a skewer. The selection at Pix keeps changing throughout the day so there are always new things to try, but expect to find the likes of calamares with alioli, spinach and sweet potato tortilla or salt cod croquetas to name but a few.

As in the tapas bars of San Sebastian and Bilbao, you’re free to go up to the bar as many times as you like to select pintxos and you’ll be billed for however many skewers you have at the end of your meal. Small sticks cost £1.95 each and large ones are £2.95.

3. Pizzeria Malletti
26 Noel Street
W1F 8GY
Tube: Oxford Circus / Tottenham Court Road
Website

Strictly a lunchtime option, the queues at this traditional Italian pizza bar are proof enough that it’s worth trying. A generous portion of beautifully crispy, thin-crust pizza or fresh focaccia and a generous filling will set you back between £3.95 and £4.50. Alternatively, opt for the equally scrumptious pasta or risotto of the day for £5.45 a portion.

Lunch at Rasa Sayang. Photo: su-lin

4. Rasa Sayang
5 Macclesfield Street
W1D 6AY
Tube: Leicester Square / Piccadilly Circus
Website

This no-frills Malaysian restaurant comes as a welcome break from the hoards of Chinese eateries lining the streets of China Town. The menu is fresh and unique, boasting a fantastic range of dishes from both Malaysia and Singapore. If you’re starving hungry then you won’t get a much better value deal than the three-course set menu for £13.30, or you can keep the price down by going straight for a hearty main.

I’d recommend the curry laksa with prawns (£6.90) or nasi lemak (coconut rice and curried chicken) for just £7.50.

5. Koya
49 Frith Street
W1D 4SG
Tube: Tottenham Court Road / Leicester Square
Website

Tables are coveted at this Soho favorite so don’t be put off if you can’t get a table immediately, the perfectly prepared Japanese Udon noodles are more than worth the wait. While Koya became famous for its budget-friendly offering of hot and cold udon noodles with delicious broth or dipping sauces from just £6.90 each, the non-noodle related dishes are also worth a taste, with filling bowls of Donburi and miso soup from £11 each.

Related: Looking for more inspiration? Check out these recommended lunch stops in Soho and our neighourhood hotel and bar guide.

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