From comforting pub classics to centuries-old traditions, British food tells the story of London’s history, culture and communities. Whether you’re visiting the capital for the first time or rediscovering its culinary roots, there’s no better way to experience London than through its most iconic dishes.
Think golden fish and chips by the Thames, indulgent Sunday roasts in cosy pubs, elegant afternoon tea and nostalgic desserts passed down through generations. Feeling hungry yet? Here’s your guide to the best British food to try in London – and where to find it.
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Classic British dishes you must try in London
Discover the quintessential British dishes that define London’s food scene, from comforting classics to time-honoured favourites served in pubs, cafes and restaurants across the city.
Fish and chips
A true British staple: flaky white fish in crisp beer batter, served with chunky chips and mushy peas. Try traditional chippies like Poppies in Spitalfields, or enjoy a refined version at gastropubs across Soho and Marylebone. Don’t skip ordering a side of curry sauce, the perfect dipping accompaniment. We recommend checking out The Mayfair Chippy for an elevated fish and chip experience, served beautifully on a board with crispy, piping hot chips and sides of your choice.
Full English breakfast
Start your day with a hearty full English breakfast – think eggs your way, bacon, sausages, beans, hash browns and toast. It’s a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike. Wondering where to find the best English breakfast in London? Check out Regency Cafe in Westminster for old-school charm, or trendy brunch spots like The Breakfast Club.
Bangers and mash
A much-loved British comfort dish, bangers and mash features juicy pork sausages served on buttery mashed potatoes and smothered in rich onion gravy. Traditionally found on pub menus, it’s a go-to choice for a cosy, no-frills meal. Look out for versions made with high-quality British sausages in traditional pubs across London.
Sunday roast
Ask around about a Sunday roast and you’ll soon realise it’s a cherished weekly ritual, proving especially popular in autumn and winter. You’ll find roast meat, crispy potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables and lashings of rich gravy on a typical roast dinner. Many pubs across London serve a roast dinner, with standout places like Hawksmoor serving up generous plates and tempting sides.
Pie and mash
A true London classic dating back to the 1800s and with working-class London origins: minced meat pie, mashed potatoes and parsley liquor. We recommend visiting historic pie shops like M.Manze in Tower Bridge or Goddards in Greenwich for an authentic East End experience.
Traditional British sweets and desserts
Indulge in classic British desserts loved for generations, from rich puddings to light sponge cakes, best enjoyed in bakeries, cafes and traditional restaurants around London.
Sticky toffee pudding
A British dessert you have to try is sticky toffee pudding – rich sponge soaked in toffee sauce, often served warm with custard, ice cream or clotted cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. You’ll find this dessert in many British restaurants, with excellent versions at pubs and brasseries across the city.
Victoria sponge cake
The Victoria sponge, also known as the Victoria sandwich cake, is named after Queen Victoria, who was known to enjoy the small cakes with her afternoon tea. The version Queen Victoria would have been filled with just jam, but today it’s known as a light sponge layered with jam and cream and finished with a dusting of icing sugar. It’s a must-try in cafes and bakeries, and tastes even better alongside a cup of tea.
Eton mess
Few desserts say summer like Eton mess! Popular in seasonal menus and at modern British restaurants, the Eton mess is a simple but delicious concoction of crushed meringue, whipped cream and juicy strawberries.
Afternoon tea experiences in London
Experience one of Britain’s most iconic traditions with afternoon tea in London, from elegant historic settings to modern and themed experiences across the city.
Traditional afternoon tea
When it comes to afternoon tea, nowhere does it quite like London. Experience traditional afternoon tea at iconic venues like The Ritz or Fortnum & Mason. Tuck into delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam and sweet handcrafted pastries served with tea, often paired with melodies played from a grand piano.
Themed afternoon tea
Opt for a themed afternoon tea for a fresh take on the traditional afternoon tea, with themed treats served or unique venues hosting. Indulge in weird and wonderful creations including scones with snozzbery jam, inspired by Roald Dahl’s much-loved book, at the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, or tuck into tasty sweet and savoury ABBA-themed treats at the Here We Go Again afternoon tea bus tour.
Modern afternoon tea
Expect inventive flavours and bold designs when it comes to a modern afternoon tea, often served at stylish hotels and restaurants.
For a modern take on afternoon tea, we recommend visiting Duck & Waffle for their Sky High afternoon tea, served forty floors above London; the panoramic views from here are incredible. The whimsical twist on the British classic is executed perfectly – a hand-painted duck egg encompasses a stand of sweet and savoury creations and savoury bites. We particularly loved the Cubano – a ham, comte, cheddar and pickle brioche toastie with an olive served on top.
Afternoon tea bus tours
Combine sightseeing with dining onboard an afternoon tea bus tour. Glide through the streets of London and enjoy spotting iconic London landmarks while tucking into an assortment of fingers sandwiches, sweet treats and hot drinks. It’s a unique way to explore the city while enjoying this quintessential British experience.
Must-try British pub grub in London
Step into London’s pub culture and sample hearty British pub grub, where comforting dishes and classic snacks are served in welcoming settings.
Scotch egg
A staple bar snack best enjoyed in gastropubs across London is the scotch egg – a boiled egg with a slightly gooey yolk, wrapped in sausage meat and coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. Simple but oh so addictive.
Ploughman’s lunch
There’s no doubt that the Ploughman’s lunch is a true British institution. Initially served as a midday meal for farm workers for centuries, it’s now a popular lunch option served across London. The cold plate consists of wedges of cheese, quality sliced meat, crusty bread, juicy pickles, fresh fruit and chunky chutneys.
Steak and ale pie
Found in pubs citywide, a hearty taste of British comfort food comes in the form of a pie. Known for its hearty, rich filling of slow-cooked beef and ale and typically wrapped in shortcrust or golden puff pastry, the steak and ale pie is one of Britain’s most popular savoury pies. Pies are often served with creamy mash potato and garlic, buttery greens, the perfect accompaniment to such an iconic British dish.
We recommend visiting The Trafalgar in Chelsea for their pie specials, served with buttery garlic greens, smooth mash and a rich drizzle of gravy.
Where to find British street food in London
Explore London’s vibrant street food scene, where traditional British flavours meet modern creativity in markets, pop-ups and food hubs across the city.
Borough Market
Renowned as one of London’s most famous food markets, you’ll find everything here from artisanal British and international produce and freshly baked goods to high-quality meats and diverse street food.
One of the best ways to explore the bustling hub for foodies is by joining a Borough Market food tour with a local guide. The three hour tour showcases the best of British cuisine with multiple tastings along the way, with highlights including a classic bacon and egg breakfast bap, fresh fish and chips and a traditional sausage roll.
Camden Market
The canal-side neighbourhood Camden Town boasts British-inspired street food with a creative twist at nearby Camden Market. Discover independent food traders here, from Yorkshire Burrito’s fluffy Yorkshire pudding burritos loaded with roast dinner trimmings to buttery hand-baked Chelsea buns slathered in sweet icing from Buns From Home, served until they sell out.
Tips for enjoying British food in London
Make the most of London’s food scene with practical tips on where, when and how to enjoy British dishes like a local.
- Book ahead for popular spots, especially for Sunday roasts and afternoon tea.
- Visit pubs for authenticity – they’re at the heart of British food culture after all!
- Try regional variations – London brings together dishes from across the UK.
- Look for seasonal menus, particularly for desserts and roasts.
- Explore beyond central London – neighbourhood spots often deliver the most memorable meals.