Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If the menu states that service is included, there's no need to tip beyond that.
If service isn't included, tip about 10 percent by rounding up. Leave the tip on the
table, or hand it to your server with your payment for the meal and say, “Keep the
rest, please.” Most restaurants in London now add a 12.5 percent “optional” tip onto
the bill—read your bill carefully, and tip only what you think the service warrants.
Pub grub is the most atmospheric budget option. Many of London's 7,000 pubs serve
fresh, tasty buffets under ancient timbers, with hearty lunches and dinners priced reason-
ably at £ 6-10 (see “Pubs,” later).
Classier restaurants have some affordable deals. Lunch is usually cheaper than din-
ner; many a top-end £ 25-for-dinner-type restaurant serves the same quality two-course
lunch deals for £ 10. Look for early-bird dinner specials, allowing you to eat well and
affordably (generally two courses- £ 15, three courses- £ 20), but early (about 17:30-19:00,
last order by around 19:00).
Ethnic restaurants from all over the world add spice to London's cuisine scene.
Eating Indian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, or Thai is cheap (even cheaper if you do takeout).
Middle Eastern stands sell gyros, falafel, and shwarmas (lamb in pita bread). An Indian
samosa (greasy, flaky meat-and-vegetable pie) costs £ 2, can be microwaved, and makes a
very cheap, if small, meal. You'll find all-you-can-eat Chinese and Thai places serving £ 6
meals and offering £ 3.50 takeaway boxes. While you can't “split” a buffet, you can split a
takeaway box. Stuff the box full, and you and your partner can eat in a park for under £ 2
each—making this London's cheapest hot meal.
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