What to eat while in London.
There's nothing more satisfying than tucking into a paper wrapped scoop of chips and battered cod with a squirt of malt vinegar. A British institution since the 1860's, there are many plaices (geddit?!) to choose from but Mr Fish , 9 Porchester road W2 offers a choice of batter options and the best mushy peas. Average price for a cod and chips £5.
The diversity of food available in London reflects the totally cosmopolitan mix of cultures. The humble curry was voted UK's number one takeaway in 2004, with Chicken Korma topping the list. Leave the water to last and let the flavours light up your taste buds to the extreme. Anywhere down Brick Lane in East London for a traditional treat.
The rise of the gastro pub has seen an incredible leap in food quality but beware the chain pubs. Many offer two for one deals that are great for a tight budget but short on taste. For more flavour than flak try the excellent Grand Union in Westbourne Park, they even have weekend bbqs . Average price for main £8.
Central London is known to be a tad expensive so keep an eye out for these deals - the-all-you-can-eat for £6 Chinese restaurants in Chinatown , the real-food-at-real-prices Stockpot on Panton St, SW1, the I-could-eat-noodles-all-day Wagamamas everywhere and the there's-enough-on-my- plate-for-a-week Café Emm , Frith St, W1.
Tipping is not customary in the UK so unless you're feeling rather generous towards the service there's no need to worry too much.