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Our Guide to Classically British Foods!

England is known for its unique and diverse culinary traditions, which have been influenced by a range of factors, including the country’s history, climate, and cultural influences. 

When traveling in England, it is important to try some of the local foods to get a true taste of the country. In this blog post, we will explore five classically British foods that you should try on your tour of England. From the national institution of fish and chips, to the quintessentially English experience of afternoon tea, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and provide a glimpse into England’s rich culinary heritage.

Fish and Chips

Fish and chips is a national institution in England, and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. The dish originated in the 19th century, when immigrants from Italy and Portugal began selling fried fish and chips from street carts in the country’s cities. 

The popularity of fish and chips grew, and the dish eventually became a staple of the British diet. Today, fish and chips can be found all over the country, from seaside towns to city centers.

When it comes to finding the best fish and chips in England, there are many great options to choose from. In London, some of the top spots for fish and chips include Poppies, which has been serving up the dish since the 1940s, and The Golden Hind, which has been voted the best fish and chips in London on multiple occasions. 

In the north of the country, Whitby is known for its excellent fish and chips, with The Magpie Café and Quayside being two of the best options. Overall, fish and chips is a must-try when visiting England.

Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding

The tradition of the Sunday roast is deeply ingrained in British culture, with many families gathering around the table on Sunday to enjoy a hearty meal together. This sense of tradition and togetherness is an important part of the appeal of the Sunday roast and why it should be a must-try for anyone visiting the country. 

Another reason why British people love a Sunday roast is that the meal itself is typically hearty and satisfying. The main course is usually a large piece of meat, such as roast beef, lamb, or pork, that is cooked to perfection and served with a variety of vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding. The combination of flavors and textures is satisfying and comforting, making it the perfect meal for a Sunday.

The dish originated in the 18th century, when cooks began making Yorkshire pudding as a way to use up the fat that dripped from the roasting beef. Over time, the dish became a staple of the British Sunday roast, and is now enjoyed all over the country.

Toad in The Hole

Toad in the Hole is a traditional British dish that consists of sausages baked in a batter. The dish is believed to have originated in the 18th century, and was originally made with leftover sausages that were cooked in a hole cut into a piece of bread. Today, the dish is typically made with sausages that are baked in a savory batter made from flour, eggs, and milk, and is served with gravy and vegetables.

British people love Toad in the Hole for a number of reasons. First, the dish is comforting and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for a cold and rainy day. The combination of savory sausages and crispy batter is delicious and satisfying, and the dish is typically affordable and easy to make, making it a favorite among home cooks and families. Additionally, the dish is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions, making it a favorite among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Shepherd Pie/Cottage Pie

British people love Shepherd’s Pie/Cottage Pie for a number of reasons. First, the dish is comforting and satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food for cold and rainy days. The combination of tender minced meat and creamy mashed potatoes is a classic and timeless combination that never fails to hit the spot.

Another reason why British people love Shepherd’s Pie/Cottage Pie is that it is a versatile and economical dish. The minced meat used in the pie can be made from a variety of meats, including lamb, beef, or pork, making it a great way to use up leftovers. The dish can also be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions, making it a favorite among families and home cooks.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic English dessert, and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. The dish originated in the 1970s, when a chef at the Sharrow Bay Hotel in the Lake District created a dessert using dates and toffee. The pudding was an instant hit, and soon became a staple of British desserts.

When it comes to finding the best sticky toffee pudding in England, there are many great options to choose from. In London, some of the top spots for the dessert include The Ledbury, which serves a modern take on the dish, and The Wolseley, which offers a classic version of the pudding. In the north of the country, the Lake District is known for its excellent sticky toffee pudding, with The Samling and The Lindeth Howe Hotel being two of the best options. Overall, sticky toffee pudding is a must-try when visiting England.

Contact Us About Enjoying Classically British Meals on your Vacation

We can provide all the help and advice you need to ensure that you have the finest British meal experiences while you are on vacation. Whether you are looking for the best fish and chips in London, or the perfect spot for a family Sunday Roast, we can help you plan the perfect foodie adventure. 

Contact us today to learn more about our tour options and to start planning your culinary journey through England.

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