A Foodie’s Guide to England

Let me start this blogpost by telling you something important about myself. I’m from England. So, I know the stereotypes surrounding English cuisine, and, believe me - I have tried some terrible fish and chips! But, I am also from a family of food-lovers and I am passionate about discovering amazing food wherever I go. 

In this blog, I interview Tom Robinson, English chef and absolute food addict! Tom runs a fish restaurant in the coastal town of Lyme Regis and loves to spread the word about great eats and local products. 

Question1: Tom, where should I go to eat good food in England? 

I think when you want find good food in England there are a few things to consider:

Seasonal Food 
Firstly, the climate in England is very varied so the seasons play a big part. You want to be eating different food in spring and winter. I recommend finding restaurants with a small menu of local produce. 

Find a good pub! 
In rural communities the pub is the heart and will be a very important part of the town/village. With good research you can find very high quality food in a independent pub serving British Classics such as “Steak and Kidney Pudding”, or A Traditional “Sunday Roast Dinner”

Island nation 🐟 
After all, we are an island nation and have a historical connection with the sea. You can find fantastic seafood all over England. In Lyme Regis, Dorset we have a plethora of seafood, such as scallops and lobsters. Other locations serving excellent seafood include Padstow, Cornwall with several well known chefs, or Cromer in Norfolk famous for its Crab Sandwich.

Respect the regions 
It’s important to understand the regional significance of food in England. Wherever you are you should research the local speciality, from Cornish Pasties to Lancashire Hot Pot or a Stargazy Pie.

 
Question 2: What foods should I try?  

1. Starting with tradition, you should look for a Tea Room serving a Cream Tea - buttery scones served with rich clotted cream and fresh jam. You can find it all over England, and you can join the debate over whether you put the cream or the jam on first!

2. Cities in England are a wonderful melting pot of international cuisine! But the Indian Curry Houses are a significant part of British dining. I recommend a Chicken Tikka Masala! The most famous places for curries are Bradford, Birmingham or London (Brick Lane). 

3. An English Breakfast is a staple dish in England.  If you’re in London, E. Pellicci restaurant in Bethnal Green offers a very high standard in a traditional east-end café. 

4. Obviously you cannot mention England without Fish And Chips - you will find it in most towns, traditionally eaten on a Friday Night. In Dorset, hake is used as a wonderful sustainable alternative to cod, which is the most traditional fish.

5. Steak and Kidney Pudding is my favourite thing to eat on a cold day in England. Succulent braised beef with a rich sauce, served in traditional suet pastry with mashed potatoes will warm the soul! This can be found in most British restaurants. 

Thank you Tom! I look forward to trying all these delicacies.

And for our readers, I hope you enjoyed these tips about food in England. What are the best foods to try in your country?