Eating cheaply in England

When you are visiting England, there are a lot of expenses, just as there would be on a vacation in any country. You need to pay for your accommodations, your transportation and of course you need to eat. Eating can be expensive, but there are always ways to stick to your budget and still manage to eat well.  It is not all that hard to eat cheaply in England if you are creative.

Picnic

One way to dine on a budget is to pick up the makings of a picnic. It is always less expensive to make your own meal than to buy a meal already made in a restaurant. Depending on the time of year, this may be a picnic in your hotel room or one that you enjoy in the great outdoors. The makings for your picnic can be purchased at a farmer’s market or at the local Tesco or Sainsbury. They have prepared foods such as roasted chicken or chicken curry. You can get fresh salads, fruits, sandwiches and a whole lot more. If you want to make a traditional picnic a loaf of French bread, some cheese such as Brie or cheddar, apples or pears and a bottle of wine or sparkling water will be inexpensive and delicious.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches were invented by the Earl of Sandwich so it is not surprising that you can get a good sandwich almost anywhere in England. You can, of course, go to a local tea room or restaurant for your sandwich but you can also go to most grocery stores and even to gas stations that have a store. Even though you are thinking, sandwiches at a gas station can’t be any good, I must tell you that you are wrong. You will find an excellent selection on a wide variety of bread and rolls with very delicious fillings. Add a bag of Walker crisps and a drink and you have a very inexpensive lunch or dinner. If you want to try something you won’t find at home, try the coronation chicken.

Pasty

Pasties are available at pasty shops, bakeries, grocery stores and well just about everywhere. They are a turnover filled with a variety of delicious meats and vegetables and even fruit. Traditionally it is beef, potatoes and a root vegetable with gravy. It can also be lamb or chicken and may or may not have curry as a flavor. Newer versions may also include cheese.  My favorite is lamb and apricot.

Pubs

With the advent of the gastro-pub, dining has been taken to a whole new level at many pubs. The downside is that prices have also risen. One of the best deals in town, however, is the Sunday carvery at many pubs. This can be a buffet or it can be a sit-down meal but it will include among other things roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and all the fixings at very reasonable prices. Keep in mind that having a brew in a pub is often much more economical than a soft drink and also larger. 

Museums

Many museums have a cafe where they serve anything from just snacks to full meals. Most of them are extremely reasonable. Check the prices before you order however since not all museum cafes are created equal.

Bed and breakfast

One way to guarantee that you will have a full stomach as you begin your day is to choose to stay at a bed and breakfast. You will begin your day with the traditional English breakfast in many cases and the fried eggs, bacon, mushrooms, fried bread and tomatoes served with toast will hold you in many cases until dinner. Some hotels also include breakfast in the rate which is very budget friendly.

When you are looking for a reasonably priced meal, don’t be afraid to ask the locals where the inexpensive restaurants are located. Often they are not where tourists usually go and you might not find them on your own. To eat cheaply in England and stick to a budget may take a little work but it will be a tasty job.