While traveling in July 2024, we enjoyed so much good food. Here’s a sampling of what we ate in London, England, on our trip!
When I started planning a family trip to London, I wondered what the food scene would hold. In the 90s on a visit, I was a vegetarian at the time that Mad Cow Disease was raging. Perhaps it was because we mostly ate in hotel restaurants, but I remember dreading our nightly dinners. I couldn’t tell you what any of them were except by describing the qualities — mushy, flavorless and cheesy. My friends, boyfriend and I would run out to a nearby convenience store for tomato and cheese sandwiches after dinner nearly every night.
In the early 2000s, no longer a vegetarian, the food was moderately more memorable. My friend and I ate caesar salad and garlic bread in pubs. We cooked pasta at her flat. And on one memorable outing, we found a Pizza Hut to quench her craving for pepperoni.
On both those trips, I was the typical poor student. Perhaps there was better food to be had and I just didn’t experience it.
Two decades later, London has changed and so have I. Here’s a look at some of what we ate in London, England, on a recent trip in July 2024. Stay tuned for Part 2 (which will include more afternoon tea!).
Shaxian Delicacies in Bloomsbury
21 Museum Street, London
Hungry and tired, we ended up eating at this little restaurant not far from the British Museum on our first afternoon in London. While I regret not also ordering dumplings, which they make fresh on site, the inexpensive lunch specials and flavorful food was totally worth the stop. There was nothing heavy or overdone about this food. Plus, the service was fast and pleasant — always a plus.
I had the braised beef (lower right), my daughter had the braised pork (upper right) and my son had the sweet and sour chicken (upper left). My friend ordered the beef with ginger and spring onion (lower left).
There appears to also be a location of this restaurant in Chinatown, though information online about either location is scarce. If you happen upon it, do consider popping in for a fast lunch though. I would have gone again if we were in London longer.
The London Pub in Bloomsbury
39 Woburn Place, London
Located at the Royal National Hotel, where we stayed, this London pub has indoor and outdoor seating, shows British football on screens throughout and attracts a crowd. We had dinner here the first night because of its proximity to our hotel (we were tired!) and its traditional fare.
We ordered Salt & Pepper Calamari to start. Although it was served in a lovely and cute container, the calamari itself was rubbery. We finished it all, but wouldn’t order that again. My entree — Steak & Ale Pie — however, was delightful and perfect and I ate every morsel. My son ordered Traditional Fish and Chips, which was a bit different than other versions we’ve had. He didn’t love. Meanwhile, my daughter ordered a Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Salad and Seasoned Skin-on Fries with Smoked Paprika & Aioli. Both were just fine (though she wished there was more lettuce and other vegetables in the salad). As for my beer, I learned that night that English ale is served at room temperature.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that while we were there, young women at another table were pickpocketed by a woman who approached them, acting strangely and who took their menus (she clearly didn’t work there, from my perch). This is your reminder to always mind your money, cards and other belongings in restaurants and to be wary of strangers.
Afternoon Tea, Great Court Restaurant (British Museum) in Bloomsbury
Great Russell Street, London
When I was planning our trip to London, I happened upon an afternoon tea experience and that became a deep dive into afternoon teas available all over the city. Trying to balance both sightseeing and food fun, I decided to book us for a tea at the Great Court Restaurant at the British Museum.
The Great Court Restaurant serves lunch as well as afternoon tea. When we arrived, we were seated and the process was explained. We all ordered different teas (Earl Grey for my daughter, green tea for my son, something fruity for me). And then we dug into the three-tiered treat tray that featured finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.
The highlight was the scones, which were served with clotted cream and jam. I adore clotted cream and now my kids do too. And the jam was just perfect.
Thanks for reading Part 1 of What We Ate in London, England! Stay tuned for more deliciousness in Part 2 of our trip food recap!