Inexpensive London Dining?

[JDY]

I'm taking several students to London in a few weeks. I'm trying to find a few good, inexpensive places to take them to eat. It wouldn't hurt to expose them to a little local culture either. Any suggestions?

Well being staying at the Strand Palace in central London, but we will visit several sites throughout the city.

(I conducted this post once before but I thought more input couldn't hurt.)

Thank you for your help.

(This message is also posted on the US Community forum.)

 

[Dimplenose]

Don't rule out Pizza hut. This is particularly good value at lunchtime Monday to Friday when they do all you can eat buffet (pizza, salad and some pasta) for about £5.50. Drinks are extra.

Not the most interesting place but a cheap way to fill up my teenage son!

(There's a Pizza Hut on the Strand - opposite side of the road to your hotel towards Trafalgar Square.)

Libby

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Mmm if it's culture you're looking for then I would have to go with the English restaurant Porters in Covent Garden. I'm pretty sure the entrees start around £8 for typical fish and chips, or steak pies etc.

Personally I don't think any of the appetizers in Porters are worth their price anyway so you'd be fine sticking to the entrees. Remember though our portions are more conservative than those that I have eaten in America so you may wish to order some extra side orders.

The desserts are fun - although no "spotted dick" but they do a good suryp sponge and custard

 

[Nick The Cat]

We usually take the kids to eat in Garfunkels. Not too expensive.

 

[littlegreydonkey]

there's a chain of noodle shops called wagamama which is very cheap (the phone book will tell you where they all are) - you all sit at huge tables too so no problems with a group. there's also a very cheap veggie restaurant called mildreds close to carnaby street (can't remember name of road I'm afraid but it's off broadwick street). also in kingly street (at the back of carnaby street) is another cheap noodle place, it's almost next to the gym - in fact, most of the cheap places are asian food - probably not the culture you were planning on but..... these are all very casual places so would be good for students. have a good trip

 

[JDY]

A friend of mine told me that a great way to eat cheap in London is to buy a sandwich from a department store. She said many of them have deli's or have fresh sandwiches available. What do you think? She mentioned names like Selfridges and Marks & Spencer any thoughts?

 

[littlegreydonkey]

I so miss M&S sandwiches - eat one for me - prawn mayonnaise would be good! It's a cheap way to eat for lunch, but the portions may be a bit smaller than you're used to! There's also chain of sandwich shops called Pret A Manger on pretty much every corner which are a little more expensive but about twice the size. sandwiches are pretty much the london office workers staple lunch so they're everywhere.

 

[Dimplenose]

Here's a warning - I've just remembered that a lot of hot dog/burger stalls (the pavement trolley type ones) are often illegal and unhealthy! Perhaps someone knows how you can tell which are licenced and therefore have passed a hygeine inspection. I'd hate you to get food poisoning.

Libby

 

[profdsny]

Another vote for Pizza Hut. We did it a few times on our recent trip. Our 11yo is not very curious when it comes to food, and we liked the fairly cheap wine.