Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

24 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

Where to Eat

Britain’s love affair with food has bloomed in recent years, inspired
by TV chefs and innovative restaurateurs, and there is an enticing
array of top-notch eating places at all prices. At the top end, British
chefs are racking up Michelin stars in village restaurants, and there
are countless fun, fashionable eateries with international themes
as well as impressive gastro-pubs that won’t break the bank.
Menus increasingly feature local, seasonal produce, and there are
shops and markets where you can stock up on gourmet goodies.
But never fear – traditional favourites such as cream teas and fish
and chips are as popular as ever, too. Above Sign listing the food and facilities of the
Castle Coffee House, Dunster
Practical Information it will be listed separately on the bill; if chandeliers. Famous chefs run top
A full cooked breakfast at your it isn’t, leave 10–15 per cent for the restaurants specializing in seafood,
guesthouse or hotel can set you up waiting staff. You can also leave an game or local produce all around the
for the day – and don’t be afraid to try extra tip for excellent service. country, and you’ll need to book well
local specialities such as black pudding Casual dress is acceptable in most ahead to get a table. Look for quality
(blood sausage), kippers (split, smoked restaurants, though you may want to symbols such as the Taste of Scotland
herring) or Welsh laverbread (minced dress smartly for more expensive restaurants, which feature creative
seaweed). Lunch is usually served from establishments. Most places are menus based on regional produce.
noon until 2 or 3pm; in smaller towns, wheelchair accessible, but check in Nearly all restaurants feature at least
restaurants and cafes may stop serving advance for older buildings. Some one vegetarian option, usually more.
at 2.30pm. Dinner is the main meal of upmarket restaurants may not Fine-dining establishments have full
the day in Great Britain. Restaurant welcome children under a certain wine lists, and often feature a wide
opening times vary widely; however, age. Children are allowed in pubs with selection of whiskies and other spirits.
most open at 6 or 7pm. In larger towns their parents until 9pm; look for those Ethnic restaurants and those
and tourist areas they may serve until which are family friendly with gardens specializing in European cuisine are
10 or 11pm, but in smaller towns and and play areas. Smoking is banned popular around the country. Along
villages they often close at 9pm, with inside all restaurants and bars. with a multitude of Indian and
last orders half an hour earlier. Many Menus are generally displayed Chinese restaurants, you’ll find Italian,
pubs serve bar food from lunchtime outside near the door or window and French, Greek, Turkish, Polish, Spanish,
until 9pm. High-end restaurants often fine-dining establishments usually and many other offerings.
close one or two days per week offer a set-price (prix fixe) menu as
(usually Mondays and Sunday even- well as à la carte. These can be great Pubs and Bars
ings), but many smaller establishments value, especially at lunchtime, and Many pubs offer simple, inexpensive
in busy areas stay open seven days. allow you to enjoy a top restaurant meals at lunchtime and usually in the
Off the beaten track, they may close at an affordable price. evenings, too. Shepherd’s pie, lasagne,
out of season. It’s wise to phone ahead. fish and chips and ploughman’s
Credit cards are widely accepted, Restaurants lunch (cheese, bread and pickles) are
but pubs, tea shops and take-away Restaurants in Great Britain run the standard offerings. Sunday lunch is
establishments may take cash only. gamut from cosy, casual eateries to popular at many pubs, often with a
Tax is always included in the bill, but impressive dining rooms with carvery serving roast meats, Yorkshire
the service charge varies. If it is added, beautifully laid tables and crystal pudding (batter) and vegetables.

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