A Sense of Travel with Michael Matheny in England

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for London

Must-try foods in London

• Fish and Chips
  Fish and ChipsA timeless London staple consisting of fresh white fish (usually cod or haddock) in a crisp, golden batter, served with thick-cut chips, mushy peas, and tartar sauce. While found city-wide, Poppie’s in Spitalfields remains a top-tier choice for its traditional 1950s feel.
• Brick Lane Beigel (Salt Beef)
  Brick Lane Beigel (Salt Beef)Open 24/7, the Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is legendary for its thick-cut, tender salt beef bagels piled high with hot English mustard and crunchy pickles. It is a mandatory late-night or early-morning pilgrimage for any true Londoner.
• Afternoon Tea (Scones with Clotted Cream)
  Afternoon Tea (Scones with Clotted Cream)A refined tradition involving tiered trays of finger sandwiches, pastries, and warm scones. The 'cream tea' portion—scones served with thick clotted cream and strawberry jam—is the highlight, with Claridge's and Fortnum & Mason offering the most prestigious experiences.
• Chopped Chicken Caesar Wrap
  Chopped Chicken Caesar WrapA breakout viral sensation in 2025 and 2026, popularized by spots like Czer in Soho. These New York-style, heavily-filled, and finely chopped wraps have seen multi-hour queues and represent the city's current obsession with 'elevated' takeaway concepts.
• Wood-Roasted Kid (Goat)
  Wood-Roasted Kid (Goat)A trending 2026 specialty from the newly opened KİD in Soho, helmed by chef Sertaç Dirik. This dish highlights a shift toward contemporary Anatolian cooking, featuring tender goat meat cooked overnight in a wood oven, reflecting London's evolving Turkish food scene.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
  Sticky Toffee PuddingThe ultimate British comfort dessert, consisting of a moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, covered in a rich toffee sauce and served with vanilla custard or ice cream. It is a permanent fixture on the menus of London’s best gastropubs.

Trip guide

• About London
  About LondonLondon is a city with a documented history spanning approximately 2,000 years, originating as the Roman settlement of Londinium in 43 AD. The city's development is categorized by distinct eras, including the Roman, Saxon, Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart periods. Significant historical events, such as the Great Fire of 1666 and the bombings of the 1940s, led to large-scale reconstruction and the current structural layout.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit London is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), which offer mild weather and fewer crowds than the summer peak. While summer (July and August) provides the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, it is also the most expensive and crowded time due to school holidays and major festivals. For budget-conscious travelers.
• Getting around
  Getting around London

  • International Air and Rail London is served by six major airports, including Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW), which offer extensive global connections via major airlines. For those traveling from mainland Europe.
  • London Underground (The Tube) The most efficient way to navigate the city, the 'Tube' features 11 color-coded lines serving 270 stations across nine fare zones. Travelers can pay seamlessly using contactless bank cards, mobile devices.
  • Buses and River Services London's iconic red double-decker buses offer an affordable way to see the city, operating on a flat-fare system that does not accept cash. Alternatively.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always stand on the right side of escalators in the London Underground to allow others to walk past on the left.
  • Use a contactless bank card or mobile payment for all public transport, as London buses and trains do not accept cash.
  • Check your restaurant bill for an optional 12.5% service charge, as tipping extra is not expected if this is already included.
• What’s new
  What’s new in London

  • V&A East Museum and Storehouse opening in Stratford.
  • The London Museum's new site at Smithfield Market.
• VisitBritain↗
  VisitBritainThe official destination guide for London from the British Tourist Authority, providing travel information, attractions, and itineraries for the capital.