Every major English city has a myriad of stylish, chic restaurants serving cuisines from all corners of the globe, in addition to hearty local dishes like roast dinners, pies, mash, and the famous full English breakfast, traditionally washed down with a pint of ale or a good old-fashioned cup of English tea. Menus are heavily influenced by dishes from former countries of the empire and mainland Europe with Indian curries, Chinese stir-fries, and French and Italian fare now integral in everyday English cuisine.
Bars and Pubbing in England
All of England’s major cities have a vibrant nightlife scene, with a range of bars and clubs catering to every taste. It goes without saying that the capital city of London remains one of the most happening places on the planet, with endless options in which to enjoy a drink - whether it’s grabbing an early evening cocktail at Dirty Martini (11-12 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London), putting a few back while checking out the latest band at Madame JoJo’s (8-10 Brewer Street, Soho, London), or dancing until the early hours at Mayfair’s Funky Buddha (15 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London). Drinking times throughout the city vary depending on the establishment.
Manchester has long been renowned for its booming nightlife with one of the biggest clubbing and live music scenes in the country. It is also home to one of the largest student populations, which naturally makes every night of the week party time. One of the area’s most celebrated venues, The Warehouse Project (Store Street, Manchester), is an underground rave with all genres of music and live acts. However, if you want a more sophisticated night out, head to Grinch Wine Bar (5-7 Chapel Walks, Manchester) to sample some of the finest wines around the world.
In the last decade, Newcastle has firmly established itself as having some of the best nightlife options in England. With areas like the Quayside and Bigg Market brimming with bars, clubs, and pubs, it is easy to find somewhere to enjoy a pint. Start the evening off in one of Newcastle’s oldest establishments, Offshore 44 (Quayside, Newcastle), before heading over to the stylish area of Jesmond to see out the evening in the chic Osbournes (Jesmond, Newcastle).
Dining and Cuisine in England
London is recognized as one of the world’s most culinary advanced cities serving contemporary and traditional twists taken from inspiration from all corners of the globe. In most areas of the capital, every street boasts a world-class restaurant. The hip borough of Camden has recently welcomed Shaku Zulu (Stables Market, Camden, London), which has become one the most popular eateries serving African classics from springbok to ostrich. For a more traditional English dish with a modern twist, try Piccadilly’s The Portrait Restaurant (St Martin’s Place, Piccadilly, London), which specializes in wild game meats for dinner and afternoon tea.
Manchester is rapidly becoming the country’s second city in terms of culture and cuisine, picking up a reputation as the ‘Barcelona of England.’ With more than 300 restaurants in the city center alone and handfuls of Michelin-star establishments, this former industrial powerhouse spoils diners with choice. One of the starred restaurants which welcomes royalty and celebrities alike is The French (Peter Street, Manchester), located in the historic Midland Hotel. If during the day you happen to be shopping or are just in neighborhood, be sure to check out the delicious Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant (21 Cathedral Street, Manchester). It is easy to find - the clue is in the name!
Although more renowned for its hedonistic nightlife than dining, Newcastle is nonetheless making a name for itself on the culinary front. A wide variety of fine dining options are available downtown, such as Jesmond Dene House (Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle), which serves classic English cuisine with a contemporary approach, and Barn Asia (Waterloo Square, Newcastle), which has some of the best Southeast Asian food in Northeast England.