Good English cooking is superb and there are some restaurants specialising in old English dishes. In general, the north of the country tends to offer more substantial and traditional food, at more reasonable prices than the south. Every region, however, has its own speciality. For those who want variety, London and the larger cities offer every type of ethnic food imaginable, Chinese and Indian being particularly popular and good value for money.

Things to know: Table service in restaurants is usual but there are self-service snack bars. The English pub is nothing short of a national institution and even the smallest village in the remotest corner of the country usually has at least one. Bars are common in cities and towns, often having a ‘happy hour’ (when prices are reduced) in the early evening. Pubs are typically open Mon-Sat 1100-2300, though many now stay open later, and Sun 1200-2230.

Regional specialities:
• Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
• Spotted dick (suet pudding with currants and raisins).
• English cream tea, particularly in south coast seaside resorts, consisting of scones, jam, butter, clotted or double cream and, of course, tea.
• Regional varieties of baking such as Bakewell tart, a pastry base covered with jam, almond filling and topped with icing; and breads of all description.
• Famous English cheeses such as Cheddar, Wensleydale, Lancashire and Stilton.

Regional drinks:
• Beer - bitter and lager are the most popular, but stout, pale ale and brown ale are also widely drunk.
• Cider.
• Tea.
• Gin.
• Pimm's, a refreshing gin-based drink, usually mixed with lemonade, fruit and mint, and especially popular in summer.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: A service charge (usually 10-12.5%) might be included in the prices stated on the menu but it is more likely to be added to the bill at the end. This is technically an optional charge. Where ‘service is not included’, a tip of at least 10% is expected. Diners should check the bill thoroughly, as tipping is not required on top of a service charge. Tipping is not expected, but is welcomed, in bars and pubs if ordering at the bar.

The main cities, London in particular, have a vast range to choose from: theatre (including open-air in the summer), opera, ballet, concerts, cinema, restaurants, nightclubs and, of course, pubs.

The website and weekly magazine Time Out (website: www.timeout.com/london) publishes a comprehensive guide to events in the capital.

In the major cities, you can buy fashion from the likes of national designers Burberry or Stella McCartney. Wedgwood, Crown Derby, Royal Doulton and Royal Worcester all produce renowned china and porcelain. Luxury food and chocolates can be bought from independent shops such as the famous Harrods and Fortnum & Mason in London. Antiques are to be found in shops or markets all over the country.

In London, Charing Cross Road is famous for bookshops, and there are several street markets: the famous Portobello Road in Notting Hill; Petticoat Lane for clothes; Columbia Road flower market, and Bermondsey for antiques, to name a few.

Tax-free shopping: Many shops throughout the country now operate a tax-free shopping scheme for overseas visitors. The store provides a form that should be completed at the time of purchase. Upon arrival at Customs, present the goods and the forms (within three months) to be entitled to a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT). For further information, contact VisitBritain.

Shopping hours: In major cities, Mon-Sat 0900/0930-1730; in London and other large shopping centres, shops may stay open to 2000. Most cities have at least one night a week of late night shopping until 2000, usually on Thursday. Many shops open Sun 1000/1100-1600/1700. Some towns and areas of cities may have early closing one day a week, usually Wednesday or Thursday.