Drinking with the locals in London

When you visit a new country or city, trying out the local cuisine is nearly always high on the agenda of things to do. London won’t disappoint you with its eclectic mix of Michelin starred restaurants and cheap and cheerful (yet really tasty) street food. However, if you’re trying out the local dishes, you will inevitably need something cold to wash that food down with, and that’s when you should be looking to locate ‘the local’ – a public house that has an informal environment in which London locals drink in. Although you’ll need to be 18 years old or older to purchase an alcoholic beverage once inside, unless you are buying a drink to consume with a meal, in which case 16 or 17 would be just fine. England, like many other countries has strict guidelines about the consumption and purchasing of alcohol so you may be asked for photographic ID if you appear to look younger than you actually are. This is a huge ego boost when you get ID’d at 30, but a little irritating when you’re in your twenties, so be prepared and carry your driving license or passport with you to prove your age.

London, like many other UK cities is home to many pubs and bars, so deciding where to go can often be quite the conundrum. If you want somewhere cheap where you can watch the footie, then your best bet would be to opt for a Whetherspoons, where there are nearly always promotions on to save you money whilst enjoying a lager or three. However, if you want the traditional ‘local’ experience, then smaller independent pubs are the order of the day. These cosy and inviting pubs will usually have a crowd of people who drink there on a regular basis who have become more like furniture fixtures than punters because they are there so regularly. They will probably nod or smile at you as you walk in, so don’t feel intimidated, simply saddle up to the bar and decide which drink you would like.

If you’re undecided about what to drink, you could always enlist the help of the bar tender, he or she will be able to advise you on any locally brewed beer or ale, whilst also letting you know of any special offers. However, if you still can’t decide what to drink, then perhaps opting to buy a ‘half pint’ which is a smaller amount to drink, for a lower price, would be best. This way, you’ll be able to sample a variety of drinks without becoming too bloated or tipsy.

Once your drink is in your hand, you’ll need to decide where to sit to enjoy it. If you enjoy having a chat to new people, then perching at the bar is probably the best option for you. You’ll get to engage with the locals, and listen in on the banter that goes back and for; but if you’re more of an introvert who prefers to sip quietly by yourself, then find a secluded table and make yourself comfortable for a spot of people watching whilst you quench your thirst.

If you’ve gone for a drink before lunch, then you might be starting to feel a little peckish as you reach the bottom of your glass. No need to worry though as there are nearly always a variety of snacks available to buy from behind the bar, including crisps, nuts and pork scratching. If it’s something a little more substantial that you’re craving, ask your bartender for a menu- most pubs also serve a host of hot meals too, though the quality of said dishes will vary greatly from pub to pub. Some pubs simply reheat prepared meals like curries, whilst others will cook fresh dishes to order, if you’re still unsure; ask the staff to make a recommendation. A popular pub meal in England is fish and chips or ‘steak and ale pie’ which is usually served with a mound of chips or mashed potato and a jug of gravy. ‘Pub grub’ is a term used to describe meals purchased in a pub which are usually hearty meals that contain a high number of carbohydrates and calories to fill you up and keep you going well into the evening.

You won’t even need to worry if you have one too many beers, as because there is tube stations dotted around so frequently in the city, it means that you can be back at your hotel in no time at all to sleep it off. The Grand Royale London Hyde Park, is a great option for accommodation that’s equally convenient and comfortable, and with beds as luxurious as these, you won’t even mind nursing a hangover the next day, should punishment ensue for having such a fantastic night out. (The hotel is part of the Premier club rewards too, which means you can collect points each time you stay with them.) However, if you alternate your alcoholic drinks with an iced glass of tap water (which is fine to drink and should cost you nothing) then you should be able to avoid too much of a headache the following morning. The British are utterly convinced though, that if a hangover should occur from a little over indulgence at the local, that a traditional English fry up, or ‘cooked breakfast’, will have you as right as rain in no time at all. The heavy mix of carbs, fat and sugars should settle your stomach and rebalance your blood sugars, so that you’ll be fresh as a daisy to go and explore the rest of the city.