Dining on a Budget in England for Two Loving Souls

[no-backpacker]

I agree with Julian, afternoon tea in London is a must. BUT I think you can get better value for money than at Fortnum and Mason.... I think we paied 40 gbp. p/p when we were there in Jan. You can get it cheaper... Some years ago, my first experience with afternoon tea, I had a hotel pack whitch included afternoon tea for two. It was at Hotel Flemings Mayfair and I think the price is about 22 Gbp. p/p and we got a lot more food there than we got at Fortnums (everything was bigger at Flemings...:-)).

A place we went to last time in London was Chez Gerard (I think that was the name) in Mayfair. The food was nice, so was the place. (It's not gourmet food, but you don't pay gourmet food price either...:-)) AND it was good value for money.

As Julian also said: Be careful with the food-shopping at Harrods, it's very easy to be carried away! We try to get at least one lunch in Hyde Park when in London. In January this year it was cold, but we ate quick...:-D And don't forget nuts for the squirrels.... :-D

C.

[funtimes]

This information has been very helpful THANK YOU both Julian & No Backpacker I'm taking notes We purchased a travel package for paid in advance public transport so finding these places will be half the fun Our LL property includes tea We will be staying at Rubens at the Palace in London. That should be wonderful for location, changing of the guard ect. Thanks for the tips on Paris Julian We are afraid that we will "break the bank" there. happy Travels...Funtimes

[jashermd]

Hello,

Sorry, I should have clarified (as Fortnum has several restaurants) -- The Fountain and The Gallery at Fortnum both serve afternoon tea for about 20 per person, but it's more expensive at St James's Restaurant upstairs. Personally I like the Gallery and Fountain better than St James's anyhow.

Cheers,
Julian

[jashermd]

Hello,

Now there's a great money-saving tip -- get an Oyster card before you go so you don't end up paying 4 per single Tube journey (no, that's not a typo!). The Transport For London website has some info on Oyster options for visitors. You'll need to look at your itinerary to decide if this option makes the most sense for you versus other travelcard options.

Cheers,
Julian

[matthewlawrence26]

Try 1880 restaurant internatiional in Kensington courses at 18.50 and three courses at 22.50. The braised shank of lamb with parsillade and wild mushroom risotto with truffle is just delicious.

[no-backpacker]

Speaking about food in London... Has anybody been to the Borough Market?

C.

[lhbrown]

Hi funtimes,
Have a look under my France/Paris Destination posts under "Highlights of Paris" and "Paris Money Saving Tips". There you will find numerous suggestions for restaurants and brasseries. Also, here are some suggestions on where to go to celebrate your upcoming aniversary. These places are special and quite memorable.

If you want a lunch with a view go to the Jules Vernes Restaurant at the 2nd Etage of the Eiffel Tower (at a fixed price of 75 euros per person) . The restaurant was recently taken over by Alain Ducasse. The food is excellent and you will have all of Paris at your feet.

Another great restaurant with an impressive view is the Restaurant Les Ombres at the new Quai Branley Museum at the top floor of the museum with a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower. Again, go for the fixed price Lunch.

Or you could try Les Ambassadeurs Restaurant at the Hotel Crillion at the Place de la Concorde. Here you really go for elegance. Jackets required. The fixed price Lunch runs 85 euros per person. But the food is fantastic. It's a feast for the eye. You are talking 3 Michelin stars.

Good Luck!

[Weatherbull]

Everyone,

You don't know how very pleased I am with ALL of these suggestions. I, of course, am going to keep it as a secret for now from my wife. And I will see what her reaction would be when we get there. That would be exciting to see. Of course, I am expecting her to swoon just like when I proposed to her.

We're leaving next week. So, these suggestions are fantastic.

Thanks so much, everyone.

I can see that I made a good decision here in joining this site. Aside from the great deals of LL, I was able to meet friendly people like you. You have been very, very helpful.

Oh, and funtimes, hope you have a great travel there as well in a few months from now.

All the best!

[lhbrown]

Hi Weatherbull and funtimes,

I just posted some more good value restaurant suggestions under the Destination boards for London and France. These might be of interest for your upcoming visits.

[funtimes]

Hey LH Your pictures are fantastic Thanks for the GREAT suggestions WOW that view!!! I can hardly wait I don't think that we can afford a 3 Michelin restaurant though that must be extremely expensive! Take Care ...Funtimes