Quirky Facts about British Food

1.           There’s a pub in Britain that holds two Michelin stars

Pub food at Michelin star level? SHOCKING. After we all saw the film ‘burnt’ starring everyone’s favourite Bradley Cooper, it gave us a glimpse into the immense amount of pressure that is involved in becoming a Michelin star restaurant. Britain’s Pub The Sportsman located in Kent, Southeast England, has managed to achieve just that. The hyper-local ingredients take pride in provenance to a new level. With vegetables from the garden, and pork and lamb from the farms next door, you’d be crazy not to taste the finest quality pub food in history.

2.           Afternoon Tea was known as ‘Scandal Water’ in the 19^th Century

It may have been the 19^th Century, however some things just don’t change. Getting your girlfriends together and spending a few hours gossiping over a cup of English breakfast tea used to be referred to as ‘Scandal Water’. As time went on it was referred to as afternoon tea. What better way to catch up on the latest goss whilst sipping on a fragrant cuppa and nibbling on the daintiest little sweet treats. You can take a sip of ‘scandal water’ at super cool hotel The London EDITION, where the specialised tea pairs with different sweet or savory dishes.

3.           Kate Moss makes an exception to her rule “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”… only because she’s in her hometown.

That’s right everyone, Kate Moss does eat! The English born supermodel helped launch a fish and chip bar, with the help of good friends Anna Wintour and Lindsey Lohan. Sexy Fish, located in London provides a theatrical atmosphere, with interior best described as mid century glamour and Europe’s largest Japanese Whiskey collection. Sexy Fish is just one of Britain’s many stylish and delicious Chinese and pan-Asian restaurants. For Michelin-starred Chinese try Hakkasan Hanway Place, you’d be crazy not to try its Peking duck with caviar, and grilled wagyu with king soy sauce.

4.           Despite myths, the Brits do eat more than Cornish Pastries.  

From vegan to Halal, Britain has a wealth of restaurants, cafés and bars that cater for everyone. A common misconception made by many is that Britain is extremely limited in their cuisine options, however we have proven this to be incorrect. For your finest organic food being healthy, ethical and flavoursome try Kitch, Canterbury, southeast England. Those looking for a Vegetarian experience should make their way to Primrose Hill. While Primrose Hill hosts Britain’s largest selection of vegetarian restaurants, you can’t go past Manna, the capital city’s oldest Vegetarian restaurant. With a menu that has been fine-tuned over the years, dishes will take you on a round-the-world trip without having to leave your table (and for a slither of the price).

5.       There are more than 700 cheeses produced in Britain.

Britain’s love of cheese is thought to date back to Roman times and was even mentioned in a book dated back to 1086, written for King William the Conqueror. According to The British Cheese Board,  (yes there’s a Board dedicated to cheese – where do I sign up?) today there are more than 700 different cheeses produced in the UK, including several varieties of Cheddar, Caerphilly, Double Gloucester plus all the delicious varieties. You’ll be rolling around Britain like a cheese wheel! 

6.           Love Oysters? There is an entire festival dedicated to the seafood itself.

If you’re after fresh fish Selsey and Shoreham in West Sussex are your go-to areas. With two of the few remaining fishing fleets on the south coast, you won’t get fresher fish anywhere! Lovers, you heard it here first - if you’re looking to shake things up and love oysters, you cannot go past the Whitstable Oyster Festival that takes place every summer and takes over the town…Did someone say “aphrodisiac”?

7.           Think of your two favourite foods. Now combine them together. Chocolate and booze you say? #STOPIT

Chocolate is thought to have come to Britain from Europe in the 17th century and started being sold in London’s elite chocolate houses first as a luxury drink. Combining chocolate and alcohol – absolute genius! The British didn’t stop there, they took it one step further and have integrated it into a number of meals – to taste-test, head to Cocoa Ooze in Aberdeen and order a chocolate taco! How did we not think of this sooner?

8.           Britain holds the smallest pub on the planet

This may have not been a major surprise to you…. But you will be shocked at just HOW small The Signal Box Inn actually is. This tiny timber structure is a former railway signal box. You read correctly. As the ultimate mini-bar, it can seat just four customers plus two standing at an absolute squeeze. Despite the diminutive size, it serves a large choice of cask ales, lager, bitter, spirits, wine and cider, an absolute must go to British pub! After a few drinks you’ll get very friendly with the other patrons, no doubt!

For your chance to try any of the above classics, book your holiday NOW to Britain through STA Travel. Lay-by your flights for just $99 – your stomach will be thanking you for it.

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To book your next adventure, visit an STA Travel store, www.statravel.com.au or call 134 782.