London has a fair share of homeless people. If you feel something about these things, you will see people selling a magazine called The Big Issue. These people have ID to prove they should be selling the magazine. Buy one and you will help the homeless and know your money has not been wasted. They need permission to perform in certain places.
Covent garden is one such place.
Here is a guide to some basic food item prices as at the start of 1999. Most are good value for money. Try them and aim at pubs where meal prices fall in the range 3.50 to 6.00 pounds. CR4 4HB England.