In general, the north of the country tends to offer more substantial and traditional food, at more reasonable prices than the south. The English cream tea is still served in tea rooms, particularly in south coast seaside resorts. It generally consists of scones, jam, butter, clotted or double cream and, of course, tea. For those who want variety, London and the larger cities offer every type of ethnic food imaginable, Indian and Chinese being particularly popular and good value for money. Cheddar and Stilton are the most famous British cheeses.
Table service is usual but there are self-service snack bars.
Set price lunches, especially on Sundays, with a choice of about three dishes, are particularly good value, as is pub food. The British pub is nothing short of a national institution and even the smallest village in the remotest corner of the country will usually have at least one. Look out for the sign 'Free House' outside a pub, meaning that beer from more than one brewery will be sold there. Bitter and lager are the most popular beers, but stout, pale ale, brown ale and cider are also widely drunk. Under 18s may not be served with alcohol and children under 16 are not generally allowed into pubs, although they may sit in the garden.