NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm an American about to go on vacation next week to the UK. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of London?

I'm an American about to go on vacation next week to the UK. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of London?

Nope. :(

None? Damn, I'm setting my expecations too high...:(

Where are you thinking of going? Almost very city, town, village or hamlet in the middle of no-where (hard to achive in a country where you are never more than 72 miles from the sea) has a pub. I recommend that you just use the internet to find a few good pubs, resturants etc in the places you will visit. Oh and if you go to Stonehenge, also pop by Avebury, very pleasant place.

I'm an American about to go on vacation next week to the UK. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of London?
You do realise that England isn't made up of London and then thousands of square miles of countryside, right? :p

Err most of Gloucestershire is nice, avoid Norfolk, York is nice, the rest of Yorkshire largely not so much and the rest is pretty mediocre, outside of Hull and Blackpool, which perhaps the Germans should have tried harder to blow up in the second world war.

Where are you thinking of going? Almost very city, town, village or hamlet in the middle of no-where (hard to achive in a country where you are never more than 72 miles from the sea) has a pub. I recommend that you just use the internet to find a few good pubs, resturants etc in the places you will visit. Oh and if you go to Stonehenge, also pop by Avebury, very pleasant place.

THAT'S what I was looking for. Special places. Sorry I didn't elaborate beforehand.

All of my buddies keep saying that Stonehenge is "just a bunch a' rocks in a field", which may be true, but I'm so damn excited to see it for some reason. I've been to London before, but I never ventured out to see it.

THAT'S what I was looking for. Special places. Sorry I didn't elaborate beforehand.

All of my buddies keep saying that Stonehenge is "just a bunch a' rocks in a field", which may be true, but I'm so damn excited to see it for some reason. I've been to London before, but I never ventured out to see it.
It's just a bunch a' rocks in a field so much as the Statue of Liberty is just some Iron and Copper stacked up nicely.

Err in terms of other nice places - nothing in Wales, at all, Scara Brae is nice but you'd have to go to Orkney for that, you might like Warwick Castle, York is full of historical things (we have city walls for starters) and most of our beachers are OK.

You do realise that England isn't made up of London and then thousands of square miles of countryside, right? :p

Err most of Gloucestershire is nice, avoid Norfolk, York is nice, the rest of Yorkshire largely not so much and the rest is pretty mediocre, outside of Hull and Blackpool, which perhaps the Germans should have tried harder to blow up in the second world war.

Yeah, we're also trying to go out further this time. Last time we didn't have enough time for it all. We're only landing in Gatwick, then going off to other places. Damn fine looking place, England is:)

I'm an American about to go on vacation next week to the UK. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of London?

Like Yootopia said, York is nice. The people are decent, there are lots of cool-looking medieval stuff, and plenty of pubs too.

I'm an American about to go on vacation next week to the UK. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of London?

You know that's like saying "I'm a Brit about to go on vacation next week to California. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of LA?"?

Like Yootopia said, York is nice. The people are decent, there are lots of cool-looking medieval stuff, and plenty of pubs too.
Yep.

The best pubs are probably Oscars, which is a bar that serves really good food, and drinks from all over, and Cert 18, if you don't mind sitting in what was once a gay bar.

A couple of links for historic sites:

http://www.hrp.org.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

Distinction between HRP and EH is that HRP looks after buildings with some current 'royal' inhabitants. I'd recommend Dover Castle, Tintagel and Osborne House. If you do get up to York, walk the city walls, as Yootopia says. In London, for something different, try the Globe theatre. And if you are over here on the 8th and 9th July, chance of a lifetime to see the Tour de France Prologue (London) and First Stage proper (London through Kent)

Down south, you could spend a day visiting Canterbury (similar atmosphere to York) and Rye (a Cinque port).

Go to Keele, there is a pub there (forget the name) but it's near the elementry school by a roundabout, one of the branches of which leads off to a church.... I dunno look at a map.

Go to Keele, there is a pub there (forget the name) but it's near the elementry school by a roundabout, one of the branches of which leads off to a church.... I dunno look at a map.

Actually, what am I saying? Avoid Keele. But if you are trapped in the area and can't escape then go to that pub,

Are you intending on staying in cities or in rural areas? Sheffield's a nice city (not really sure about culturally, but it's a very friendly city with a couple of excellent pubs). Similarly Bristol.

If it's countryside you're looking for, try the Brecon Beacons (Wales), the Peak and Lake Districts, and the Yorkshire Dales. Can't really go wrong with them.

You know that's like saying "I'm a Brit about to go on vacation next week to California. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of LA?"?

Could be that a lot of people dream of living in a tiny country, where everyone knows all the locations and things to do. That would be a neat change of pace for a while. :p

I hear Frankenstein's Pub in Edinburgh is something quite special.

Go to Slough. Most beautiful and cultural town in the country.

the UK is a fairly big place and densely populated. there are thousands of places worth going. how far out of london do you imagine you will go?

I hear Frankenstein's Pub in Edinburgh is something quite special.

oh god no, that place is appalling. i worked for a while for the company that owns it. their business practices are... not sound.

I'm an American about to go on vacation next week to the UK. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of London?
There's loads of nice pubs around rural Cheshire, but it's quite a ways from London. Whereabouts in the UK are you going to?

If you want to go futher, then the Cornwall/Devon area is pretty sweet.

The Lowes Arms, in Denton, is very cool - they even have their own brewery :)

Go to Slough. Most beautiful and cultural town in the country.:eek: No, just no

Lots of Devon is actually really nice, with some of the most amazing pubs you will ever see. You could try the lake district as well. Basically, don't stay on the motorways because you never go through nice countryside that way. As soon as you find a small remote road, turn into it and have a look around. You will probably find a nice tranquill village with a really traditional pub!

:eek: No, just no

:p

Go to Scarborough!

Go to Newcastle. It is teh awesome.

Then go up and walk a bit of Hadrian's Wall.

I'm an American about to go on vacation next week to the UK. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of London?

Although they call Kent the garden of England(and it truly is) don't go ther unless you are a bigoted mofo.

what happens is we push all of these people out of multicultural Londo, and the go South.

So the further south you go the more bigoted it become, then you hit the coast.

Brighton seems to be the execption to this rule.

Me personaly I would hire a boat in reading and travel West along the river(thats the Thames), anywhere from Pangbourne up to Oxford is beutiful.

http://www.goodguides.co.uk/pubs/search.asp

Just click where you wish to visit and it should show the decent pubs in the area. You can also see food, accomadation ect

Go to Slough. Most beautiful and cultural town in the country.

That made me laugh :D

To the OP: Wherabouts are you going? 'Cos I could recommend the Red Lion in Welham (or the Wheel and Compass in the next village along), the Wheatsheaf in, um, Benefield I think... But if you're not around the Northamptonshire / Leicestershire border that's not going to help much ;)

Also, what do you like? 'Cos if you want waiters and waitresses, table service, somewhere that takes reservations (first come, first served; no table? Wait or leave) rubbish like that - the Red Lion won't be to your taste. But the food's good, reasonably priced, and they do a nice pint on the handpumps.

I'm an American about to go on vacation next week to the UK. Does anyone know any good places to eat/pubs outside of London?

i recommend Elstead Mill near Godalming in Surrey. its fairly close outside of London (in the commuter belt)... clicky (http://local.live.com/?v=2&sp=Point.shxzmpgy6vq5_Elstead%20Mill_tel%2001252%20703333%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20postcod e%20%20GU8%206LE__http%3A%2F%2Fwww.st-james-elstead.surrey.sch.uk%2Fpix%2Fmill.jpg&encType=1). or google (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=elstead,+surrey&ie=UTF8&ll=51.186441,-0.708312&spn=0.001417,0.003532&t=h&z=19&om=1)

its an old water mill with the wheel still working, set in beautiful grounds (and i mean beautiful... when the weather's nice at least), its a lovely pub, has a restaurant/carvery upstairs, and i think you can stay there too. its one of my favourites :)

these days the food is a bit on the average side, but its still worth the experience, and my girlfriend and i semi-regularly drive an hour up there on nice days

Although they call Kent the garden of England(and it truly is) don't go ther unless you are a bigoted mofo.

what happens is we push all of these people out of multicultural Londo, and the go South.

So the further south you go the more bigoted it become, then you hit the coast.

Brighton seems to be the execption to this rule.

Me personaly I would hire a boat in reading and travel West along the river(thats the Thames), anywhere from Pangbourne up to Oxford is beutiful.

i'd say Southampton and Portsmouth on the south coast are also exceptions to this "rule"... i say this largely because i live here
the 'bigoted' places are the rural (and conservative) areas in-between the coastal cities and london, i'd guess.

i'd say Southampton and Portsmouth on the south coast are also exceptions to this "rule"... i say this largely because i live here
the 'bigoted' places are the rural (and conservative) areas in-between the coastal cities and london, i'd guess.

Then I stand corrected.

Cambridge.

It's 25 minutes from Gatwick, if that's where you're coming in, it's 40 minutes from London if that's where you're staying.

It used to claim most pubs per square mile for a city - though every city and its mother claims that now.

It has history, rivers, punting, colleges, market square, pubs and more pubs.

Cambridge - your one-stop shop for a good day out.

Cambridge.

It's 25 minutes from Gatwick, if that's where you're coming in, it's 40 minutes from London if that's where you're staying.

It used to claim most pubs per square mile for a city - though every city and its mother claims that now.

It has history, rivers, punting, colleges, market square, pubs and more pubs.

Cambridge - your one-stop shop for a good day out.

It's also quite flat, and it has really good fishing!

Cambridge.
[...]
It has history, rivers, punting, colleges, market square, pubs and more pubs.

And students. Don't forget the students. It has lots of them. Probably why there's so many pubs.

Plus at least one reality checkpoint.

And students. Don't forget the students. It has lots of them. Probably why there's so many pubs.

Plus at least one reality checkpoint.

Yes, I think it's agreed that Cambridge wins, which in turn proves that Oxford is a dump as the great General Melchett observed.

You should definitely visit Corby - it really is Engalnd's Jewel in the Crown. Stunning scenery, Georgian architecture, pictureseque Mediaeval Castle ruins...

You should definitely visit Corby - it really is Engalnd's Jewel in the Crown. Stunning scenery, Georgian architecture, pictureseque Mediaeval Castle ruins...

:D

Wow... It's like a lie, but it's true! :D

i'd also recommend Winchester. it was the ancient capital of Wessex and, later, England before London was. its where they ceremonially crowned new monarchs back in the day. its where they have King Arthur's round table (supposedly, even though its not the 'real' one). its also the home of King Alfred the Great. its a beautiful old english town, with plenty of great old buildings and also loads of good restaurants!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester

:D

Wow... It's like a lie, but it's true! :D

Shhhhh...they might not notice!

That made me laugh :D

I aim to please :)

Cambridge.

It's 25 minutes from Gatwick, if that's where you're coming in, it's 40 minutes from London if that's where you're staying.

It used to claim most pubs per square mile for a city - though every city and its mother claims that now.

It has history, rivers, punting, colleges, market square, pubs and more pubs.

Cambridge - your one-stop shop for a good day out.

I'd agree with this, and it's probably much nicer when us students aren't there. However, it is very touristy so expect loud and camera-wielding people all over. Great for choral music if that's an interest of yours.

It's just a bunch a' rocks in a field so much as the Statue of Liberty is just some Iron and Copper stacked up nicely.

Err in terms of other nice places - nothing in Wales, at all, Scara Brae is nice but you'd have to go to Orkney for that, you might like Warwick Castle, York is full of historical things (we have city walls for starters) and most of our beachers are OK.

We have better castles; but more importantly, we have Doctor Who.:p

But I'd recommend Canterbury as worth a visit, the Cathedral is awe-inspiring, and according to legend there's a drinking establishment for every day of the year there.;)

We have better castles; but more importantly, we have Doctor Who.:p

But I'd recommend Canterbury as worth a visit, the Cathedral is awe-inspiring, and according to legend there's a drinking establishment for every day of the year there.;)


Ohhh Canterbury Cathedral, my aunt used to work there repairing old books and stuff. Heh quite funny really a Pagan woman working for the cathedrals book preservers!

Other places not too far out of London (and near to me so I know something about them):

Henley and Marlow - on the Thames, nice walks, boating, restaurants/cafes but quite expensive
Windsor - the castle

Avoid High Wycombe, its a dump, almost as bad as Slough. I'm glad I don't live in either - nice villages just outside of urban centres ftw :)

Other places not too far out of London (and near to me so I know something about them):

Henley and Marlow - on the Thames, nice walks, boating, restaurants/cafes but quite expensive
Windsor - the castle

Avoid High Wycombe, its a dump, almost as bad as Slough. I'm glad I don't live in either - nice villages just outside of urban centres ftw :)

Marlow is nice and I like Henley, you get a better class of cabbie thataway! ;)

Gravesend....

<<.
.>>

But seriously Gravesend is nice apart from having the power to seemingly kill famous things. I mean the Plaque got here and got so depressed it died. Pocahontas, the first American to ever visit England, died and is buried here. Did you here about the Thames Whale a few months back. Yeah that died here too... Oh shit the Tour de France is coming through here in a couple of weeks! Expect another famous death.

However Kent is a nice place and I recommend Canterbury, though the University of Kent is shit :p and one not so nice structure. However the Cathedral is nice. Also visit Rochester especially the castle and the litte shops and pubs that surround it. Nice places.

Cambridge.

It's 25 minutes from Gatwick, if that's where you're coming in, it's 40 minutes from London if that's where you're staying.

It used to claim most pubs per square mile for a city - though every city and its mother claims that now.

It has history, rivers, punting, colleges, market square, pubs and more pubs.

Cambridge - your one-stop shop for a good day out.

They moved Cambridge???

(I think you meant Stansted :p)

Bray in Berkshire has one of the best restaurants in the world in the Fat Duck (www.fatduck.co.uk).

If you can afford it and get past the waiting list! LOL

Gravesend....

<<.
.>>

But seriously Gravesend is nice apart from having the power to seemingly kill famous things. I mean the Plaque got here and got so depressed it died. Pocahontas, the first American to ever visit England, died and is buried here. Did you here about the Thames Whale a few months back. Yeah that died here too... Oh shit the Tour de France is coming through here in a couple of weeks! Expect another famous death.

However Kent is a nice place and I recommend Canterbury, though the University of Kent is shit :p and one not so nice structure. However the Cathedral is nice. Also visit Rochester especially the castle and the litte shops and pubs that surround it. Nice places.

Gaaaahhhh no no ignore this advice, both Gravesend and Rochester both not worth going to unless you are a local!

Gravesend....

<<.
.>>

But seriously Gravesend is nice apart from having the power to seemingly kill famous things. I mean the Plaque got here and got so depressed it died. Pocahontas, the first American to ever visit England, died and is buried here. Did you here about the Thames Whale a few months back. Yeah that died here too... Oh shit the Tour de France is coming through here in a couple of weeks! Expect another famous death.

However Kent is a nice place and I recommend Canterbury, though the University of Kent is shit :p and one not so nice structure. However the Cathedral is nice. Also visit Rochester especially the castle and the litte shops and pubs that surround it. Nice places.


Tell me have you ever visted a pub in Rochester called The Queens Head?

They moved Cambridge???

(I think you meant Stansted :p)

Bray in Berkshire has one of the best restaurants in the world in the Fat Duck (www.fatduck.co.uk).

If you can afford it and get past the waiting list! LOL

No, they moved Gatwick, to better serve Cambridge - that's how central it is to the UK's tourism plans.

(Dammit - stupid faceless airports :()

No, they moved Gatwick, to better serve Cambridge - that's how central it is to the UK's tourism plans.

(Dammit - stupid faceless airports :()

LOL!!!! :)

Tell me have you ever visted a pub in Rochester called The Queens Head?

Nope but I did visit a pub in nearby chatahm called The Old Hag or something to that effect. The name made me laugh. However I did pass the Queens Head.

Nope but I did visit a pub in nearby chatahm called The Old Hag or something to that effect. The name made me laugh. However I did pass the Queens Head.

Ahhh then at the risk of giving away my true identity, my dad used to run that pub!

Ahhh then at the risk of giving away my true identity, my dad used to run that pub!

Now I'll conduct a search for you :p

Ahhh then at the risk of giving away my true identity, my dad used to run that pub!

Now I'll conduct a search for you :p

Now I'll conduct a search for you :p

Ahhh you'll never find out!

Ahhh you'll never find out!

I'm guessing.... Batman!