One aspect of London’s culture that I find especially interesting compared to Pittsburgh is the food culture. Food customs are different and unique everywhere, but I was particularly fascinated by how Londoners dine.
First, there is pub culture versus American bar and restaurant culture. Pubs are places where people go to hang out. That could mean one drink, five drinks, or even a full meal. Regardless, customers are welcome to spend time, chat, and stay as long as they like. In most American bars and restaurants, you come in, order, eat, and leave. If you want to stay longer, it is expected that you keep ordering. You rack up a tab and tip at least twenty percent, especially if you have taken up a table in a server’s section.
This cultural difference largely comes down to tipping. In London, bartenders and servers earn a livable wage that is included in the price of the food. Any tips they receive are considered a bonus. They do not care if someone has one drink or five, because they are paid hourly either way. In the U.S., servers and bartenders rely on tips for income, so they aim to serve as many people as possible in a single shift. Tables are expected to turn over quickly, and if guests linger too long, it can impact a server’s earnings for the night. This creates a rushed and transactional experience in many American dining settings.
As a server in America, I especially noticed these differences while abroad since I am guilty of feeding into America’s fast paced dining culture. I was pleasantly surprised by this slow-paced and social culture, and appreciated the many times to sit, enjoy a meal, and be social.
Another key difference is how meals are treated in general. In London, meals are moments to slow down and relax. Locals value their tea time, their Sunday roast, and even their meal deals from the grocery store. There is no drive-through where you grab a cheap bite and scarf it down in your car between tasks. People take time to sit, enjoy their food, sip tea, and gather with others for comfort and conversation.
