Food Etiquette In The UK: Navigating Dining Customs and Manners

The British are always known to be very proper and particular about customs and manners. Though times have changed and food manners have changed too, to date table manners and food etiquette in the UK are very important. The UK is one of the most popular tourist destinations even today as it has lots to do for all age groups. Table manners are an intrinsic part of the British culture and this is taught to the kids from a very young age.

When travelling to the United Kingdom, you will be eating at restaurants for with the locals and thus, knowing the manners and customs is very important. Let us talk about the basic food etiquette that you should follow.

Eating manners

Following are some of the basic eating manners you should follow:

1. Do not start eating till the hosts join you or ask you to start

2. Tilt the soup bowl away from you and break the rolls and bread with your hand and do not use a knife

3. Finish chewing your bite before you take another serving

4. Try and use a fork and knife to eat your meats unless you are at a finger buffet or a picnic

5. Do not chew with your mouth open

6. Take smaller bites

7. Do not talk when you have food in your mouth

8. Do not blow on hot food and wait for it to cool a bit

9. Do not sip tea or coffee from a spoon

10. Do not use your fingers to push food on your fork or spoon

Table manners

Keep in mind some of the following manners when eating at a table in the UK.

1. Your napkin should be placed on your lap. If its big fold it else open it completely. Keep it in your lap till you do not leave the table.

2. Hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left. Use your knife to push the food on your fork.

3. After finishing eating, the soup spoon, dessert spoon and coffee spoon should be kept on the side plate and should not be left in the bowl or cup.

4. Never stack your plates and bowls after eating.

5. Leave your napkin after folding it loosely next to your plate and not on the plate.

6. Never use the napkin as a handkerchief or clean the dishes.

7. Do not scrap the plate.

8. Do not put the knife in your mouth.

9. If you need a dish which is not close to you, always ask someone to pass it to you and do not try to reach for.

Other tips

Besides the above, there are some very important things that must be kept in mind when eating in the UK. Some of these are:

1. If you have any allergy or cannot eat any food, inform the restaurant and the host in advance.

2. Always say thank you when you are served anything.

3. Do not make noises or slurp on your food.

4. Never use your fingernails to pick out food from your teeth.

5. Sit straight and do not put your elbows on the table.

6. Never rock in your chair.

7. Do not smoke during the meal.

One thing to remember is that while there are rules and etiquette, accidents can happen and will happen. Do not get very scared and do not enjoy your meal. If you spill anything, use your napkin quietly and never dip the napkin in your glass. If you spill something on anyone else, offer a napkin to clean and do not do it yourself. If you sneeze or burp while eating, just make sure you cover your mouth and say ‘Excuse me’.