Cultural Differences Between the US and the UK: Restaurant Edition

As an American married to a Brit, I slowly eased into the cultural differences when we lived in the US together. He’d ‘hoover up’ when I’d ask him to vacuum. One time I was confused when he handed me chocolate milk when I asked for a chocolate milkshake. 

In the past year, my initiation into British culture intensified quickly when we relocated to the UK. Our shared language of English (which between the two actually differs in spelling and vocabulary!!) often distracts from the actual fact that there are some big cultural differences as well as little nuanced differences.

For an American visiting the UK, the experience can feel subtly disorienting. From driving on the left side of the road to different patterns, rhythms, and names of even just meal times, it’s an ongoing reminder that you’re not in Kansas anymore. But don’t let that scare you! It’s possible to overcome and enjoy all that the UK has to offer with a little guidance. 

The list of the differences can go on and on, but at the very least, let’s start with the key differences you’ll experience first-hand when visiting the UK: cultural differences at restaurants.

The Flow of a Meal at a Restaurant

At most restaurants (and the keyword here is restaurant and not pub), a meal service will operate differently. It’s more around how often the server comes to the table. Expect the server to come very infrequently and start learning how to get their attention. There’s a good chance a server will come and take your initial drink and food order (but that’s not always a given, so you may have to flag them for that as well). After the order is placed, you’ll only see your server again when they bring your food. If you need anything extra, you’ll have to wave them down to get their attention. 

When you’ve finished your meal, they’ll ask if you’re finished and then ask if you want anything else. If you say no, they won’t really come back again until you wave them over. With that, when you’d like to end the meal and pay, you have to get their attention (again). I usually say “I’d like to pay,” because if I say “I’d like the bill” then they only bring the bill, and then I have to flag them again to actually pay. 

Lastly, when paying by card, they bring the card reader directly to you. They don’t take the card and walk away to scan it. The US is catching up to this, but I think it’s still a learned experience. 

This difference isn’t because the servers don’t care or service is at a different standard. It’s because a dinner at a restaurant falls more in line with that idea that it’s an occasion for you and your companions to enjoy. The servers aren’t there to rush you. They don’t need to change the table over to get the next customers seated. 

Not All Pubs Are the Same 

As people grow up in the UK, I’m convinced they learn how to differentiate the types of pubs by looks alone. Or maybe they don’t, and everyone is just good at asking the bartender inside. 

The biggest point is that each pub is different. Some pubs are drinks only, some pubs serve food, and if they serve food, it might only be during certain hours (lunch 12-2, dinner 6-10) and the kitchen is firmly closed in between. 

Ordering food at pubs comes with its own set of requirements. Oftentimes, there won’t be servers who take your order. Your table will have a number on it, and then you go to the bar when you’re ready to order. You put in your drinks and food order and share the number of the table. If you need anything more like drinks or additional food, you go back up to the bar to order. I don’t know how many pubs I’ve been in that feel quite fancy and make me think ‘oh maybe they come to the table’, but no, I still order at the bar. 

Eat In or Takeaway

Entering the UK, no longer will you hear, “For here or to go?” This one tripped me up for months, and I’ve still not always adjusted my ear. This question comes up most frequently at a coffee shop or cafe where they’ll ask how you want your order. And don’t be fooled, this question can come up at other places where you might take your food to go while they also offer indoor seating (Wasabi, Pret, even McDonalds).

Something about the rhythm of the phrase, the way it’s said, and always expecting the American phrase, I can’t always make out what they are asking me. One time I thought the barista said ‘What’s your name?’ instead of ‘Eat in or takeaway?’ and I received a confused look when I responded with ‘Rachel’.

Moral of the story: Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat. Be prepared to make a few mistakes. Use Go So Local to make exploring a new city that much more enjoyable and local.  

Rachel is an American travel blogger, content creator, and marketer based in the UK.