With exams out of the way and the typical British summer of two sunny days and a thunderstorm seemingly held off for a heatwave, it’s time to indulge in all that England has to offer in Summertime pursuits. It all kicks off with Wimbledon, followed by trips to the seaside, the countryside, and of course picnics in the park. But just what do Brits eat in their picnics? Or for that matter, at all? I think it’s time we addressed British food, starting with that picnic.

Picnic

Location

• Parks are best. Take the train up to London and Hyde Park, Green Park, my personal favourite Regent’s Park, or Grovonser Square- home to the US Embassy- will do. Should you not wish to travel as far, we’ve got our own lake with an excellent picnic lawn, or if you’d like to escape university for a bit a quick walk south along the River Wey and you’ll be spoilt for picnicking choice.

Food

• You’ve got a few choices here. You can buy a hamper from Fortnum & Mason, assemble it yourself (M&S do a good picnic range), or make it all yourself, though if you go this route and want any prayer of having a nice meal take the time to make the trip to Waitrose- steer clear of the financial and food grime and slime that Tesco is. No matter what you choose, be sure these key items are included:
• The Scotch Egg: Sure, the Scottish might still want to leave the Union, but their egg is an essential picnic item. It consists of an egg in a hard-boilt style, covered in pork, breaded, and served cold. Certanily not something you’d find in the American diet, but if that’s what you want, don’t have a picnic, go to TGIs; we’ve got loads here.
• Sandwiches: Very soft white bread with cucumber and cream cheese, neatly sliced. You may think it’s a disgusting flavour, but it’s a much better combination than you’re imagining. You’ll just have to wait and see.
• Pasties: Think of it like a very thick soup encased in hard pastry. There’s no better way to try this common English lunch than to make your way over to Surrey and try it. If all goes well, put it in your picnic.
• Quiche: Hopefully, this is one you’ll finally recognise.
• Cheese and pickle: A good extra mature English cheddar and some nice pickle. If you’re not interested, here’s why: you’re thinking of a pickle. The cucumber that’s been sliced and sat in a jar of vinegar for a bit too long? Wrong. The pickle that you’ll find here in England is a thick, vinegary, chutney of many unidentifiable vegetables. It looks and smells vile, but put it with cheese and you’ll have no regrets about expanding your culinary horizon.
• Dessert: Cake, like you’d imagine with an afternoon tea, or sweet scones will be a suitable way to finish your day out in the sun off.

Drink

• Pimms. And fizz. The English see picnic time as a great reason to bring out the drinks. Give Pimms a google for a true explanation of this summertime classic, but fear not if you’re not the alcohol type: British lemonade, a wonderful light and fizzy drink, is a suitable alternative and unlike anything you’ll find in the states.

Lunch

If you’ve had a busy morning of lectures and tutorials, then you’ll be looking forward to a nice midday treat. Luckily, you’ll be spoilt for choice on campus and around Guildford.

• The Surrey Shop: Serving up the aforementioned pasty, along with sandwiches and pizzas. Almost like you’d expect in America, but with an egg mayo baguette and cheese and onion crisps.
• Hillside: Ever wondered what British children ate a school? Hillside is a bit like that. Jacket potatoes with tuna mayo, fish and chips, and a curry are all available for you to choose from. You may get strange looks by picking up one of these for lunch in California, but in Surrey these are your standard lunch fare.
• Starbucks: Drinks as you would expect, plus a good variety of sandwiches and salads. All in all, not too dissimilar from home.
• If you choose to venture into town, you’ll be met with even more choice. Nandos, where it won’t be amusing for you to suggest you go for banter, Yo! Sushi, Five Guys, exactly as it is in America, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, and Wagamama (quick table service Japanese) are first to greet you.

Dinner

There’s a stereotype in England that all students eat Pot Noodle, a brand of freeze-dried ramen for dinner, but rest assured there are better options.

Cooking

• While you may find that one student who thinks they can cook up a roast in their flat, the majority of students seem to find one dish to be of their liking: pasta. With red sauce, with peas, with meat, with cheddar or with all of them, it’s very likley that you’ll share in this staple diet.

Takeaway

• In the take-out food world, Britain has certainly topped America. From Dominos, where some are bemused by the inclusion of a garlic and herb sauce on the side, to a kebab, sushi, or Greek, if you want to eat it, chances are there’s someone who wants to bring it to your door. A note on tipping: it’s different. I seldom tip at all for delivery, and should you feel the need never give more than ‘the change’ or a few pounds. If you come to Surrey, gone are the days of finding an extra $10 note to give to the driver.

Going Out

• Don’t think moving to England will leave you trapped in a world of pork pies and overdone vegetables. Not only do we still have McDonald’s and the like, but ‘normal food’ here is still ‘normal’. Go out to a standard restaurant and you’ll be greeted with a menu displaying that burger you’ve been craving, that classic fish and chips you’ve been wanting to try, or a salmon fillet to satisfy your seafood fix. Whatever it is, wherever it’s from, much like a takeaway you’ll have no trouble finding it and enjoying it. The UK is full of a world of food, and is consistently praised for its choice and complexities. So while for you it may be more pasta at home than steak at the Ritz, you won’t be let down by your dinner here at Surrey.

Should you have any questions, from ‘What is Ribena?’ to ‘What will my classes be like?’, do email us at northamerica@surrey.ac.uk or me at rf00149@surrey.ac.uk.