Accessibility Tools

Skip to main content

Eating Out

Pre Departure

Last 100 Final Out

Customer service is different in the UK compared to what you may be used to. 

Servers may not check on you often, so take the initiative to ask if you need something.

This often includes asking for your bill. Sometimes it is required that you go up to the bar for more drinks and to pay your bill.

Helpful Tips

To Tip or Not to Tip?
Tipping is not required at pubs. Menus in restaurants will state if service or gratuity is included. If gratuity is not automatically put on, we suggest giving 10-15 percent or rounding up the amount in pounds. Also, keep in mind that all the prices that you see in restaurants or stores are the final price, tax is included in the labeled price. 

Dress Code
Don’t wear sweats or running shoes to pubs, restaurants, and clubs.  Be sure to have a spare pair of shoes in the car in case you get turned away from a club because of your footwear.
You may find that English people dress up for all occasions, including running errands and visiting the grocery store. It is not common to see people out and about in lounge or gym clothes.

Time Expectations
You may find it takes up to 30 minutes to get your meal after placing your order as it’s likely to have been cooked to order.  Many people go out for a meal for a couple of hours or an evening, so you are unlikely to be rushed.

Drinks
Ice is typically not included with your drinks so ask if you would like some. Free refills are rare, so only a few family pubs or chain restaurants may offer a free soft drink or hot drink refills.

About Water
Many restaurants charge for water. Particularly if it is bottled. Many will ask if you would like sparkling or still, so do choose accordingly. You may also order tap water which may be free of charge. 

Ordering Takeaway
Takeaway (to-go) menus may be more limited than dine-in menus. Prices sometimes differ on delivery apps versus picking up from the restaurant or dining there. 

Restaurant Recommendations
There are a lot of great restaurants around the region. Ask your friends and coworkers for recommendations, be sure to try them all!

Some Local Eateries

Some local eating places in Mildenhall and surrounding areas may include:

Lakenheath: Kim’s Bulgogi, Green Box Sushi, Sakura, Filipiniana, Little India, CJ's Sandwich Bar, Wok N Rock, Rising Star

Mildenhall:  Spice Lounge, Sumo Sushi, Chang Chai Thai, En Thai-Sing, Bella Pizza, Angel's Café, Rumbles Fish Bar, Zeytin Mezze Grill, China House, Dragon House

Bury St. Edmunds: Nando’s, Wagamama, Byron’s, Giggling Squid, Cote, Wetherspoons Corn Exchange, Bill’s, Prezzo, Gastronome, Cheers,

Cambridge:  Five Guys, Nana Tacos

Icklingham:  Guinness Arms

Newmarket:  Hmmburger, El Guaca Mexican Grill, The Pantry

Worlington: Walnut Tree, Worlington Hall

West Row: Jude's Ferry

Some Fast Food and Coffee Shops may include: McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express, Papa John’s, Domino’s, Starbucks, Costa Coffee

Some Family Pub Chain Restaurants may include: Wetherspoon's, Hungry Horse, Brewer's Fayre, Beefeater, Table Table, Green King

Afternoon Tea opportunities may include: Nancy’s Tea Shop (Newmarket), Harriet’s (Bury St Edmunds), Peacock’s (Ely), Barley Corn (Mildenhall)

RAF Mildenhall Calendar

After Arrival Topics