Eating My Way Through London: Ten Days, One City, £60 a Day
- Food Blogger Journey
- Dec 20, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
By Dirk Ebener - December 20, 2025
“London taught me that eating well isn’t about spending more, but about paying attention. Coffee shops, markets, and pubs guided my experience rather than serving as indulgences. By adjusting to the city’s pace, £60 a day proved sufficient." - Dirk Ebener
Finding London’s Daily Rhythm
London rewards patience and exploration. Over ten days, I learned to move at the city’s pace and identify the best times and places to eat. I set a clear rule: £60 a day for food, curious to see if this budget would be enough in such an expensive city.
On the first morning, I quickly realized the budget was a guide rather than a limitation. A coffee and pastry at a small café near a Tube station showed that London rewards attention, not higher spending.
Each day followed a consistent routine. Mornings started at local coffee shops catering to commuters, where pastries were made for regulars rather than tourists.
Breakfast was usually a flat white and a simple pastry, which was sufficient. Walking replaced taxis and trains, both to save money and to better experience London’s neighborhoods. This approach created natural transitions between meals and activities.
I soon learned that eating well in London depends on timing and awareness, not bargain-hunting. Knowing when and where locals eat makes the city more accessible. Coffee shops near transit hubs are consistent, markets are best at midday, and pubs offer value before the evening rush. This approach guided my daily choices. Enjoy reading "Eating My Way Through London: Ten Days, One City, £60 a Day."
Markets, Pubs, and the Art of Eating Well for Less
By late morning or early afternoon, markets became central to my routine. London’s markets offer both diverse food options and insight into local habits. Stalls serve affordable dishes, from curries to freshly grilled bread with various fillings.
Eating at markets kept costs manageable and portions generous, allowing for variety without overspending. Sharing dishes and sampling small plates made lunch an opportunity to explore.
The budget encouraged curiosity and flexibility. Afternoons were spent exploring museums and neighborhoods, often with a bakery snack in hand. Small snacks throughout the day maintained energy.
Simple foods like sausage rolls, pastries, or sandwiches became part of my daily routine. For dinner, I chose historic pubs, arriving early to access specials. The atmosphere and comfort of these pubs provided a memorable experience at a lower cost than upscale dining.
Maintaining a £60 daily budget was about balance, not restriction. More expensive meals were offset by simpler options. Carrying water and walking instead of using transit reduced impulse spending and encouraged thoughtful choices.
Practical Tips & Takeaways
Start your day at a local coffee shop for an authentic experience.
Opt for pastries or baps to save time and money at breakfast.
Rotate market visits to discover new cuisines and prices daily.
Make lunch your main meal to maximize value and variety.
Arrive at pubs before 3 p.m. for special deals and quicker service.
Walk between neighborhoods to experience more and avoid transport costs.
Bring a refillable water bottle to skip the cost of buying drinks.
Share dishes at markets to sample more flavors without overspending.
Choose bakeries for afternoon snacks to balance cost with quality.
Pick historic pubs for ambience and value, not upscale dining.
Offset one pricier meal each day with two simple, budget-friendly ones.
The Daily £60 Food & Beverage Breakdown
Staying within £60 a day worked because the budget was intentional, not rigid. Each day followed a flexible framework that left room for spontaneity without risking overspending. Rather than tracking every pound obsessively, I divided the day into simple spending zones that guided decisions naturally.
Morning (Breakfast & Coffee | £6–£10)Most mornings started with a flat white and a pastry or breakfast bap from a neighborhood coffee shop. These early stops catered to locals, not tourists, which kept prices fair and quality high. Skipping sit-down breakfasts freed up budget for later meals.
Midday (Lunch at Markets or Bakeries | £10–£15)Lunch was the most varied meal of the day. Markets offered filling global dishes at honest prices, while bakeries provided sandwiches, sausage rolls, or savory pastries when plans shifted. This meal delivered both value and energy for long afternoons of walking.
Afternoon (Snack or Second Coffee | £3–£5)A bakery stop, small sweet, or second coffee bridged the gap between lunch and dinner. This prevented impulse spending
later and kept hunger from dictating poor choices.
Evening (Early Dinner at a Pub | £20–£25)Historic pubs were the cornerstone of the budget. Early dinners and lunch specials delivered generous portions, comfort, and atmosphere—often including a pint—without premium pricing.
Flex Buffer (£5–£10)Some days ended under budget, others used the buffer for dessert, an extra drink, or a standout dish. The balance always worked out.
This simple structure proved that eating London for £60 a day wasn’t restrictive—it was freeing. The budget didn’t limit experiences; it shaped better ones.
Final Thoughts – London is the perfect opportunity to slow down
After ten days, the £60 limit became secondary. It helped me avoid tourist traps and experience daily life. I never felt deprived or restricted, but instead became more attuned to the city’s rhythm and opportunities.
Eating in London on £60 a day was not a challenge, but an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the city. The best meals often came from observation rather than higher spending.
Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish and step at a time.
© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.
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