Eating & Drinking in London on £60 a Day
- Food Blogger Journey
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
By Dirk Ebener
In December, I will arrive in London with a challenge in mind. To prove that I can eat and drink my way through London on just £60 (approx. $75 to $80) a day, savoring the city’s flavors without overspending. London may have a reputation for draining wallets, but with the right mix of planning, curiosity, and a little street food magic, I am determined to taste the city richly and affordably.
One great way to stretch your daily budget is to choose a bed and breakfast or a hotel with a breakfast buffet. A hearty morning meal, with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, toast, or yogurt, keeps you satisfied well into the afternoon. This reduces the need for an early lunch splurge. Many smaller London hotels and family-run B&Bs offer surprisingly generous breakfasts included in the room rate. By filling up in the morning, you free up more of your £60 for unique street food lunches, afternoon treats, or a special dinner experience. This simple strategy saves money and gives you a cozy, local start to your day.
Several mornings will begin at one of the market areas, like Borough Market, the heartbeat of London’s food culture. I can already picture the light filtering through the old market roof, glinting off stalls piled high with crusty loaves and jewel-colored produce.
My day will start with a flat white from and almond croissant from La Bakery under £10 for a breakfast that feels indulgent yet budget-friendly. I will stand among commuters and regulars, sipping coffee as the market hums awake around me.
By midday, I will head toward Camden Market, where the air swirls with the aromas of sizzling skewers, fresh herbs, and sweet waffles. For less than £10, I will choose a Venezuelan arepa or a steaming box of Pad Thai, taking my meal to the edge of the canal. I imagine leaning against the rail, watching narrowboats glide past, and soaking in the energy of a city that never stops moving.
Afternoons will be devoted to wandering through storied neighborhoods and slipping into pubs that feel like living museums. I might find myself at The Harpin Covent Garden, where the bar gleams from years of laughter and spilled ale. For about £6, I will savor a pint, letting the golden glow and the rhythm of local voices wrap around me.
In the evening, dinner will be my moment to splurge wisely. In Soho, I plan to stop at Bao for two pillowy steamed buns—one filled with pork belly, the other with fried chicken, before wandering toward Brick Lane for a rich, aromatic curry.
A chicken tikka masala at Dishoom, paired with naan, will cost under £20 and feel like a fitting nod to London’s cultural blend of flavors.
The final part of each day will end sweetly, perhaps at Dark Sugars in Shoreditch, where I will cradle a decadent hot chocolate crowned with generous chocolate shavings. At £5, it’s a perfect finale before catching the Tube back, budget intact and taste buds completely satisfied.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
Breakfast coffee & pastry: £8–9
Street food lunch: £8–10
Afternoon pint: £5–6
Dinner: £15–20
Evening drink or dessert: £5–12
Total: £50–57, with room for small extras or a second pint on a cold night.
To make the most of this £60-a-day challenge, I’ll follow a few simple rules:
Start at markets for breakfast—it’s fresher, cheaper, and more atmospheric than cafés.
Choose street food for lunch to stretch the budget without sacrificing flavor.
Keep dinners special but avoid the tourist hotspots with inflated prices.
Drink tap water when possible and save splurges for dishes that tell a story.
Explore beyond the city center—Brixton, Peckham, and Hackney hide some of the city’s best values.
I know that when I finally return home, the memories will not be just of landmarks or museums. They’ll be of leaning against a Camden bridge with sauce on my fingers, sipping a pint in a centuries-old pub, and tearing into naan still warm from the tandoor.
This journey is more than a quest for good food on a budget; it is an invitation to experience London’s spirit, revealed when you pause, choose thoughtfully, and savor every mouthful. Soon, with £60 in my pocket, I will set out to let the city unfold its story for me, one unforgettable meal at a time.
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 at a time.
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