Best British Foods to Try This Summer
When the sun finally comes out in the UK, British people get excited about many things: seaside holidays, garden picnics, and of course, delicious summer food.
We’ve already enjoyed a couple of heatwaves this year: one in mid‑June and another across late June into early July, each bringing days into the low 30s °C ☀️ Perfect weather to cool down with an ice cream or enjoy a picnic in the shade. (Click here for some tips to cool down when it’s a bit too hot!).
The summer isn’t done yet and there’s plenty more sunshine ahead. If you’re studying at Bell this season, you’re in the perfect place to explore the tastes of a true British summer. Here are some of the best dishes and treats to try while you’re here.
Strawberries and Cream 🍓
This is one of the most famous summer snacks in Britain. It’s simple but perfect: fresh strawberries topped with cold cream. You’ll often find it at tennis matches like Wimbledon. You can buy British strawberries at local markets or supermarkets. They are sweet, juicy, and taste best between June and August.
Fish and Chips 🐟🍟
This classic British dish tastes even better when you eat it outside, especially near the coast. A piece of fried fish (usually cod or haddock) with chunky chips, salt, vinegar, and maybe a side of mushy peas. Try it in Brighton, Southend or any seaside town — or even from a good local takeaway in Cambridge or London.
Eton Mess 🥄
Strawberries, crushed meringue, and whipped cream all mixed together in one bowl. It’s a messy but delicious dessert, and it was invented at Eton College — one of the UK’s most famous schools. You’ll often see it on menus in pubs or cafes in summer. If you fancy making it yourself, you can follow this recipe here.
Pimm’s🍹
Not exactly food — but a very British summer drink. Pimm’s is a sweet alcoholic drink served with lemonade, mint, cucumber, oranges and strawberries. It’s fruity, refreshing and very popular at outdoor parties or garden events. You’ll see lots of people drinking it at festivals or picnics. (If you’re under 18, try the alcohol-free version!)
Scones with Jam and Cream 😋
These are part of a traditional cream tea. A scone is a sweet bread roll, served with strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. It’s usually enjoyed with a cup of tea in the afternoon. You can try this treat in cafés across the UK — especially in places like Cornwall or Devon, where cream teas are most popular. (There is a friendly debate in the UK about which to put first: the jam or the cream!)
Summer Pudding 🍒
This colourful dessert is made with bread, red berries, and juice. The bread soaks up the juice from the fruit, turning it a deep red colour. It’s best served cold with cream or ice cream. If you enjoy fruity desserts, this one is worth trying. Here’s a recipe if you want to make it at home.
Burgers and Sausages on the BBQ🔥
When the sun comes out, British people love to have a barbecue — even if it’s just in a small back garden or a park. Expect to find sausages (also called “bangers”), burgers, grilled vegetables, and sometimes halloumi cheese. We’ve had a few barbecues here at Bell Cambridge — so keep an eye on the social activities calendar for the next one!
Ice Cream by the River🍦
Summer in Cambridge or London often includes a walk along the river — and what better way to enjoy it than with an ice cream? Look out for a “99 Flake”: soft vanilla ice cream in a cone, with a small piece of chocolate flake added to the top. It’s cheap, cheerful, and very British. Yum!
British Summer Fruits 🫐
The UK produces lots of delicious fruit in the summer, including raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and gooseberries. You can buy them in supermarkets or pick them yourself at farms.
Try Something New!
British food might surprise you. Some dishes are simple, others are sweet, and many are made with fresh, local ingredients in the summer months. Whether you’re exploring the street food stalls of London, visiting a coastal town, or having a picnic with friends in a Cambridge park, don’t be afraid to try something different.
Enjoy the flavours of summer, and don’t forget to share your favourites with us!