"If you want the good stuff, you have to get it from the micro-breweries."

Basically the same in England. With the exception of Guinness, the very best beers are almost exclusively from the smaller, independent, breweries, many of them still family owned.

Fish and Chips from a pub? Strictly a no-no! Hardly any pubs have deep fryers, which are essential to good F & C.

London, where I was born and grew up, is certainly not representative of the best in cuisine, nor is it representative of the best in culture or hospitality. I suspect it shares that failing with many other large cities all over the world.

What the package tourist never seems to be told is that "England" (the real McCoy) starts about twenty miles out of the centre of London, in the direction of your choice.

If you stay within the London area, you will see some magnificent buildings, and can learn a great deal about English history, but you will know little more about "England" than you did before.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip, Martin, but judging by your sour comments, I doubt it. Maybe Chicago is the best place for you.

Don T.