London these days is head over heels in love with its restaurants, from its "be-there" eateries to its tiny neighborhood joints, from pubs to swanky trendsetters. You, too, will be smitten, since you will spend 25% of your travel budget on eating out. A characteristic of this new gustatory frenzy is the appearance seemingly overnight of new menus, food styles, and chefs.

In London, you could find breakfast all day, but it's generally served between 7:30 and 10. Workmen's cafés and sandwich bars for office workers are sometimes open from 7:30, smarter cafés from 9-10:30. Lunch is between noon and 2 and restaurant sittings will be booked within that time. Tea, often a meal in itself, is taken between 4 and 5:30; dinner or supper between 7:30 and 9:30, sometimes earlier. Many ethnic restaurants, especially Indian, serve food until midnight. Do not tip bar staff in pubs. In restaurants, tio 10% to 20% of the check for full meals if service is not already included.

Two caveats: first, although there is an all-clear, and the chance of contracting so-called Mad Cow Disease is small, you may wish to avoid eating beef or to select beef with a reduced risk of contamination. Second, beware of Sundays. Many restaurants are closed. Over the Christmas period, London virtually shuts down -- only hotels will be prepared to feed you. When in doubt, call ahead. It's a good idea to book a table at all times.