British Table Etiquette: Table manners are an appropriate way to judge the manners and etiquette of any individual. Whether it is a formal dinner or an informal meeting, dining with grace is as important as dressing appropriately.
If you are planning to study in the UK, you should be aware of the certain rules and regulations to be followed on the table. In this blog, we will highlight British table etiquette, which you should be aware of before moving or settling down in the UK.
Table of contents
Basic Manners
There is a set of basic rules that you need to be aware of before sitting down at a British table. You should follow this British table etiquette to avoid any embarrassment at your student housing in the United Kingdom. Here, we have listed some of the basic manners of the British Table Etiquettes that you should know.
- Start eating after the host or hostess asks you or tells you to start.
- Chew your food properly with a closed mouth.
- Never talk with food in your mouth.
- Avoid putting too much food in your mouth.
- Finish off the food first, and then take more.
- Bread and rolls should be broken with the help of the fingers.
- Do not butter the whole slice.
- Do not blow on hot food or drink.
- Do not sip from a coffee spoon or teaspoon.
- The soup should be spooned away from you.
- Never mash or mix food on your plate.
- Use a piece of bread on a fork to soak up sauce or gravy.
- Never hold the bread in your fingers to soak up sauce or gravy.
- Always use a knife and fork; barbecue is an exception.
- Never use your fingers to push food onto your spoon or fork.
Also, check out the Comprehensive Guide To American Culture Etiquette
Crockery and Cutlery
There are some basic rules to be followed for cutlery and crockery as well. The use of crockery includes their use for particular dishes and the way you hold them. Check out the below-mentioned rules to eat as per British style and etiquette.
- A napkin or serviette should always be placed on the lap.
- The napkin should not be removed until you leave the table.
- Keep your serviette on the left side of your plate, never on the plate.
- Never tuck your napkin into the collar of your shirt.
- Do not wipe off cutlery or glassware with your napkin.
- The fork is held in the left-hand
- The knife should be in the right hand to cut food.
- The fork is held tines down.
- The knife is used to move food onto the fork.
- Cutlery should not be shifted.
- Never leave your spoons in a plate or bowl after finishing your food.
- Do not push your plate away or stack your dishes.
- Place the knife and fork together in the “twenty past four” position
- Cut only three bites at a time.
- Do not scrape the plate.
Be mindful of the Things You Should Never Do in the UK. Check out our blog to avoid embarrassment in this new academic step of your life.
Also, check out the Things You Should Never Do in the UK
Placement and Procedure
The placement and procedure of the dining table should signify your manners and etiquette. Britishers are very specific when it comes to their table manners. Understanding their etiquette will help you to adapt in their culture easily. Below is a list of rules you should follow.
- Forks will be on your left.
- Knives and spoons are placed on your right side.
- The oyster or seafood fork will be on the right, next to the soup spoon.
- The silverware indicates the courses that will be served.
- A dessert spoon and fork are placed on top of the plate.
- When dessert is served, slide cutlery to the sides of the dessert plate
- To eat dessert, break the dessert with a spoon.
- Push the food with the fork into the spoon
- Eat from the spoon with the fork in the left hand and the spoon in the right.
- Coffee spoons are either to the right of the plate or brought with the coffee.
- Red wine is served in a glass with a round bowl.
- Hold red wine at the base of the bowl
- Red wine should be served at room temperature.
- There will be a butter knife located near the butter dish.
- Salad may be served before or after the main course.
- The placement of the salad fork will give you a clue regarding salad serving.
- Finger bowls are presented after the main course and before dessert.
Passing Dishes and Food
One important part of British Table etiquette is how you pass dishes and food at the table. In British culture, being polite and thoughtful during meals really matters. Knowing these small rules will help you avoid awkward moments and leave a good impression. Don’t worry—once you learn the basics, you’ll feel confident at any dinner table. Find the basic British etiquette for passing dishes and food.
- Always pass the dish to the right.
- Initiate the passing of rolls, butter, and condiments.
- Pass jugs, gravy boats, etc., with the handle toward them.
- Never reach across the table.
- If anything isn’t directly in front of you, ask for it to be passed.
Tips for International Students
If you’re an international student, dining customs may feel very different. But don’t worry; you can try to learn things at your own pace. Everyone understands you’re learning. Most people will appreciate your effort to follow British table etiquette. Here are some helpful tips to make adjusting easier:
- Watch others and follow their lead.
- Don’t feel shy about asking questions.
- Practice using cutlery before formal dinners.
- Keep your pace slow and enjoy the meal.
- Remember, mistakes happen—just smile and move on.
To know more about British Culture, Ethics, and traditions, check out our video on the Core Values of Britain.
Living and studying abroad is already a big change. Learning British table etiquette may seem small, but it can really help you feel more at home. Good manners open doors. They help you make friends, enjoy meals, and feel confident at both casual and formal gatherings. And honestly, once you get used to them, they become second nature. Take it slow, observe others, and keep practicing. Before you know it, you’ll handle every dining situation like a pro.
FAQs on British Table Etiquette
British table etiquette means following proper dining manners in the UK. It’s important for students to attend formal dinners, networking events, or eat with locals. Good table manners help you make a positive impression and avoid feeling awkward in social settings.
Napkins should be placed across the lap. Never tuck them on your collars or clothes.
Peas should be crushed onto the fork. Add peas with something sticky for eating.
The dishes should always be passed from the right side.
In the British way, forks go on the left, knives on the right, and the spoon above the plate. Napkins are placed to the left or on the plate.
A peculiar British etiquette is saying “sorry” frequently, even when not at fault, and forming orderly queues for everything, maintaining strict politeness and patience.
British table etiquette says you should politely ask someone to pass it to you. Don’t reach over others. Say, “Could you please pass the salt?” and remember to say thank you.
Hold the teacup by the handle and sip quietly. Don’t slurp. Stir your tea gently without clinking the spoon against the cup. Place the spoon on the saucer after stirring.
No, using your phone during meals is considered rude in British table etiquette. Keep it on silent and away from the table. Focus on the conversation and enjoy the meal with others.
If you drop a fork or napkin, politely ask the waiter or host for a replacement. In British table etiquette, don’t crawl under the table to pick it up yourself during formal meals.
A popular saying in the UK is ‘Manners maketh the man’, which means politeness, good manners, and civility are essential to humanity. Above mentioned are basic British table etiquettes, you must be aware of, to avoid any kind of embarrassment in your future.
For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
Follow Us on Social Media
