Food Allergies in London

when you sit down the server is supposed to ask about any allergies, and most menus will note allergens.

If they don't, go elsewhere. It is very obviously asked.

My experience is that you will be asked about allergies every time. If there are allergies, then they can provide information to guide you.

Chuck G: when you were in London and went to a really, did you not get asked about allergies before you sat down? As Nigel notes, you should have been. And if you are not asked, yes - go elsewhere. The host or server asking about allergens is SOP here.

they may not list the ingredients but most bigger places and chains have some form of warning symbol system on the menu. But as said, it is normal for them to ask you.

I was in London last year. I am lactose intolerant. Every restaurant I visited asked about food allergies. They guided me with selections that did not have dairy. I was able to enjoy dining out and did not get sick from any hidden dairy.

I can't think of a single place I've been in London where the waiter hasn't asked about allergies. Normally menus have this information, but certainly tge waiter should advise you if not.

The UK is very alert to this, much more so than other places I've lived in or traveled to.

As others have said, asking about allergies is SOP. I would like to know what places didn't inquire about this or have something posted.

I was in the UK from the beginning of May until June 25. While it is very common to be asked about allergies, I was definitely not asked 100% of the time. I have no food allergies, so this isn't something I paid a great deal of attention to. I'd take a wild guess that I heard the question over 75% but less than 90% of the time.

By law restaurants in the UK must provide allergen information either by listing it on the menu or by clearly signposting where such information can be obtained, usually from the wait staff. I can't recall a time when I've eaten out in the UK when I haven't been asked if there are any allergies within the group dining. Eating out in the UK with allergies really isn't a problem.

As others have said, mention the allergies to your server or whoever is taking your order. I have a shellfish allergy and it is always taken seriously in the UK. They may show you lists of ingredients, have a different menu with allergens listed, or tell you which menu items contain that allergen.

Chain restaurants are by the best for people with allergies. They have proper procedures in place and take allergies extremely seriously. Standard menus don’t usually list all allergens but they will give you an alternative menu when you indicate allergies.

Anyone selling food in the UK is required by law to provide information on the 14 most common food allergens found in their food and drinks. There are hefty fines if they don’t as there have unfortunately been fatalities associated with incorrect information and lack of understanding amongst staff regarding allergies.
The guidance can be found here
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses