Pubs in London What to do?

Seat yourself, order at the bar, they'll bring food to you. You usually tote your own drink back to the table since that's drawn as you order. If they're short-handed, I usually chunk my plate and glass on the bar on the way out. It might be a bit different in the big London pubs, especially the chain ones.

Have been to both kinds, some with waitstaff and some without, can't remember if they were chains or not. One I remember was a small one and I know I went to bar, ordered drink and food and then went back to bar to pick up food. If you are not sure, just ask bartender or another customer, someone will be glad to help you. Don't let this stop you.

If you are not sure go up to the bar and ask, we do all the time. Sometimes there are slight differences eg given a number and called to the bar to collect your food when it's ready. But as Ed says you can get table service in "gastro" type pubs.

There's a useful guide to pub etiquette online. Here's the link Fancyapint

In nearly all cases, when you walk into the area with the main bar, your are free to grab a seat, then go to the bar and order your drinks and food, you pay then, take your drinks with you, and they will bring your food when ready. You may need to know your table number, or they may give you a wooden spoon with a number to identify you. In many Pubs, they also have a separate dining area, either at the back of the Pub or upstairs, there will be signs, in these cases there is almost always table service and you will be seated. If you walk in and there are no seats in the bar area, you are OK to still get a pint and stand and drink, or many times go outside.