Touch of Britain

We so hoped it would be good. The food was ok. The service was poor. When they didn’t have the beverage we ordered they didn’t tell us; they just didn’t bring anything. One of our party ordered the 2 piece fish & chips. They brought the 2^nd piece in a doggie bag when we were leaving. Our group of 7 gals was never shown the bill, just given a total at the register, which was higher for each of us than meal, tax plus 20% tip. Each of us was overcharged, even when we pointed out the errors. We will never go back.

If I could give them 0 stars I would. For the second time I’ve driven from Folsom to McClellan in order to get a food item that my wife loved from her time in England. Both times on a Saturday in the afternoon during their posted business hours and both times they were closed. If you’re going to post hours, then be open! After my first experience I figured that it was important to call to make sure they were open and had the item. So today I called at 2:40p and asked how late they were open. I was told the shop was open until 5:00p and they had the item my wife wanted. I said I would be there. I arrived at 4:40p and the place was dark. 40:00 mins in the rain and they were closed again. Last time I try to do business with these guys, I’ll just order from the web.

If you are looking for authentic British-​style fish and chips, mushy peas and ale (or tea!) this is your spot. It doesn’t get much better than this. The fish is cooked in a tempura-​like batter that is delicious and not greasy, and excellent quality fish is used. We’ve eaten here dozens of times over the years and have never had a bad meal. It is made even better by the wonderful personalities of the owner and staff who work the restaurant and store. Don’t leave without buying some «real» chocolate made the European way (less waxy, more creamy) in the attached shop. It is so worth it!

It’s great to have a place where I can get goodies from home. And the staff are very friendly so no problem there. However my problem come from expiration dates. Be very careful about the products you select as several time I have gotten things that were out of date and not just by a few days but by more than a month or two. The crisps are notorious for this.

Definitely the best fish and chips around! The little shop has great imported items. I love being able to grab sweets from my childhood. They need to start carrying Quavers again and the portion of chips is a bit on the small side. The owner is lovely though. Still love the shop!

Fond memories of traveling as a youngster to my parents childhood home. Mom’s memories of her youth are both good and not-​so-​good, having spent many formative years amidst air raids and bombs. There’s a simpleness which lead her in her life of necessities rather than wants.
Her birthday is coming up. I came in specifically to find things that would bring forth fond memories of her youth. Things that mean something to her and also mean something to me (my memories of experiences abroad that were also a small part of her youth). I’ve visited only the small shop and not the café.
The shelves contain imports of product still recognizable to me after 35+ years. Canned goods, boxed goods, candies and chocolates, bottles of juice and boxes of tea. There’s a frozen section of Piccadilly product and bangers. I know there were no frozen pies in her day but I’m not about to attempt to bake a steak and kidney pie. Names like Ribena, McVitie’s, Weetabix, and clotted creams. Lemon curd, spotted dick, treacle pudding, and mooshy peas. One shelf stocked with Heinz Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce.
I picked up a small assortment of things for her and found myself smiling as I browsed the shelves. I know she’ll be pleased and likely to send me home with a shopping list for my next visit.

I feel bad about writing such a poor review, but it has to be done. The server was rude from the very beginning, but attempted to mask it as her sense of humor. The «jokes» continued and were repeated throughout our lunch, creating a very awkward atmosphere. She complained that we had too big of a group (8), and insisted that a mandatory $ 20 tip was due. The first meal came out approximately 45 minutes after we ordered and it would be nearly an hour and a half before the last meal arrived. Fish and Chips, Bangers and Chips, Beef/​Mushroom Pie, and Spaghetti on toast were some of the meals we tried. None of us enjoyed our meals. The slow service was extremely disappointing. I had high hopes for this place but I would look elsewhere if I were you.

Has the BEST fish and chips I’ve ever tasted! Light, crispy batter, with lots of meaty fish inside. My go-​to fish and chips restaurant

Absolutely loved this place! The name of the store/​restaurant fits it perfectly. You walk in to a little shop filled with British goodies (chocolate, candy, etc.) The left side of the shop is the restaurant. My brother and I got tea for 2, which they refilled for free, steak and mushroom pie w/​beans and chips and shared a scone with devon cream and jam.
The food was absolutely delicious. The steak and mushroom pie had an amazing, crispy crust to it. The scone was the perfect ending to a delicious, filling meal. The tea came with milk because that’s the proper British way.
But the customer service is what made the experience. The chef came out to greet us and she was the cutest little lady. Her accent was adorable and she made us feel at home. The other two ladies were also very friendly. I would come back just for the amazing customer service! Oh and the amazing food, ofcourse.

I don’t come here nearly as often as I used to, but today I felt compelled to update my review.
My parents, my boyfriend, and I came to the shop to do a little shopping and to eat at the café next door. My boyfriend had never been here before and I was excited to have him try some authentic British cuisine. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a pleasant experience for him. Both my boyfriend and my dad had hats on, and our waitress bopped my boyfriend on the head and told him to take his hat off. She was trying to be funny, but my boyfriend didn’t appreciate it. She also got close enough to him that she spat on his face while she was talking to him — unprofessional.
Another waitress came to take our order and she was a little better, but the other kept coming back to our table to check on us and she was still being brash and at one point knocked my dad’s arm (once again, as a joke, in her opinion). The bottom line is — you shouldn’t touch a customer or get that close to them. Especially if it’s someone you barely know. I get that she meant no harm, but such behavior can really rub a customer the wrong way. It certainly rubbed my boyfriend the wrong way.
Now, the food. I ordered the banger and chips (like I have before). What I noticed as soon as the plates were brought out was that there were no beans on the side. In the past, beans have always been served with the meal. I was a tad disappointed. On top of that, I felt like my bangers were overcooked and dry. I’m used to them being juicy and flavorful, these lacked both. The chips were the only enjoyable part of the meal.
The café was about the only reason why I would make the drive out here. Now that the food and service have gone downhill, I’m questioning when I will be back. Such a shame.

Pro: fish and chips are the best around. Owners are super friendly.
Con: Every time I go for lunch, I leave with 3 bags of crisps, biscuits, and sweets I eye whilst waiting for my food to cook. I wish they were open more often! Or maybe I don’t…

I have been enjoying the food and the people of Touch of Britain for over 25 years.
Through two locations, four children, and even Grandchildren now, Lilian, LJ, and company have been turning out authentic British style fish & chips, plus other British foods.

Family owned by the cutest and nicest British family. I hope this business never closes because I don’t know if I could ever get my fish or bangers fix anywhere else. Every time I visit this place, I’m greeted with a hug and a smile and leave with a hug, smile, and a full belly. I love this place and can’t wait to go back for more! They are on facebook too!!! Go like them
:)

Café food was nice and always lovely to have tea! Forceful humor from some of the staff was just ok… However the attitude from a staff member working in the back bringing out food could have been left in the kitchen when we added to our order! If you don’t want our business then this is how to treat customers!!! And make sure you do the math correctly, especially with a uc Berkeley math major alumni as a customer.
Food selection is as always over priced for these places but good enough! Won’t make very many trips to this place.

Good but pricy fish and chips.
We arrived at 2pm on a Saturday as they close at 3 pm. we each ordered the one piece Fish and Chips (Tender And Flaky Icelandic Cod Deep Fried In Our Special Batter Served With Peas, Bread And Butter) this cost $ 11.95. A bit pricey but came out hot and crispy. I love that the batter was crispy and so were the chips. Our server was interesting as the tartar sauce comes packaged and they will ration this out to you asking how many packages you might like before they bring out the meal. They should make their own if they are looking to save money and allow you to have what you need. We were also asked if and how much pre-​buttered bread we might like before we were given the meal.
The food is good if you are not fussy about the service. They also have a store side where you can buy British treats of all kinds.

FISH N CHIPS! They don’t get better than here! The service is excellent right down to the friendly family banter! Who doesn’t disagree with a sister? And if you have mind, a hug is freely given!
The proprietors are a should be retired couple, dad cooks and mum waits on tables. The daughter manages the cash register and the shop, unfortunately daughter is going blind, and despite all provides a happy disposition.
Warning if you are a Princess stay with Taco Bell where you don’t have to tolerate English only conversation and quirky mannerisms! Personally I love it, it does feel like home!

As an Anglophile, I am very happy that I found this place.
Set in a nondescript shopping center in North Highlands, Touch of Britain is the only place in Sacramento where you can find real British food and other specialty items including tea, tea pots, and tea cozies. Also, I was pleased to learn that they have a small dining room where you can have tea or a meal. I tried the fish and chips, which were excellent and I’m definitely going back soon to try the steak and kidney pie.
The grocery prices are reasonable, especially when you consider that everything is being imported from England. In fact, I got a jar of pickled onions here for cheaper there than you can buy them online (and without the shipping costs).
However, the best part of the place are the regular customers and the staff. Tamara, whose parents own the store, was working when I was there. It was very clear from the interactions between her and the other customers that she loves her regulars and they love her.
I’ll definitely be making this a regular stop here in Sacramento and if your looking for a great place for tea or for lunch, Touch of Britain can’t be beat!

My Anglophile mother took me to Touch of Britain many times back in the day, to buy supplies for her yearly High Tea with her girlfriends. Back then it was practically the only local shop where she could buy the British drinks and foods she needed (you know, in the cave-​days before you could buy anything and everything off the internet ;p)
A friend went to England recently and when he got home, he was searching for British food stores to buy his new favorite snacks at. I went along with him to Touch of Britain and the store is just as I remember: small but with a good selection of unique British consumables and a super-​sweet shop lady. Heck, I didn’t realize that they had a seperate tea room where you can have afternoon tea or a meal… I will definitely be back to check THAT out!
Don’t buy Yorkie bars at CostPlus. Support a small business and buy them at Touch of Britian instead! :)

I have been to the Touch of Britain many times. Always dependable food, delightful service and an «at home» feel. Categorically, I have to say the Touch of Britain is the only place in Sacramento and surrounds where you can get a good pot of tea with your meal. I pretty much get the fish and chips every time now and top it off with a scone. Go… you won’t be disappointed.
I stopped in last Sunday, 11/​5, to have a pot of tea and some fish and chips. When I came in I was Tamara greeted me with a friendly «hi» and a query to verify my name, which I did. I was told she had to talk to me and asked me if I had gotten her message on Facebook. She was busy with customers so I went and sat down at a table and placed my regular order of fish and chips. Tamara came over to my table with a white little bag with my name on it. I was thinking, «what the ??», and she handed me the bag and asked if I had meant to leave a $ 20 tip! Apparently, last time I was in I had accidentally left a $ 20 and they figured it wasn’t for a tip so they saved it for me — for about five months! Now, how’s THAT for service with a smile? And this is why I patronize local businesses instead of conglomerates — the personal touch.

I recently ate and shopped at Touch of Britain, to top it off I did so with a genuine Englishmen :) Its one location but divided into two separate spaces. One side is the restaurant and the other is a shop selling all things English. Items sold in store — candy, savory foods, tea, biscuits, canned beans, and a few knickknack type things.
The restaurant serves pretty traditional English food items — fish and chips, beans on toast, toast with clotted cream, tea (OMG sooo good) served in a nice mum style tea pot… and mushy peas. Our English friend said all the items we ordered were very traditionally English and well done… just as good as he would get at home. Since I havent been to England since I was 10, I am just gonna take his word for it. BUT I know that the items I tasted (I had a bite of each persons dish and there were 6 of us at the table so I got a good sampling) were all super yummy. My vegetarian son even found something he liked, which can be hard. I had the toast with jam and clotted cream and it was soooooo good.
BUT the very best thing about Touch of Britain was the service. Think little old lady with blue hair speaking in a very strong British accent, calling everyone «dearie» and pretty much acting like the best english grandmother/​aunt you could ever wish for! LOL she even told my friend to stop talking over her son when he was trying to order… soooo funny, charming and cute! I will for sure be back… Im dreaming of the clotted cream, mushy peas and a real cup of tea :)