One article on acceptable behaviour in England says that "the English are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech... (and) they are famous for their politeness and self-discipline." Another article on this same topic notes that "manners are arguably the cornerstone of British society."
Here are some tips that might help you brush up on your own early-learned set of manners, and add to your general body of knowledge in how to handle yourself when you're out and about!
General (Taken from http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/behaviour.html)
1) When being entertained at someones home it is nice to take a gift for the host and hostess. A bottle of wine, bunch of flowers or chocolates are all acceptable (Sending a thank you note is also considered appropriate).
2) Men should never wear hats inside buildings
3) a. British people place considerable value on punctuality. If you agree to meet friends at three o'clock, you can bet that they'll be there just after three. Since Britons are so time conscious, the pace of life may seem very rushed. In Britain, people make great effort to arrive on time. It is often considered impolite to arrive even a few minutes late. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting. Some general tips follow.
b. If you are invited to someones house for dinner at half past seven, they will expect you to be there on the dot. An invitation might state "7.30 for 8", in which case you should arrive no later than 7.50. However, if an invitation says "sharp", you must arrive in plenty of time.)
4) It is proper to shake hands with everyone to whom you are introduced, both men and women. An appropriate response to an introduction is "Pleased to meet you". If you want to introduce yourself to someone, extend you hand for a handshake and say "Hello, I am....". Hugging is only for friends.
5) When yawning or coughing always cover your mouth with your hand.
Eating
1) The British generally pay a lot of attention to good table manners. Even young children are expected to eat properly with knife and fork. We eat most of our food with cutlery. The foods we don't eat with a knife, fork or spoon include sandwiches, crisps, corn on the cob, and fruit.
2) If you are a guest, it is polite to wait until your host starts eating or indicates you should do so. It shows consideration.
3) Follow the host's lead to determine when to eat after being served. When the host eats or gives the guests permission, you can eat.
4) You may eat chicken and pizza with your fingers if you are at a barbecue, finger buffet or very informal setting. Otherwise always use a knife and fork.
5) When eating rolls, break off a piece of bread before buttering. Eating it whole looks tacky.
6) On formal dining occasions it is good manners to take some butter from the butter dish with your bread knife and put it on your side plate (for the roll). Then butter pieces of the roll using this butter. This prevents the butter in the dish getting full of bread crumbs as it is passed around.
7) When you have finished eating, and to let others know that you have, place your knife and folk together, with the prongs (tines) on the fork facing upwards, on your plate.
8) When eating soup, tip the bowl away from you and scoop the soup up with your spoon.
Soup should always be taken (without slurping of course) from the side of the spoon, and not from the 'end' as in most of the rest of Europe.9) To be very polite, peas should be crushed onto the fork - a fork with the prongs pointing down. The best way is to have load the fork with something to which they will stick, such as potato or a soft vegetable that squashes easily onto the fork. It's sometimes easier to put down your knife and then switch your fork to the other hand, so you can shovel the peas against something else on the plate, thus ensuring they end up on your fork. The fork should not be used as a scoop but held so that the points of the tines face.
10) To eat dessert, break the dessert with the spoon, one bite at a time. Push the food with the fork (optional) into the spoon. Eat from the spoon. (Fork in left hand; spoon in right).
11) Napkins should be placed across the lap - tucking them into your clothing may be considered 'common'.
12) Always chew and swallow all the food in your mouth before taking more or taking a drink. Always say thank you when served something. It shows appreciation.
13) Hold stemware by the stem rather than by the glass.
14) Keep your elbows off the table.
15) Bring the food to you rather than leaning forward toward the food. Always maintain an upright posture at the table.
Things you should not do:
1) Never lick or put your knife in your mouth.
2) It is impolite to start eating before everyone has been served unless your host says that you don't need to wait.
3) Never chew with your mouth open. No one wants to see food being chewed or hearing it being chomped on.
4) It is impolite to have your elbows on the table while you are eating.
5) Don't reach over someones plate for something, ask for the item to be passed.
6) Never talk with food in your mouth.
7) It is impolite to put too much food in your mouth.
8) Never use your fingers to push food onto your spoon or fork.
9) It is impolite to slurp your food or eat noisily.
10) Never blow your nose on a napkin (serviette). Napkins are for dabbing your lips and only for that.
11) Never take food from your neighbours plate.
12) Never pick food out of your teeth with your fingernails (or at all when in company. Excuse yourself)
You might also like to read: "Mind Your Manners - British Etiquette"
Click here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Mind-Your-Manners---British-Etiquette&id=974900
Sources:
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/behaviour.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2228053_follow-british-table-manners.html
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