I'd always heard that, too. But I spent ten days in London last year and had some great meals. There are a lot of excellent ethnic restaurants and the English steakhouses are good, albeit somewhat expenisve.
I'm going back in August and already have a couple of favorite restaurants I plan to re-visit. I'll be going to Brighton and St. Ives, too, so I'll see if the food outside of London holds up. ;-)
Pub food is good. Had some good Italian food in London.
Breakfast was great. Tea was great. That was good enough for me, usually.
Some good little restaurants in Brighton too. Veges, ethnic and fast, take your pick! Cook your own in Genghis Khan's! All easy to walk to from the centre. Don't forget to do the antique shops in 'The Lanes'
I live next door just down the coast in Eastbourne.