Author Archives: britrish
British Airways’ #HomeAdvantage ad
Kudos to British Airways for their very clever and engaging #HomeAdvantage ad, which encourages Brits to make the most of the summer events that are taking place in the U.K.
Before the web video begins, it asks for a home address if you live in the U.K. and then plugs in some scenery from that address (based on Google maps) in the ad itself. It’s seamless and has been endlessly entertaining. I’ve used our old addresses in the U.K. for kicks and boom, there is the British Airways plane driving right by our old house. So clever!
The joy of Pimm’s
Photo credit: Slate.com
With the temperatures rising and summer in full swing, I like to turn to my favorite summertime drink: Pimm’s and lemonade.
It sounds like I’m not alone. It is growing in popularity among Americans, according to the New York Times. Pimm’s is named after James Pimm, the bar owner who created it in the mid 1800s and it is a quintessentially British drink, particularly popular at Wimbledon.
As for the recipe, I usually just eyeball it. One part Pimm’s to three parts lemonade (I like the Santa Cruz brand organic sparkling lemonade but 7up will do) and then add slices of cucumber, oranges, apples, strawberries and fresh mint to the glass and serve over ice.
If you’re looking to buy a bottle of Pimm’s, Bevmo is a safe bet. I bought a bottle recently for $17.99, after trying three different grocery stores and worrying that I might end up Pimm’s-less.
Shard Tower opens
The London skyline seems to be changing by the day! Meet London’s Shard, an 87-story tower in Southwark, which is officially the tallest building in Europe.
There’s something spookily Lord of the Rings about it, am I right? (Or at least Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol).
Photo credit: Sellar
It’s currently opening with 26 floors of vacant office space. The only tenant so far is the Shangri-la Hotel, which is using floors 34 to 52. Read more about it.
The world’s first watch cat is British
The toys in the warehouse of UK-based toy company Bandai are now safely being protected by Millie the cat. The story has been reported in several UK newspapers and I thought it was some sort of April Fools-style joke, but no. Behold, Millie! She’s not only the security detail at Bandai but ridiculously photogenic and looks adorable in cat clothes.
UK-based Bandai has employed the world’s first watch cat. Photo credit on all photos: Metro UK
Patrolling at night.
She’s apparently quite happy to patrol at night and is being paid in cat food and fish. Who needs a watch dog, when you can have Millie? Added bonus: She’s got nine lives.
I’m sure it will be turned into a Hollywood blockbuster in no time.
(Apologies for the cheese factor in this story…)
Happy 4th of July
Photo credit: http://secretlifeofachefswife.com
Aw, Happy Fourth of July (AKA in some British circles as “British Thanksgiving” – the day they thankfully cut loose one of their colonies! 🙂 )…
BTW, I love Yahoo Answers for the crazy questions and responses that people post. Here’s a good one: “Is there a 4th of July in England?”
Jack Wills’ Cool Brittania
In celebration of the Jubilee, Jack Wills has put together a Cool Brittania collection online and in its U.S. stores.
The collection includes union jack duvet covers, pillowcases and blankets, Queen Elizabeth cushions, T-shirts and mugs.
God Save the Queen, $98.50
Worlington iPhone Case, $29.50
Millway Bag, $19.50
Swimmers banned from Thames
Actor David Walliams swam the length of the Thams River for charity and lived to tell about it.
Put away your swimming costumes (translation: swimsuits) and goggles.
The Thames is officially closed to swimmers by the Port of London Authority.
Whose idea of a good time involves swimming in the polluted, not to mention freezing waters of the Thames (I know, I know, it’s not as polluted as it used to be …)? Well, there are “wild swimmers” who do enjoy fighting the strong currents and whirlpools of the Thames. Now they’ll need a permit for the pleasure.
I think I’ll stick to the swimming pool.
Traffic cones a go go
S3i Group and Heatherwick studios have installed this hanging traffic cone sculpture at V&A Museum. Photo credit: Lise Colyer
Have you seen this amazing art installation at the entrance of the Victoria & Albert Museum, made of traffic cones?
It’s by S3i Group and Heatherwick Studios and is advertising the British Design exhibition, which runs through August 12.
Thanks to my London friend Lise Colyer for snapping this gorgeous photo!
The world’s ugliest dog is British
Meet Mugly, a Chinese Crested who was crowned World’s Ugliest Dog, at the Sonoma-Marin Fair held last Friday. The Peterborough-based pooch competed against 29 other dogs from around the globe for the illustrious title that comes with a trophy, a $1,000 prize and a photo shoot.
Strawberries and cream – a winning Wimbledon double
Wimbledon is in high gear and that can only mean one thing: Strawberries and cream!
Check out the video from Whiteonricecouple.com, showcasing the beauty of this winning combination (particularly when you grow the strawberries and whip the cream yourself).
BRITRISH.COM 