Author Archives: britrish
21st century telegrams
When I was living in the U.K., I was very surprised to hear that people were still sending telegrams.
Telegrams!?!?!!
At our wedding, they even read some telegrams out loud. Who knew this “technology” was still alive and well?! Not me …
I’ve just located a company called Red Bike Telegrams that’s taking a luxury approach to this tried and true communication – they deliver them on heavyweight card with embossed gold and red foil finish with your personal message.
This romantic correspondence can be sent in the U.K. or internationally – wherever your heart desires. Stop. Room for up to 500 characters. Stop. That’s more than a Tweet. Stop. Brilliant!
Roald Dahl stamps
The Royal Mail has just unveiled their latest tribute to children’s author Roald Dahl in a “gloriumptiously collectable” set of stamps. See them all!
I’m also loving the other accoutrements they are offering – stamp books, stamp cards, framed stamps, pin badges … everything that a Roald Dahl fan would eat up with a fork and knife (and maybe a spoon)!
Speaking of Roald Dahl, I might need to revisit some of these books from my childhood (and others that I’ve never read like “Matilda” and “The BFG”!)
Thanks to A Cup of Jo for bringing this to my attention!
I don’t like tea. I like gin.
American supermarkets would never do an advert (translation: commercial) like this, which is a shame. Aldi rules!
An ode to Ode
I love the story of the tortoise and the hare, of David and Goliath, or any time when the little guy triumphs over the big.
Best case in point this past month: Ode in Shaldon, a charming little Devon seaside restaurant that has been named Sustainable Restaurant of the Year by the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
Photo credit: The Telegraph
It beat out Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage, which took second place.
Chef-proprietor Tim Bouget got top marks for local sourcing as well as energy and water efficiency and waste management. Check it out the next time you are in the West Country!
Happy Valentine’s Day
A box of Thorntons chocolate
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
May your day be filled with the best chocolate, along with the appropriate chocolate identifier glossary (which British chocolatiers smartly include so you know just what you’re getting before you take a bite. No surprises!).
Another blow to pets in Britain
A week or so ago, I blogged about the breading cat craze that’s taking over the Internets.
I tried to bread my cat this weekend. She was decidedly uncooperative. So was my bread. The slice was made weakened once I carved out the middle and then she bolted each time I moved toward her with the altered slice. This was the best result I could get:
I’m starting to think breading is just a Photoshop exercise.
In any case, the BBC has reported on another blow for British pets.
Read the rest of this entry
When cops chase themselves …
As the probationary officer from Sussex Police searched the area for suspects, the camera operator radioed that he had seen someone 'acting suspiciously' in the area. Photo credit: Alamy
A Facebook friend from Hawaii posted this fantastic story from The Telegraph yesterday. I love how hilarious news stories can travel the globe.
In this one, an undercover Sussex police officer “chased himself round the streets” for 20 minutes after a CCTV operator mistook him for suspect. Read the full story here.
My FB friend said it best: “Cue the Benny Hill music.”
British twins news!
Edith Ritchie and Evelyn "Evie" Middleton turned 102 last November.
A big congrats to the two British sisters who have been recognised as the world’s oldest living twins by the Guinness World Records this week. Did you see the news?
Edith Ritchie and Evelyn “Evie” Middleton hold the world title. They are 102 years old and live in Aberdeenshire. They both have never travelled outside the U.K.
When asked her secret to a long life, Edith said: “Simple living, hard work and a good husband.” 🙂
The U.K.’s best gastropubs
The Harwood Arms in Fulham made the top 10.
I love a good gastropub and as far as I’m concerned, the U.K. is king for this blessed blend of good pub and grub.
Budweiser Budvar announced the UK’s top 50 Gastropub Awards yesterday, as voted by 750 chefs, food critics and writers.
License to bartend
Yep, they're British.
Sometimes, only a Brit will do.
Such is the thinking behind BritishBartenders.com, an L.A. company that brings posh British bartenders and staff to service any event.
Started by a British bartending bloke (say that three times fast) named Martin Cole, the business is famous for “private event mixology” and “bartending to the stars,” according to their website. They can provide all of the ingredients, glasswear, alcohol and ice as well as the bar itself for the perfect bash.
I think he’s on to something. Brits know how to make a good, stiff drink. They don’t bat an eye at excess and they know how to tie a Windsor knot. Plus, they know how to pull a proper pint, when you grow tired of cocktails.
Too bad I’m not in L.A…
BRITRISH.COM 