Where to Find Brits in the Concrete Jungle: A Survival Guide
So, you're in the Big Apple and craving a bit of that classic British banter? Fear not, dear reader, for I shall guide you through the labyrinth of New York City to uncover those hidden gems where our transatlantic cousins congregate.
Where Do Brits Hang Out In Nyc |
The West Village: Where Brits Go to Pretend They're Still in London
Let's start with the obvious: the West Village. It’s basically London-lite, minus the rain and queuing. You'll find an abundance of overpriced coffee shops, quaint bookstores, and people discussing the latest episode of The Crown over brunch. It's like stepping into a parallel universe where everyone's wearing a Barbour jacket and talking about property prices.
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Pro tip: If you hear someone ordering a "flat white" and complaining about the weather, they're probably British.
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The Upper East Side: A Touch of Royalty (or at Least the Aspiration)
If you're looking for a touch of posh, head to the Upper East Side. While not exclusively British, there's a certain je ne sais quoi about the place that screams "old money." You might spot a few expats sipping tea at the Carlyle, or perhaps discussing the finer points of polo at a private club. Just don't expect them to share their postcode.
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Brooklyn: The Hipster Haven with a British Accent
Don't be fooled by the beards and fixies, Brooklyn has a thriving British community. Williamsburg, in particular, is a hotspot for young, trendy Brits who've swapped Shoreditch for a slightly larger borough. You'll find them in craft beer bars, vintage clothing stores, and arguing about the merits of vinyl records.
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Beyond the Boroughs: Other British Enclaves
If you're willing to venture outside of Manhattan, you might stumble upon other British communities. Places like Westchester and the Hamptons have a decent expat population, particularly during the summer months. And let’s not forget about Washington D.C., where you’ll find a whole load of Brits working in politics or lobbying (or both).
Essential British Imports: A Quick Guide
To truly immerse yourself in the British expat experience, you'll need to equip yourself with a few essentials:
- A love of queuing: This is non-negotiable.
- The ability to complain about the weather: Even if it's 80 degrees and sunny.
- A penchant for irony: Essential for understanding British humour.
- A good pair of walking shoes: You'll do a lot of it.
How to...
- How to order a proper cup of tea: Forget that Lipton nonsense. Find a British tea shop and ask for an English breakfast.
- How to avoid talking about the royal family: Unless you want to get into a heated debate.
- How to fit in at a British pub quiz: Brush up on your cricket and geography.
- How to pronounce "scone": It's "scone," not "skown."
- How to appreciate the finer things in life: Like queuing for fish and chips.
So, there you have it, a brief guide to finding your fellow Brits in the concrete jungle. Happy hunting!
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