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How to be an Anglophile in Boston

By mswen
updated 13 days ago

Some of us are in love with all things British. Ironic, since we worked so hard to be break up with them well over 200 years ago. We don't want to get back together with them or anything, but we've been able to remain friends and will always admire and adore the charm that made us fall in love with them in the first place.

The British are Coming!

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The Old North Church.

Old North Church

193 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113

When a church sexton hung two lanterns in the steeple of this church to signal that the British were coming, it sparked the famous Paul Revere ride and the start of the American Revolution. Take a tour of this glorious old church and marvel at the history.

When a church sexton hung two lanterns in the steeple of this church to signal that the British were coming, it sparked the famous Paul Revere ride and the start of the American Revolution. Take a tour of this glorious old church and marvel at the history.

http://www.oldnorth.com

Re-enact the Other British Invasion

Beatlejuice is an all-Beatles cover band with a cult following.  Former Boston lead singer Brad Delp was the lead vocalist until his untimely death in 2007.  Now known as Beatlejuice and Friends, the band still plays on at their home base, Johnny D’s, with a rotating array of guest lead singers.

“Penny Lane” as performed by Beatlejuice.

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Johnny D’s, the stomping ground of Beatlejuice.

Johnny D's

17 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144

http://www.johnnyds.com

Brits in the US: Then...

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...and Now

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I know which one I prefer.

Brush Up on Your Brit

If adopting a British accent is too much for you, you can still simulate Brit-speak by incorporating some of their commonly used words and phrases into your own vocabulary.  If nothing else, you’ll completely confuse people.  Which is always fun.

The American's guide to speaking British

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British accents are fabulous. But even better on little kids.

Have a Tea Party

Brits take tea seriously.  Here’s how you can, too.

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The Boston Tea Party Museum.

Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum

304 Congress St, South Boston, MA 02210

Break out your powdered wig: this museum is so interactive, you can actually step aboard a full-sized replica of the ship from which hundreds of tea chests were tossed overboard during the Boston Tea Party. The museum is currently undergoing a renovation, but will re-open in 2009 for your plundering pleasure.

Break out your powdered wig: this museum is so interactive, you can actually step aboard a full-sized replica of the ship from which hundreds of tea chests were tossed overboard during the Boston Tea Party. The museum is currently undergoing a renovation, but will re-open in 2009 for your plundering pleasure.

http://www.bostonteapartyship.com

The Lounge at the Taj Hotel

15 Arlington St, Boston, MA 02135

Enjoy high tea at one of Boston’s most highly-rated tea rooms. (Taj was formerly the Ritz-Carlton, who sold this lovely historical icon to the luxury hotel chain.) Make a reservation, get all prettied up, and enjoy a civilized pot.

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Ooh la la – it’s time for high tea.

Click here for more information on tea at Taj

Whittard of Chelsea

170 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Throw out those boxes of Lipton and visit famous tea retailer Whittard’s first US store for some “real” tea. Blend your own tea at the bar and walk out feeling that relaxed state of English.

Throw out those boxes of Lipton and visit famous tea retailer Whittard’s first US store for some “real” tea. Blend your own tea at the bar and walk out feeling that relaxed state of English.

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English breakfast tea from Whittard’s.

http://www.whittard.com

Where to Shop

 

Give a Nod to the Old Union Jack

Be the only one on your block to fly this obscure flag.  Known as Grand Union, it’s considered to be the first national flag of the United States and features the Union Jack in its canton.  George Washington ordered this flag to be made and flown at his Cambridge headquarters during the Seige of Boston, signifying the 13 colonies with a deference to Great Britain.

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Freak out the neighbors by flying the Grand Union flag.

Heritage Flag Co

516 E 2nd St, Boston, MA 02127

Where to shop

There are plenty of spots to spend your hard-earned American dollar on British goods.  Here’s where you can get your British on.

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“I’m a handsome British man, dressed head to toe in Barbour. Come, be like me.”

Barbour by Peter Elliot

134 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

You simply can’t get more British than Barbour clothing. This shop oozes with traditional British threads, and it’s below-the-sidewalk location adds to it’s unassuming yet exclusive appeal. Pick up a wax jacket, Barbour’s most popular item and one that comes with a lifetime guarantee.

http://www.barbour.com

Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe

6 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

This award-winning market stocks a huge variety of English specialty food items including teas and coffee, biscuits, fruitcakes, chocolates, confectionery, preserves, chutneys, and beer and wine. You’ll leave with a bagful of goodies and will be back for more.

This award-winning market stocks a huge variety of English specialty food items including teas and coffee, biscuits, fruitcakes, chocolates, confectionery, preserves, chutneys, and beer and wine. You’ll leave with a bagful of goodies and will be back for more.

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Get authentic: pick up a can of Seville oranges at Cardullo’s and make yourself some orange marmalade.

Best of British

24 State St, Newburyport, MA 01950

This charming little shop is crammed full of British goodies: a great selection of Hunter Wellies, British food, tea, clothing, a large selection of colognes and perfume, and other must-have goods.

This charming little shop is crammed full of British goodies: a great selection of Hunter Wellies, British food, tea, clothing, a large selection of colognes and perfume, and other must-have goods.

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The coveted Hunter Wellies, available at Best of British.

Where to Nosh

Where to Nosh

There’s nothing better than an English pub - dark, cozy, with a great atmosphere and no attitude.  Here are a few places that mimic that vibe quite nicely.

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Cornwall’s in Kenmore Square.

Cornwall's

654 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215

This authentic, no-frills British pub is a local favorite and will charm you with referring to their selection of American beers as “From the Colony”. Good food, board games galore, and no pretense makes this spot a must-visit.

This authentic, no-frills British pub is a local favorite and will charm you with referring to their selection of American beers as “From the Colony”. Good food, board games galore, and no pretense makes this spot a must-visit.

Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant

161 Devonshire St, Boston, MA 02110

Sure, it’s a chain, but it’s still a slice of Britain in Boston. Nestled in a good-looking spot in the financial district, it boasts tall windows that are perfect for people-watching. Stop in to catch a soccer match, enjoy a wide variety of brews, and fill your belly with traditional English fare.

Sure, it’s a chain, but it’s still a slice of Britain in Boston. Nestled in a good-looking spot in the financial district, it boasts tall windows that are perfect for people-watching. Stop in to catch a soccer match, enjoy a wide variety of brews, and fill your belly with traditional English fare.

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Try a pint of Boddington’s Pub Ale, straight from Manchester, England. Bud Light it ‘aint.

The British Beer Company

85 Providence Hwy, Walpole, MA 02032

Their newest location in Walpole adds to the BBC’s other 6 on Cape Cod, making a pint and a pasty pie even more accessible. Family-friendly but still dark and reminicent of an English pub, you can enjoy the best of British dining with and American twist. Late-night brings loud entertainment and, no doubt, loud, beer-induced sing-alongs.

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The bar at the British Beer Company.

http://www.britishbeer.com

Catch a Soccer Match

The Brits love their football.  We know it as soccer, and have jumped on the bandwagon with our own professional league.  While it may not be Manchester United versus Liverpool, the New England Revolution are a top-ranked team and put on a great show.  Sing and chant throughout the match and shout “goooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllll” with fellow (albeit less fanatical) fans.

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The Rev’s Taylor Twellman goes for the header.

Gillette Stadium

1 Patriot Pl, Foxboro, MA 02035

The Revs play at this new, state-of-the-art stadium. Bring plenty of bangers and brew for tailgating before and after the games.

http://www.revolutionsoccer.net

Buy a Mini

The original Mini made by the British Motor Corporation was the most popular British-made car ever.  The new Mini (now owned by BMW) still reflects many of the same mechanical aspects of the original, as well as the look.  Yeah, baby!

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The aptly named Mini Cooper.

Herb Chambers Mini of Boston

1168 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02134

Toodle pip!

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