How to be an Anglophile in Boston
by
mswen - April 12, 2008
.jpg)
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.
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.
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.
Johnny D’s, the stomping ground of Beatlejuice.
Johnny D's
17 HOLLAND ST SOMERVILLE, MA 02144
...and Now
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.
British accents are fabulous. But even better on little kids.
Have a Tea Party
Brits take tea seriously. Here’s how you can, too.
The Boston Tea Party Museum.
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.
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.
Ooh la la – it’s time for high tea.
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.
English breakfast tea from Whittard’s.
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.
Freak out the neighbors by flying the Grand Union flag.
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.
“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.
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.
Get authentic: pick up a can of Seville oranges at Cardullo’s and make yourself some orange marmalade.
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.
The coveted Hunter Wellies, available at Best of British.
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.
Cornwall’s in Kenmore Square.
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.
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.
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.
The bar at the British Beer Company.
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.
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.
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!
The aptly named Mini Cooper.
Herb Chambers Mini of Boston
1168 COMMONWEALTH AVE BOSTON, MA 02134
Guides We Think You'll Like
About The Author
Newburyport, MA
I'm a writer, budding photog, future shopgirl, current beer drinker, internet maven, champion shopper, and loud laugher.
Explore
Categories In This Guide
Discussions