America has obvious ties to England and many love the cultural nuances and romanticized traditions associated with the country and its people. If you want to have a little Anglophile fun, here are some ways to “be British” around Atlanta (and at home).

Tea Time

One of the most well-known and loved British traditions is tea time. Here are some great spots in the metro area to give it a try.

Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party. This whimsical shop in Candler Park offers a few options for experiencing high tea. You can order it picnic style to-go or rent out their piano room for your party. Either way, your hot tea comes with a delicious homemade assortment of sandwiches, quiche, cakes and baked delights. Fun fact: All food items are vegetarian.

Astor Court at St. Regis. Located in the hotel in the heart of Buckhead, Astor Court offers high tea in the afternoons on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are required for tea in this elegant setting. The menu features sandwiches, scones, a variety of small pastries, and of course, your choice of tea. Fun fact: The Atlanta History Center is within walking distance. Call 404-563-7799 for pricing and reservations.

Tea Leaves & Thyme. If you’re looking for options, check out high tea at this cute house in downtown Woodstock. Their menu offers four distinct versions of high tea, depending on how hungry you are and the ages of guests in your party. Fun fact: Gluten-free options are available.

Private Parties. If you’re looking to host afternoon tea for a birthday party or other occasion, The Swan Coach House in Buckhead and Just Add Honey in downtown Atlanta offer customizable experiences.

What is a scone?

Similar in taste to a southern biscuit, but they are heavier in texture. Traditional scones are frequently served at tea time with clotted cream and jam. Variations on the basic recipe include sweet and savory scones. You can find a simple recipe for Spiced Eggnog Scones at homecookingmemories.com.

Out & About

If you’re looking for ways to experience England around metro Atlanta, we have a few fun ideas for you.

Taste of Britain. The name speaks for itself! This shop in downtown Norcross specializes in all things UK and works hard to keep their inventory current while always having classics like chocolates, teas and biscuits on-hand. They are open from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Find them at 73 South Peachtree St., Norcross or online at tasteofbritain.com.

Red Phone Booth – Lenox Park. Head to the Lenox Park neighborhood – on the line between Brookhaven and Buckhead. The park is accessible by walking behind the AT&T complex. There you’ll find a classically British red phone booth. While there’s no longer a phone inside, it’s a fun attraction to visit. And, the park has nice trails for strollers, a dog park area and a pond for a scenic photos.

British Navy Battle. Battle pirates as you protect the Captain’s gold in this fun adventure escape room experience at Urban Escapes Games Marietta location. Defend the Crown while battling challenges and puzzles before time runs out! Difficulty is rated 5 out of 10 for this experience. Hours vary; $96 for room and three tickets. Find them at 1800 Sandy Plains Ind. Pkwy. Suite #320, Marietta or online at urbanescapegames.com.

Happy Christmas!

Christmas crackers are popular with children in England during the holidays. Plus, they originated there around 1845 thanks to a gentleman named Tom Smith. The custom is to place a cracker next to each plate on the Christmas dinner table. When the crackers are pulled open, they “crack,” and a colorful party hat, toy, gift or festive joke falls out!

You can order these decorative and celebratory toys online, or you can take the time to make it a family affair and DIY them. It’s easy and then you can customize them to fit your family’s personality!

We found a simple method to follow (and a video for visual learners) online at: oldenglishcrackers.com/how-to-make-christmas-crackers.

Movie Night!

Get cozy under some blankets and enjoy a bit of family time with a movie that takes you across the Atlantic Ocean to England. Some of our favorites are:

Mary Poppins. Opt for the classic with Julie Andrews or the newer version (Mary Poppins Returns) with Emily Blunt. Either way, the songs and fun animation will delight the whole family!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Starring Dick Van Dyke, this musical movie is the story of a down-on-his-luck inventor who, along with his children, creates a magical car. It’s a bit silly and very adventurous.

Paddington. The lovable story of a bear who comes from Peru and has impeccable manners comes to life from page to screen in a series of movies. The comedy stars Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth and it was recently announced that Paddington 3 will begin filming in 2022.

Nanny McPhee. After having to replace several other nannies, a British father hires Nanny McPhee to tame his seven very
badly-behaved children. With humor and her magical powers, this film is fun to watch for parents and kids.

Christopher Robin. This heartwarming tale catches up with the adult Christopher Robin who has lost his zest for life. It is a bit serious at first, but after reuniting with his childhood pal Winnie the Pooh, Christopher’s outlook and the movie brighten up.

We Say: Sweater
They Say: Fleece, Jumper

We Say: Trash
They Say: Rubbish

We Say: Sneakers
They Say: Trainers

We Say: Cookies
They Say: Biscuits

We Say: Potato Chips
They Say: Crisps

We Say: Fries
They Say: Chips

We Say: Soda
They Say: Fizzy Drink

We Say: Soccer
They Say: Football

We Say: Police
They Say: Officers, Bobbies

Learn More …

Here are some websites that will help you learn more about England, its history, the people and culture. Happy reading!

anglotopia.net: This site is managed by Americans who LOVE England and includes British news, travel recommendations, a blog and more.

kids.nationalgeographic.com: This site is designed for young readers and allows them to navigate easily between subjects all about Great Britain. It also includes bright pictures of the Queen, lush countryside and England’s key landmarks.

visitbritain.com: Looking to travel to England? As the official tourism site for the UK, you’ll find plenty of information about the regions of the country, things to do during various seasons, as well as travel deals.

– Tali Benjamin

Recent Posts