I thought I’d lighten the mood with another culture shock post…
Drinks
Drinks don’t always come with ice and garnish, so to avoid all confusion make sure you ask for them. Example: “May I have a gin and tonic with ice and a slice, please?”
Beer
Most people drink pints of beer as opposed to splitting pitchers. A lot of places don’t have pitchers. Also, you can order half-pints, which are super cute.
Eggs
If you’re getting fried eggs, they come how they come. “Over easy” is not a well-known term, but most full English breakfasts come that way.
Red Meat
You have to pick one: medium, rare or well done. If you say “medium well,” people will look at you like you’re a bit crazy.
Shopping
England has adopted some things green (although the recycling system still kind of sucks). If you want a plastic shopping bag, be prepared to ask. Or bring your own canvas bag!
Coffee
If you just want a ‘normal’ black coffee, the term is “black Americano”.
Movie tickets
Make sure you arrive early to purchase movie tickets, because your tickets will have assigned seats and the best ones always fill up quickly! Also there is “Premium Seating” in some theatres, which costs more but you get a bigger seat with more leg room.
Postage Stamps
First class stamps – arrives in 1 day within UK, £0.39
Second class stamps – arrive in 3 days within UK, £0.30
Eat in / Take away
Most Canadians are familiar with the saying “For here or to go?” which translates to “Eat in or take away?” in the UK. Often times food & drinks cost more if you are eating in, since many shops are small and there is limited seating.
Sandwiches
brown sauce = BBQ sauce
mustard = Dijon mustard
yellow mustard = American-style mustard
salad cream = mayonnaise (or something similar)
tomato ketchup = normal ketchup (they just say it differently)
brown bread = whole wheat bread (this is obvious)
salad = lettuce, cucumber, tomato (usually)
