Author Archives: James Bartlett

British Expat of the Month: Jo Bryan of Rye, New York

Jo Bryan is a photographer and founder of RyeExpats.com (Photo: Jo Bryan)

Starting this month, Mind the Gap, in association with Virgin Atlantic, will be highlighting British expats in the U.S. who are making notable contributions to their communities.

Where to Watch Soccer Minnows and Cricket in America

Where am I going to watch my team?? (MLS)

In a recent interview for Mind the Gap, Lisa Powers at Ye Olde Kings Head pub in Santa Monica, California, told us that new-in-town Brits come through the door and ask two things. The first is whether there are any positions open; and, ...

Interview: Lisa Powers, Manager of L.A.’s Ye Olde King’s Head Pub

The front bar at the Ye Olde King's Head pub. (Photo by Donal Tavey)

It’s said that you’re never more than half an hour from the sea in England, so there’s definitely some truth behind the lyrics of the 1907 music hall song “Oh We Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside.”

Interview: Craig Young, CEO of Brits in LA

Craig Young, co-founder of Brits in LA.

Every year, thousands of Brits come to Los Angeles looking for their big break. British (and Scottish, Irish and even Welsh) actors seem to do exceptionally well here, but it’s also true to say that the vast majority — even with ...

The Culinary Cultural Divide: British vs. American ‘Cheese’

Note: this is cheese product, not cheese. (AP Photo)

Like countless Brits, lots of Americans love Wallace and Gromit. The two claymation characters — the dyed-in-the-wool Northern Englishman Wallace and his super-intelligent dog Gromit — have won several Oscars over the years ...

So You Want to Marry an American…

(Photo via SocialPhy)

As a Brit who did just that, here are a few practical bits of advice. The language differences won’t be a problem – you have someone to help you of course – but if nothing else, you must remember that many rules will vary from ...

Five Things American Women Should Know About British Men

As a Brit married to an American woman I feel I can have a go at writing this…

1. Aversion To Therapy   The British male tendency to keep a stiff upper lip, repress their emotions and only ever consider visiting a hospital when a bone is poking out through the skin is not attractive.

10 Things for Brits to Know Before Hitting the U.S. Roadways

"Get your motor running, get out on the highway ..." (Photo via AP)

In Los Angeles, you really can’t survive without wheels – even if you’re only here for a short time. In New York (and other cities with good public transport) it’s perhaps a little easier, but just watch a few commercials on ...

Sales Taxes, Speed Limits, and Bra Sizes: Differences Between Britain and America

When you’re ordering a pint or finding a new pair of shoes, you’ll notice some subtle differences between America and Britain. Here are just a few facts and figures to keep in mind.

10 American Public Holidays Brits Should Know

As you may have noticed, Americans like to work hard and play hard. Just as well really, since the amount of public holidays here is less than Brits are used to – though you will get some new ones. As the U.