We love a good moan about America, but if we’re honest, there are a few things they’ve nailed that Brits wouldn’t mind borrowing.
Obviously, there are a lot of things they get very wrong, but even if we do feel a smug sense of superiority in the UK for many things, there are some elements of daily life our Yankee pals actually have figured out. Here are just a few of them.
24-hour dining options
Let’s face it—when it’s 2 a.m. and you’re starving, the UK just isn’t built for it. In America, you’ve got diners, drive-thrus, and late-night takeaway joints ready to serve up a full meal whenever you want. Here, your best bet is a petrol station sandwich and a prayer. We might mock the portion sizes and tipping culture, but deep down, we’d love a proper round-the-clock food scene too.
Bigger, bolder second chances
Americans are masters of the comeback story. Fail a business? Get fired? Start over and make it work again. In the UK, failure feels heavier—more final, more quietly shameful. There’s something appealing about that American belief in fresh starts. Brits might not say it out loud, but the freedom to start again without whispers or side-eye wouldn’t go amiss.
Air conditioning that actually works at home
One proper heatwave and the entire country’s melting. While Americans sit comfortably in well-chilled homes, Brits are draped over fans like tired sloths and pretending damp flannels are effective cooling tools. With warmer summers becoming the norm, many of us are starting to wonder why we still act like air conditioning is some futuristic luxury. Spoiler: we want it, and we want it now.
That bold optimism (even if it’s a bit much)
Americans get mocked for being overly positive, but there’s a quiet admiration there too. Brits tend to underplay, downplay, or laugh things off before they feel too sincere. Meanwhile, Americans will chase a wild idea, believe in it fully, and talk about their goals without flinching. It’s cringey, yes, but secretly, it’s kind of refreshing. Just maybe tone it down to like, 70 percent.
Actual weather variety
Sure, we complain about the rain, but we’d also complain if it suddenly stopped. That said, Americans really do get the best of both worlds—snowy winters, sunny beaches, dramatic thunderstorms, all without leaving the country. In Britain, variety means “wet with a chance of wind.” We wouldn’t trade everything, but a little more drama in the skies wouldn’t hurt, especially if it came with proper snow days and actual summers.
6. Public celebrations that go all in
Street parties and the odd Jubilee aside, we’re a little restrained when it comes to national festivities. Meanwhile, Americans will close entire towns for a parade or shoot fireworks just for fun. We pretend it’s all a bit over-the-top—but the truth is, it might be nice to have a bit more colour, community spirit, and unapologetic joy on display now and then.
Bigger homes with actual storage space
We’ve all seen those American house tours online—walk-in wardrobes, kitchen islands the size of buses, and spare rooms that actually stay spare. It’s wildly impractical, but very satisfying to imagine. British homes are cosy, yes, but also a bit cramped. We’d never say it outright, but watching someone park two cars in their garage and still have room for a gym makes us just a bit jealous.
Being openly proud without feeling awkward about it
In America, people can say “I’m proud of myself” without a hint of irony. Over here, we practically apologise for existing when someone compliments our haircut. That ability to show pride in your work, your town, or even just yourself without laughing it off is low-key enviable. It’s not that we don’t feel proud—we just wish we could say it without cringing.
Stronger local communities
In many parts of the US, neighbourhoods still rally around schools, sports teams, and local events. There’s often a strong sense of belonging—something a lot of UK towns have started to lose over the years. We miss that “everyone knows everyone” vibe, especially as our high streets get quieter and social spaces disappear. The idea of a neighbourhood barbecue doesn’t sound so silly anymore.
Access to everything, all the time
Late-night pharmacies, same-day deliveries, massive craft stores open on Sundays—Americans don’t realise how good they’ve got it. In the UK, you learn quickly not to need anything after 6 p.m. on a Sunday. We like a slower pace, but sometimes the convenience would be nice too. It’s hard to feel superior about our quiet Sundays when you’ve run out of Calpol and the shops are shut.
Unapologetic ambition
While Brits quietly work away and hope someone notices, Americans often go after what they want loudly and without shame. It might seem brash, but there’s confidence in saying, “I want this” without playing it down. We don’t need the chest-thumping speeches, but a bit of that fearless energy would help when we’re downplaying our own potential out of habit.
Permission to reinvent yourself
In America, you can switch careers at 45, start a business in your garage, or move across the country to try something new—and people will cheer you on. In Britain, you’ll mostly just get confused looks and cautious questions. We like our routines, but the freedom to take a big swing without being quietly judged? That’s something we could get behind more than we admit.
Confidence in small talk
Say what you will about Americans, but they’ve got the gift of chatting to anyone, anywhere, without overthinking it. Brits need a minimum of three awkward silences and one weather comment before conversation kicks in. We act like it’s all nonsense, but deep down, it would be nice to connect with people a little more freely, without worrying we’ll come off weird or pushy.
Sunday store hours that make actual sense
Sundays in the UK still feel like stepping into the past—shops open late, close early, and half of them don’t bother at all. You’ve got a narrow window to get anything done, and if you miss it, tough luck. Over in the States, Sunday is just another shopping day. Supermarkets stay open late, and you’re not forced to cram errands into a tiny morning slot. We say we like the slower pace—but honestly, it’d be nice to buy toothpaste after 4 p.m. without making it a whole mission.
