The Website for People Who Love Britain - Anglophiles
Jackie has the unfortunate pleasure of being married to Jonathan - Anglotopia's Anglophile-in-Chief.
Tyrrells Crisps have officially come stateside and to celebrate, we were sent their top flavors to taste test here in the Anglotopia office. At the end of the review, see instructions for your chance to win a 6 month supply of these delicious treats from Britain. The Brits may call them crisps, the Americans call them potato chips, but I call … [Read more...]
As the weather turns a little colder and wetter in much of the world, wellies will be out in full force. If you are a loyal wellie wearer then you will know while they may be the most practical shoe ever. However most wellies that you can find here in the U.S. lack one important thing, insulation. If you don't have a good pair of wellie socks, your … [Read more...]
The Paisley Tea Company by Two Leaves and Bud Tea Company based in Basalt Colorado has managed to bring together fair trade, organic tea and value in one delicious cup of tea. Two Leaves and a Bud Tea Company has been making delicious whole leaf tea for the past seven years. Recently they have decided to venture into the world of English style … [Read more...]
In this video, you can learn how to easily make your own Dalek Dress. Very cool! Mrs. Anglotopia really like to sew so I think I may have found her next project! Would love to see her sport a Dalek dress when we go to conventions! … [Read more...]
When it comes to traveling with a toddler, the forethought and planning can exhaust you before you even book your tickets. Most people told us not to even bother traveling with our fifteen month old son and honestly, there were times during our travels when we agreed. However, as a whole, traveling with a toddler wasn't too bad once we got the hang … [Read more...]
Downton Abbey, the show is amazing and even better than the show itself is the fashion. The female characters are dressed so ladylike and graceful. I almost wish we could still dress like that today. Then I come quickly to my senses at the thought of being pinched and pulled into a tightly fitted corset. Ivete Tecedor from the website … [Read more...]
As it is July, many of you may not be thinking of cozy warm things, but rather sunbathing and swimming. Before we know it the weather will be changing and we will long for things to keep us warm, aside from a good cuppa. Thinking ahead, why not make a hot water bottle cover? Ravelry's Madmoon (her Ravelry handle) really put some … [Read more...]
When I think of an evil Dalek, one of Doctor Who's nemesis, I cute and cuddly doesn't come to mind. However, if they were dressed in Allison Bitter's adorable Dalek Jumper, maybe I'd be persuaded. Nah. However, I would think a sweet little baby dressed in this charming little Dalek jumper would be cute and cuddly. This is the perfect way … [Read more...]
When I find entries for the Brit Knits column, I usually come across a knitters or crocheters that have one or two British related items. This week's feature is British crazy! She has done numerous washcloths, a London skyline cowl and even a London skyline hat. Amazingly talented, knit artist, Kimberly Gintar, makes these intricate patterns … [Read more...]
They've done it again! Steve Plummer and Pat Ashforth have created another amazing work of art with illusion knitting. This time their subject was none other than Her Majesty's postage stamp. They are also responsible for the famous Harry Potter shawl that was featured on Anglotopia a few months ago. When I interviewed them about the new work this … [Read more...]
With all of the popularity of shows like Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, that this book was perfectly timed to be released. Rose: My Life in Service to Lady Astor is a memoir written by Rosina Harrison who was Lady Astor's lady's maid. Unlike the popular dramas of today, this is a true account of what life was actually like in service. … [Read more...]
Just what every Anglophile and Harry Potter needs, they're very own sorting hat! In all of my own knitting, I have never came across a pattern for a sorting hat of my own. However, Diane Scott has fixed that. She wrote her very own pattern for the infamous Hogwarts Sorting Hat. So if you aren't sure which house you belong in, I suggest you make one … [Read more...]
I received a copy of the fantastic knitting book, Stitch London for Christmas from my darling husband. The book was like any other knitting book I have ever received, it is full of the most wonderful and unique little patterns celebrating London. From the "Cooey Pigeon" to Big Ben, author Lauren O'Farrell covered it all. O'Farrell is also a … [Read more...]
If you are going to travel around in Doctor Who's Blue Phone Box, you should probably be prepared for just about anything, that would include packing some mittens with you incase you get cold. I know just the mitten's to pack too, Paula's Whovian Mittens! Here is what Paula had to say about her mittens: I enjoy knitting and British … [Read more...]
When Anglophilia and knitting meet, amazing things can happen. Steven Plummer and Pat Ashforth illustrate this point perfectly. They specialize in illusion knitting, one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. I have been knitting for over ten years now and I am no where near the skill set needed to work up one of these beautiful works of art. … [Read more...]
When I think of a world traveler, I tend to think of someone who is cultured and refined. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have turned this idea completely around and shown what it would be like for the "average guy" to go experience different cultures. Karl Pilkington, unwillingly visits the New Wonders of the World, from China to Peru, he … [Read more...]
We here at Anglotopia have come across many creations hand crafted by fellow Anglophiles. These hand-knitted, crochet, sewn, or painted items not only show off the immense talent of their creator but also show a love for all things Blighty. We want to highlight some of the really talented things that we come across in this column, Brit … [Read more...]
We are collaborating on a contest to give away this awesome prize to one lucky winner to celebrate the opening of the film. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. This awesome prize pack includes: One (1) winner will receive: · T-Shirt · Voice Recorder Pen · Post-it Note Cube · … [Read more...]
Do you have a little Anglophile in your life? If so I have found the book for them. England Is a Truly Magical Place by Karl Woodbury and Tony Crampton is a children's story that is chalked full of British history that is accessible to children. This edition also comes complete with an audio version of the book for young and old to enjoy. The … [Read more...]
We receive a lot of books to review in the Anglotopia offices. While all of the books we have received have been wonderful, London Adventure Walks for Families, has to be one of my favorite. Perhaps, it is because the next time I travel to London it will be with a child? As an American I was brought up thinking of London as the home of Paddington … [Read more...]
If you don't know what to put under your Christmas tree or in your stocking this Christmas, The BBC America Shop does, a huge prize pack of the best of BBC DVDs and gifts! Best of all, it will cost you nothing. That's right, they've given us a huge pack of books and DVD's to giveaway to make an Anglophiles Christmas. Excited and wondering how to … [Read more...]
Did you know that London only had one bridge that crossed the Thames until the eighteenth century? I was amazed when I read that interesting fact in Peter Matthew' London's Bridges. This book is the ultimate guide to the bridges of London. From railway purposes or pedestrian purposes, Matthews looks at every one of London's bridges, … [Read more...]
This year's Michelin Guide is bigger and better than ever. This trusted guide has been around for over a hundred years, with the first guide having been published in 1900 by Andre Michelin himself. The Michelin Guide has been used by millions in many countries around the world as a invaluable guide for traveling. This year's guide is no … [Read more...]
Are you in the market for an island or how about somewhere remote? Well if you are then listen up because I have got the place for you, Balnagown Island is for sale. It is isolated and an island. It's only on at offers over £395,000, a real steal. So what do I get for this super steal of a price you ask? You get 36 acres to yourself and the … [Read more...]
There is such a romance when I think of train travel. What it must have been like to sit in a grand car that was an opulent feast for the senses. However when I think back of what train travel must have been like I usually completely forget about what the train station. In college I took a course on the history of railroads, we did not cover the … [Read more...]
When I think of the British Museum, I think of some of the world's most amazing treasures in the world. Everyone has that one person in their lives who has everything. So with another holiday season coming around, you are probably once again starting to rack your brain about what to get them. Why not get them a gift from the British Museum Gift … [Read more...]
Manchester's historic town hall has sat prominently on the edge of Albert's Square. In all of the time this amazing building has been standing only a select few have been able to see the amazing views form the beautiful clock tower. However, now for a short period of time, and £7.50 you can see this amazing view too. That's right for a limited … [Read more...]
Doctor Who: Customized Sonic Screwdriver Interchangeable parts let you switch lights, sound effects and functions, including the Eleventh Doctor's extendable claw. More than 80 possible combinations! Mind the Gap Doormat Our best-selling mat, now in traditional, rectangular shape! In London, … [Read more...]
One would think a local Riddleton, in the West Yorks, has stepped back into the late 1930's. However, Michael McTigue, hasn't he is living and breathing in 2011. Mr McTigue has a passion for the era and lives his life, when he is not driving a school bus as if it were 1938. What does living in the late 1930's entail in 2011 you ask? Well for a … [Read more...]
Victor L. Cahn really had a unique idea when he wrote Bard Games, a fun quiz book about Shakespeare. I honestly am not a huge Shakespeare fan, so when I saw this come into the Anglotopia office I was hesitant on how to review it. I desperately wish I were a bigger fan of Shakespeare, and this book has helped me really find some … [Read more...]
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Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia is now our full time jobs and we spend our time working on the site and planning our yearly trips to Britain. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
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