Oh, thank you, love! It was so fun sharing my 😳 moments. Know I will experience even more, and I definitely embrace them. It helps when looking back to giggle. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🤍 Jess x
I was walking through a large bus station in the North of England a elderly American couple loaded down with luggage and obviously frustrated because they could not find the local bus service they were looking for, I asked them could I help and being a young man I picked up the heaviest of their cases and showed them where to go, the American guy took out a couple of notes from his wallet and insistently tried to push them into my hand I refused his offer but I will never forget the astonished look on his face as I waved them goodbye.
Same thing happened to me once. I walking home from work in dirty clothes when I came across a nice car with an old well dressed couple stood next to it looking lost. They had a flat tyre, so I changed the wheel for the spare. He tried thrusting money into my hand and got angry when I wouldn’t take it.
That was very kind of you taking the time to show them the way and helping with their bags. I'm glad that they wanted to show their appearance to you. Thank you for sharing with me. 🤍 Jess x
I had a similar experience. Travelling back from Germany in an overcrowded train,I was sitting on my luggage in the corridor when I helped an American couple board the train and take their seats in First Class. After a few minutes they beckoned me to join them in their compartment as it was empty with the proviso that they would be on the look out for the guard should he decide to check tickets. I travelled with them in First Class from Koln to Ostend and we had a great time chatting.
54 yo old Brit here - I ask to take home food from restaurant all the time. Have done for decades, even if I am just taking it home for the dog. The embarrassment should be the restaurant or pub not allowing it. Name and shame them.
I wouldn't worry about asking for a 'doggy bag' although I wouldn't use that phrase myself. In fact, the concept is very much in step with European environmental awareness. We are being encouraged to think about waste and waste food is one of those things we should reduce. It's probably only less common in the UK than in the USA because portion sizes are not so exaggerated so being faced with uneaten food is not such a thing. I still remember eating out in NYC once and feeling almost panicky that I'd been eating so long but my plate still looked half full. I had to give up in the end but still felt uncomfortably full. I have once asked in a restaurant in England if they could put some food in a container for us, I wasn't embarrassed and they were great about it. And once I was with a friend who suddenly didn't feel well and couldn't eat and the waiter volunteered to box his food so he could take it and eat it when he felt better. So it's unusual but it's not unacceptable. In France they have now passed a law that restaurants must offer such services rather than throw away uneaten food and supermarkets cannot throw away unsold food but must donate it. So you are on the right side with this. PS Coins!! Ugh, I've lived in France, Spain, the Czech Republic and Romania and I can tell you I really hate sorting out coins. I've never even got my head around the euro cent coins. Paying contactless has been one of the best things ever as far as I'm concerned. PPS You said 'in the boot'. Welcome to the family. I wonder how many times you'll get caught out using Britishisms when you go home!! 😂
We in the UK tend to eat as much as we wish of what's on a reasonably smart restaurant/hotel/pub's plate and don't tend to want to eat stale, congealed, cold leftovers! A 'doggy bag' is nowadays perceived as for a very different purpose, as schools, playgrounds, parks etc plus local authorities legislated against totally inconsiderate dog owners, especially after a few well-publicised little children's deaths! (Not you I'm sure). Also some beaches do, and some don't, allow dogs on beaches, especially at peak times of the year. There is normally clear signage or simply ask a local.
I completely understand that the food portion in the US is quite significant, so a to go container is required most of the time. I try and pay with cash because it's easier to budget for our trips and to tip. I'm sure I will get called out for the words I will continue to use in the US. Thank you for your wonderful support and love. 🤍 Jess x
I’m in my 70’s and have often asked for a ‘doggy bag’ - (and never been refused one) - in a UK cafe/restaurant/pub, so no need for you to be embarrassed asking for one. Part of the problem you experienced might be a practical one in that some restaurants also offer a ‘take-away’ service to customers, i.e., for folk who want to order food to eat out/or at home rather than to sit down and eat at the restaurant, so these premises already have containers readily on hand in which to put whatever food you can’t eat at the table for you to take home. Those that don’t also offer a ‘take-away’ service in addition to a sit-down meal might struggle to find a container/cling-film/tin foil in the kitchen to wrap the uneaten food you want to take with you when you leave the restaurant, hence their cool reaction to your request. Another factor to consider - I don’t know how true this is, just something I read a while back on this subject - is that some restaurants, on principle, will refuse a customer’s request for a doggy bag on health and safety/fear of legal prosecution grounds. For instance, once a customer has left their premises with some uneaten food, the restaurant has no control over how that uneaten food is stored or when it is eaten. If the customer does not store that uneaten food in a safe manner and/or does not eat it within a few days of purchase and because of their failures in doing so they become ill, they might then seek to blame/sue the restaurant for their resultant ill-health. For which reason, some establishments might refuse a customer’s request for a doggy bag!
That is an interesting thought on why a restaurant would not do doggie bags. It unfortunately makes sense. It is a pity that people have to be worried about something like that. But it is the world we are living in. Thanks for the comment. 🤍 Jess x
N Cambs, England. It's becoming more common since covid. Eat-in only places had to do deliveries and many haven't stopped since re-opening. So, it's becoming easier to ask for a doggy bag because many places still have the take away facilities. Covid has changed a lot of things.
Unlike the USA wait staff / servers are paid normally at the national minimum wage which is £11.44 per hour so even if they serve 2 diners or 20 they are not relying solely on tips. My daughter had a second job as a waitress in a Galveston restaurant at the princely sum of $2.20 per hour . Fortunately her main job at a hotel paid well and offered a minimum of 2 hours overtime at 1.5 the hourly rate.
Even British people will mispronounce British place names if they are not from that area. See the RUclips video by Jay Foreman called 'Why are British place names so hard to pronounce?'
That is one thing that I absolutely love about here: VAT is included here. This really wished the US would do that as well. Understand that it may not be as easy because each state has different taxes. 🤍 Jess x
Sweet :-) We've all had that feeling of 'I'm new here and I don't know what to do!' Don't sweat it. Most people will try to help you out, and the ones who don't are a**holes and should be ignored. And don't worry about getting the wrong train - I've been using the Tube since I was eleven (sixty years ago) and I always have to check if I'm going somewhere I don't know well. There are apps, maps and staff to help, and if you just stand there looking lost someone will approach you, and it's rarely a mugger :-) Oh and lovely house, by the way.
Jess, I wouldnt fret about getting on the wrong train, I am a Brit and have done the same thing here. I once got on a train in Reading heading to Birmingham and it wasnt until I was settled on the train with 5 others who had got on it too when the guard made an announcement that the train was going to Bristol, talk about panic, when the guard was told about the wrong announcement at Reading, he arranged for an unscheduled stop at Didcot for the 6 people that got on the wrong train lol. I have done the same with a bus and ended up in an area of my city that I had never been to before. It is easy done. If you ever come up to Birmingham and ask where the Council House is then people might look at you a bit odd but if you ask where the Floozy in the Jacuzzi is then you will receive directions and the Council House is immediately behind it - we tend to give things and places nicknames which can be even more confusing. When it comes to tipping, we tend not to ask about it, we will just leave it on the table next to our bill payment but if a service charge has been added to the bill then I tend not to leave a tip. We tip for good service.
It sounds like you had quite the experience as well. Seeing that we are not the only ones that has had issues with public transportation in the past is nice to know. When we make it up to Birmingham, we will see if we can check that out. 🤍 Jess x
We've all ended up jumping on the wrong tube train, particularly on a line that splits or has a short destination for some trains, always look at the platform indicator board if the train in or running into the platform. To avoid going to the wrong place, it's often only 3 minutes to the next one so wait, quicker than having to change or come back. Indicator boards and station / train announcements are far better than 50 years ago. Almost non existent then or unintelligible.
I enjoyed this video, thanks. As a Brit who lived in Canada for 2 years and frequently travelled across the border, I began to realize how weirdly Brits think and interact with each other. It wasn’t something I had ever thought about before, but being across the pond, it became very clear. When I say we act weirdly, what I mean is that everything seems to be the opposite to what it appears to be. As a Brit, you are brought up to think in a certain way, and to read the people around you to figure out what they are thinking, but without asking them. It’s so weird; the rules are that you must work it out without asking. Therefore, when you do converse, particularly with a new acquaintance, you play a sort of mind guessing game where nobody actually says what they are thinking, but the other person is trained to know. And to make things even more complicated, we have sarcasm, where we could say something and it means totally the opposite, or… we may not be being sarcastic, we may be pretending to be sarcastic when we really mean it because we are upset for some reason. In which case, the other person would figure this out and, of course, not acknowledge this but pretend that they do not know that the person is pretending to be sarcastic, so they laugh and pretend it is a joke. In which case, the original person becomes suspicious…. and it goes on like this. As a Brit, I would instinctively know all of this, but thinking about it, it’s bloody complicated! No wonder people from elsewhere get confused. Something else to bear in mind though; if you are feeling embarrassed, then the Brits involved have opened up to you by letting you know. As with everything Brit related, this means the opposite of what you may think it means. Most probably, they are teasing you, which is a real show of affection. You have to really worry when a new acquaintance is being excessively ‘nice’. This probably means that they truly dislike you!
I completely understand and agree with where you are coming from. We have the sarcasm in American as well, but it is different than over here. It took a bit of a learning curve but we have slowly adapted. It does seem like two different worlds when it comes to how you interact with people at times. Thanks for the comment and sharing your perspective. 🤍 Jess x
I used to work with a German lady who spoke good English but she did make us laugh a lot!! She had a lovely walk and saw lots of 'sheeps ' explained that it was 'sheep' she insisted she was right because there was more than one of them, right?? The most embarrassing was when she told her boss who'd ask what job she had done back home she told him she didn't work she was a lady of pleasure 😂(leasure) he thought it was funny!!!! Horrified when we explained the difference.
Oh wow, that sounds like it was quite the experience! The difference in American English and UK English is bad enough with the differences, I can only imagine with the German translation issues. 🤍 Jess x
I've asked for a doggy bag loads of times, nothing wrong with that. Your waitress/waiter might look puzzled for a second because most people will just leave what they can't eat (which is quite rare as it's considered a bit rude to leave lots of food on your plate because that means you didn't enjoy it)
I work on the Railway passing though Thetford and Brandon, and we meet many American service personnel of their familys. You guys provide a never ending source of amusement. My favorite is being called Sir to which I reply "Sir is title, I am neither a Knight Of British Empire or a commissioned officer of His/Her Majesty's Armed Forces" The best response I ever got was "Do you use Ma'am?" and I responded "Not at the moment she died in September 2022, God Save The Queen!" And as for feeling embarrassed don't worry about it, we know what you mean! it's a quaint Americanism. At least you know Cider is alcoholic, we some Americans don't! I enjoy your vids, good work!
Sir and ma'am is something that is engrained in a lot of Americans, especially military members. But we can see how it is really different here. We do understand the different in Cider. We have both alcoholic and non alcoholic in American. 🤍 Jess x
I have asked many times for a doggy bag for my grandson when he couldnt eat all his food...Toby Carvery and Hungry horse, my locals, but not so much more expensive restaurants. We usually tip at Toby when paying. Before Euros, travelling through Europe you had to have many different currencies with you 😊
That last shot from the drone just emphasised what a lovely family you are, the widening view of you two next to the big house in the rural setting just says "this is us, this is where we belong."
Tipping has gone by the wayside since most restaurants etc now mainly take cards. Look near the till as most places have a tips jar/ plate or when you pay there is usually a 'do you want to add a service pmt' on the payment device...
I thought only us Brits became unnecessarily embarrassed like this! If these are the most awkward situations you have experienced here, you have absolutely nothing to be worried about!
Asking for a doggy bag in a cafe, restaurant or pub is no big deal in the UK. We were in a cafe/bakery yesterday and a lady had a small portion of cake left and asked for a container to take it our. No problem. Nothing to be embarrassed about
There's no embarrassment about asking for a doggy bag; I and members of my family have done this numerous times if unable to finish a large meal. Normally the restaurant will accommodate without it being an issue.
Hi guys, i think we all have had embarrassing moments in our lives, also tipping is not a big thing over here, so giving a compliment by mouth is enough, and guys don't worry too much about your Americanisms coming out, you highlighted things over here that us Brits see as normal but it was interesting to hear your side of it .❤
Let it go girl. My daughter brings bags of restaurant left overs back for her dogs all the time. Stop with the shame. You paid for it, so if you want to take some home do it. Just bring your own bag next time.
When a youngster I used to take my girlfriend to a restaurant specialising in T Bone steaks. I always asked for a doggy bag for the doggie. I generally tip restaurant staff although it is not required but never, bar staff. Your diction is very clear and is no problem. I would imagine that, depending on his role, being in the US forces has affected Chris's hearing. I sympathise, as a hearing aid user.
Yes, his hearing loss has been from his time in the military, just a part of serving unfortunately. At least the hearing aids have evolved from what they once were. 🤍 Jess x
Poor Jess! No.1, I often sneak some of my food in a serviette, and put in my handbag! No.2 Quite often you'll find a tip jar on the bar counter...The tips will be usually divided to the staff, not the individual waiter...So I say "That was really lovely, thank you, and tell the chef, please"...And I usually ask have they a Ladies, i think now, all restaurants/cafes, have to.
I have worked in the UK in a chain restaurant that had some take away containers for people to well, take away. If a place does not have any containers so could only wrap in cling film that could be inconvenient for the place as they would be trying to think how they could wrap it up properly. You do not have to ask if people will accept tips in the UK, nearly everyone will. If they think it was unnecessary or inappropriate they will tell all there work mates about the weird person afterwards. All restaurants accept walk ins if they have tables that have not been booked. Just ask, you never know there could be a cancellation. Everybody gets on on the wrong train/ tube or bus many times. Its just a matter of how quickly you realise and then how far out of the way you go. There are no categories on the tube. Many trains do have 1st and standard class.
I thank you so much! I enjoy having reservations for restaurants. It allows our family to plan more in advance. I will now start leaving it on the table or the counter or saying, keep the change. Thank you for your comment, friend! 🤍 Jess x
pubs/cafes/restaurants in UK do not advertise on their websites or menus whether or nor they allow customers to ask for 'doggy bags' to take away with them any food they ordered bur couldn't fully eat at the table. The phrase 'take-away' has different meaning in UK and USA. In USA, 'take-away' is used to describe excess food you ordered at a table in a restaurant which you want to take away with you to eat later. In UK, in contrast, the term 'take-away' refers to food never intended to be eaten inside the restaurant but, as the name implies, food to be ordered at the restaurant then taken away to be eaten wherever you want
I really sympathise. Cultural and social norms vary a great deal. On the first day of my first visit to Japan, I left a tip on the table after dinner. After leaving, a member of the staff came running after me and handed the money back. I later learned that tipping in Japan is not only not normal, it has a negative connotation. As for accents and dialects, you already know that there are many in the UK. When I was about 12 years old, I went to stay with a family at a mining village in Northumberland. I was brought up in the south of England. I did not understand a single word they said! Their dialect is Geordie. But, bless them, they did give me the honour of being the first footer at New Year, beacause I was the youngest. For pronunciations, before looking it up, try to guess how to say this name; 'Cholmondeley'. It is the name of a village, a castle and a Marquess, in Cheshire. Pronunciations often cannot be guessed correctly from the written form.
Some Japanese are amazing. I once spent a week at a conference in Kyoto, and never saw the cleaning staff once. Yet every time I popped back to my room in between sessions, no matter what time of day it was, the place was immaculate.
I completely understand and agree with you. I did know know about tipping in Japan. The accents are just so different here with each direction you drive. I love it and appreciate it. I'm glad they allowed you to complete the tradition. I truly appreciate your time sharing with me. 🤍 Jess x
@@DaydreamersBarn You are right about the accents. I can tell you two anecdotes, if you are interested. 1. I come from Monmouthshire in South Wales. If I were to travel 12 miles west to Cardiff, they would ask which part of England I came from. If I were to go to Chepstow, 16 miles to the east, they would ask which (Welsh) valley I had crawled out of !! 2. Meeting a fellow Welshman at work, and thinking I recognised his accent, I asked if he came from Swansea. "Swansea ?!", he replied. "SWANSEA ??!! I'm from NEATH !!!!" Those two towns are either side of the same river ! 😄
Hi again Jess. Yet another interesting video. Thank you. 🙂 #2 : Tipping here, as you doubtless now know, is not the same as it is in the USA. I have seen photos of signs in restaurants there along the lines of "Our employees rely on the generosity of your tips" which to my mind at least is just ridiculous. Just pay them a reasonable wage to begin with for goodness sake!!! 😠 Our Minimum Wage ensures at least a half decent income although tips are almost always appreciated. 👍 #3 : "Notes"* Jess, not "Bills". Old habits die hard, eh? 😉 #9 : It should be fun for you if you ever go to North East England. "Why aye man, canny like!" 🤣 #10 : US politics are a source of endless, bemused fascination for us over here. Especially after the events of the last couple of weeks. 😯 * : Our word "Note" comes from the fact that they were originally known as "Promissory Notes". If you look on the front (Monarch's head) side of a Bank of England note it still says "I promise to pay on demand the sum of ....." And as you will now be aware a Bill here is something that has to be paid. With a note perhaps? 😜
Glad you liked the video. Yes, tipping is completely different here compared to America. We are still adjusting. Interesting fact about the word note. Thanks for the comment and support. 🤍 Jess x
Audio is on the left channel only in this video. Being embarrassed by trivial things is part of the national character, so you must be adjusting very well
Yes, I understand about the audio. I mentioned it in the description of this video! Definitely try my best and at time get things wrong. Thanks for your comment. 🤍 Jess x
I always ask for containers when going for a gourmet night at my local Indian. Too much food and it saves them binning it. In fact it is expected. Also most people don’t tip in pubs.
Talking about tips my mother did it all her life, don’t ask if you can tip do one of the following when the bill is presented and you want to tip just round the bill off with cash to the next round figure or if that is to little then leave an amount your comfortable with and just give it and say thanks or if paying by card tell them to round the figure or say as an example if the bill is £5:75 just say call it £6:00 or whatever you feel is acceptable. Remember it’s not America, there is a minimum wage system and tips are normally put in a jar and are normally shared evenly between the staff not just the waiters but also the dishwashers and barmen and vice versa. As for doggy bags my mother was a small eater, so she would often ask for a child’s portion or failing that ask before the start of the meal if she could take what she didn’t eat home. No need to be embarrassed at all as you paid for it whether you eat it all there or the rest at home, the restaurant would only dispose of it in the bin anyway. In regard to reusable bags, I use a collapsible plastic box which I put in the shopping trolley and then pack straight into the box. Finally, I have to say you found an excellent area to live in, although I am guessing that isn’t military accommodation but private which you get an allowance from the military for, wish our military did this as that house is something a high ranking officer would live in ie a Colonel or above.
We try to carry some cash on hand so we can just leave it in the jar and go from there. That is a good pointer, to ask prior to the ordering. That would have made sure we did not run into that situation. The housing is a private one which we love. That is unfortunate that it is not the same with your military. 🤍 Jess x
I think the thing with tips in the UK is that they are always welcome but they are not expected - we have a minimum wage. Except perhaps in nice restaurants, and even then it is usually just rounding it up rather than having to be some crazy percentage :-)
Hey Jess I don't think these are crazy mistakes. I met an American college in a pub a few months back. She went to the bar and bought £8 of drinks but left her £2 change on the bar, only to have the bar lady come over and say I think you left your change on the bar. Of course she was trying to tip said lady. I explained not needed or expected by bar staff in the UK.All are paid minimum wage. The tube in London is easy if you remember most lines go North-South or East-West. The signs going onto platforms state the direction. Most tubes have electronic boards that state the destination and the next station as well as announcements.
It is just something we are used to being American. As you saw first hand. We are learning a little more every time we use the tube how to make it a little smoother. But we do not go there often enough to become experts. 🤍 Jess x
Charming as always. Actually, one practice common in the US which we should adopt is that of being able to take leftover food home in doggy bags - after all, the customer has paid for it (at the price for consuming on the premises) and the establishment should not be reusing leftovers (although any resident dogs may feel deprived). Some places here are set up to do it. It would not be a big expense to have disposable boxes for the purpose. But taking the entire salad bar, bread basket or the plates and cutlery is bad form. I cannot imagine anyone in food and drink service refusing a tip but, if they are not set up for it, they might be confused. Unlike in the US, the staff will not chase you down the street after you leave if you forget to leave a tip (happened to me in NYC). Sometimes there is a charity box as an alternative.
No one. Should ever chase anyone down in the US for not tipping, that person should be ashamed! That is incredibly! I completely understand. I hate wasting food. Understand some places offer take away and others do not. 🤍 Jess x
You're so sweet and really have little or no reason to be embarrassed by anything you outlined. As fast as tipping is concerned it's now often seen in restaurants that a service charge is added. But simply giving extra cash for the service in general is acceptable everywhere. Like saying keep the change etc is fine
I wouldn't worry about the "To Go" or doggy bag, you paid for the food, you're entitled to take away. The tip, why not? If they don't want it they can put it in the charity box. Nothing embarrassing so far! The change thing, don't worry about it, we're worse when we go to other countries Rest room, we know what it is, so no need to worry Everyone gets on the wrong tube at sometime, just go back and start again Restaurants reservations, depends where you're going, maybe you have big tastes! Politics, just don't go there, anyone Nice video👍👍
One Bag? one? my husband does our shopping, he brings back at least 7 carrier bags full each time, and he never takes ours with him, he pays for another lot, but then we bag our rubbish up in them. Even though I have bought, the shopping trolley ones, which he wont use. As for the doggy bag, I hate leaving stuff that I can feed the wild birds with, especially chips, cheese, meat etc, but like you I do feel bad asking.
If we are going for a large shopping trip we know to bring multiple, but when it is a quick stop, those are the ones that get us. It just makes sense to take the left overs because if you give it to the birds at least it is being used. 🤍 Jess x
👍 sorry, but you must be exceptionally easily embarrassed - can't see any problems with any of these. As someone else has already commented - nothing wrong with asking for a doggy bag (maybe they might want a small contribution for some containers), and I'd have an issue with an establishment (however upmarket or not) that refused me a doggy bag (unfortunately it's rare that I don't finish my food... but many of my dining companions can only finish half of their pizza, and some of them won't let me finish it for them...). In the UK I don't think anybody (or very rare) would be offended if you ask them if they would accept a tip.
No need to be embarrassed to ask for a doggy bag. If the restaurant were being sniffy, they should be embarrassed not you! We have difficulty with pronunciations and very strong accents too, so please don't worry about that. Let's face it, we Brits are always embarrassed and apologising! As for the political stuff...we are all going through a few *local difficulties* and things usually have a way of working themselves out, when decent folk present a united front. Thank you for your thoughts and wishes, and we certainly wish the same for the US.
Thank you for the kind words and support. It is just something we have to understand is a little different here in the UK. we know better now though. 🤍 Jess x
We don't have doggy bags generally because the portions are sized for comfortable consumption on the premises. I would also imagine that the chef would be insulted because you didn't eat his food and then expect for it it be able to be re-heated later. Tips in UK are a gratuity for exceptional service. All restaurants are required by law to pay a minimum statutory wage to their workers so that tips are a pure extra. How you give the tip depends on you but you are not obliged to do it. Also, be aware that adding a tip onto the credit card payment means that the restaurant pays the credit card fee on that amount and it all adds extra complication. I always carry cash for the tip when I go to a restaurant. Tips are usually in the order of 10% of the bill value. Sometimes a service charge is added to the bill and that is often seen as the (mandatory) gratuity, but that still doesn't stop a tip being added where you feel the service was exceptional. If you bought more items than you can easily carry then all I do is stack the items back into the trolley or basket and then carry that out to the car to load - simple. Our weekly shopping fills a large trolley and the only bag we take in is the cool box for the frozen/cold food, we then transfer the items into our bags in the car. This also allows the consolidation of like items into their relevant bags, making it easier to unpack at home. Brits don't even pronounce their own place names properly. The classic locally is Belvoir, which is pronounced Beaver. Brits are generally well informed about events worldwide and take an interest where systems are different to UK practice, its our inquisitive nature that has served us well over the centuries. That is how such a small island had such a large Empire around the globe with billions of citizens.
Love and appreciate all your insight. When tipping, we always leave cash. Want the individual to receive the entire amount when possible. I definitely try to pronounce things correctly, but I understand I can't. So I have to just go with it. 😉 I truly appreciate your time sharing with me. 🤍 Jess x
@@DaydreamersBarn In the majority of restaurants that we use the tips are pooled and distributed among all the staff. It would be unfair if the waitress was the only one to get a tip, when the chef has cooked the food just how I like it and with maybe some adjustments or the barman or the sommelier. I make a real effort to pronounce the word in the original language, I've noticed that it is appreciated by the native speakers to such an extent that they help out with the rest of the conversation. There is nothing worse than hearing a Brit try to speak French or Spanish with a heavy Brit accent. You only have to watch the Gendarme in 'Allo, 'Allo, a British sit com (available on RUclips), to realise how ridiculous it sounds.
I've got into the habit of dropping any coins less than 10p into the charity box on the shop counter. 10p, 20p, 50p are still handy for car parking and toilets when there's no signal. I keep an old £1 coin for supermarket trolleys. If you had a metal detector and ran it over the garden and farmland where you were staying, you would have no doubt found some medieval coins and maybe Roman coins. The Groat can be found on farmland all over England.
I’m deaf in one ear so I have trouble understanding stuff as well and I’m English 😂😂 no need for Chris to feel embarrassed. I still sometimes have to put the subtitles on the TV if there are thick Scottish accents cuz I can’t understand what they’re saying 🤣
It depends on the pub., but I've never been made to feel bad about asking. I basically agree with the US attitude on this, "I paid for it so I'll take it with me thanks". Don't worry so much. You're lovely!
Unlike America people get a proper wage while serving , don't depend on tips to pay there rent ! 😅 Also love your family values and honesty , makes a refreshing change. Keep up the great vids 👍, I live in the UK and got on wrong tube couple of times 😅
My wife used to work in the local hospital. She was regularly asked to translate between two English speakers with strong foreign or regional accents. She could understand them both but neither of them could understand each other.
As far as coins are concerned,, I always struggle with identifying euro coinage, as I don't use it every day at home in the UK and have still not familiarised myself with it, even after all the years its been in circulation.
I definitely like paying with cash because I feel I'm able to understand the money and kind of budget a little better for our adventures. I lived in Germany for 4 years and completely understand. 🤍 Jess x
There’s nothing wrong with asking to take leftovers away. I have a small appetite but love food so almost always take away. Maybe just don’t say ‘doggy bag’ !
@@DaydreamersBarn You can just say 'I'd like to take this home please' -- it says to the restaurant that you dont dislike the food -- you just can't eat it all right now
We were in San Francisco and went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. It never occurred to us that a hotel waitress would want a tip. We’d never tip breakfast in Britain. She chased us to the lifts, saying we hadn’t left her a tip. Not embarrassed, just very strange.
I went to a very high class anniversary celebration that relatives of my wife held at a 5 star hotel/restaurant. My wife's aunt who's 50th wedding anniversary it was, asked for a 'doggy bag' for the food that was remaining. The manager was very sniffy about it, pointing out as they were a five star establishment they didn't provide such a service. She wasn't embarrassed about it just quite annoyed at their attitude. So people who have lots of money are supposed to just waste food?
I am glad that she was not embarrassed. Sounds like quite the place. We do not really venture to the 5 star restaurants that often, if ever, but regardless of where we go now, if they are 5 star we will not ask for a to go. 🤍 Jess x
I know it’s unusual for a Brit, but I say bathroom. I don’t know why, I just hate the word ‘toilet’, I even cringe writing it. I don’t care if it makes me weird, I don’t care that there is no bath. I feel more comfortable saying bathroom.
With the tipping , my dad always put money under his cup or plate , that way when the waitress cleared the table she would get the tip ... I do this to this day
I wouldn't worry about pronouncing place names. I was on a bus in Mid-Wales and couldn't get the driver to understand the name of the place I was going to (Llandinam). A passenger sitting nearby laughed, saying it's no good, you will have to say it the English way. It was even funnier because I was born and grew up in Surrey, so living in Wales, if I open my mouth, I stick out like a sore thumb.
A good way to quickly learn how to say British place names is to listen to the classified football results on radio or TV at 5pm on a Saturday during the football season. You'll hear a 100 different towns and cities pronounced in minutes. There's some old ones on YT also. For Chris, would listening to some TV shows in a regional accent help I wonder ?
Coming to Britain and not knowing tipping customs is not half so confusing as going the other way in the early 80's before loads of info was available on the internet! So finding that the price marked did not include all sorts of sales taxes let alone gratuities was a source of major confusion, as it looked like a rip off attempt!
That must have been quite the experience. It is something that is know and part of the American culture, but if that is not know with like you said, the use of the internet, how else are you suppose to know. 🤍 Jess x
I doubt that American politics has ever reached such a fever pitch within the country itself, but is also significant to those of us outside, we receiving here demonstrations of democracy to an extreme that baffle and alarm us. However, it is utterly not right that people should expect answers from you as if you and your family represent the whole of your country. There's no easy response to such behaviour, I imagine. Bless you for your patience. Robert, uk.
We understand the want for information and understanding on a different perspective because we are American, but like you pointed out, we are only one family. We do our best to represent our country well, but we cannot understand all of the things that happen. Thanks for your comment and support. 🤍 Jess x
I live in Lancashire but worked in Suffolk for some years and I was amazed at the pronunciation of some Norfolk towns eg Costessey (Cossey) and Wymondham (Windham). Where do all the consonants go?? I'm sure they do it to confound outsiders haha
Trivia: Both Toilette and loo are from french. Everyone knows the toilette bit, how about loo comes from L'eau - the water. Norman french, Normans use to pi55 [ another french word ;-) ] in the moat, a body of water.
Loo comes from the French phrase "Gardez L'eau!" = "Beware Water!" This is what people shouted when emptying their chamber pots into the street in an age before indoor plumbing.
Nothing here to be the slightest bit embarrassed about. My wife asks for a "take away box" all the time! Not something I do naturally, but she has absolutely no problem about it. I think its a weird or stupidly posh restaurant. You pay for it, it yours, as far as my wife is concerned - and she WILL make a scene! We usually leave a tip, if we feel like it - but never directly to an individual - that is the whole point. Living in London, tourists are a very normal part of life, no worries. Alway have you bag😁. Place names seem to be designed to be mispronounced and until you hear the locals say it, we ALL mess them up. Honestly, we are used to Americans and we watch a lot of US tv - we always know what you mean! UK Tube is easy compared to many around the world, just follow the colours and read the signs. Never reserved a restaurant in my life - so no idea. Translate for my wife all the time! Wrong with US? Just rude in my opinion and would never ask - be we do like ribbing people we like 🙂.
Well, I completely understand. I do agree if you paid for it's yours. This was definitely our first time really needing take-away containers. I agree. I try to pronounce them the way that they look thats not a win at all. 😂 Thank you so much for sharing with me! 🤍 Jess x
This is unusual, most places will give you a doggy bag, only yesterday two ladies in the pub left a very small piece of salmon. Tthey both had it wrapped to take home (for the cat?)
Nothing to be embarrassed about asking to take out meals you couldn't finish. I hardly ever eat out. But if I was in a pub and found I couldn't eat something like cakes, scones or sandwiches at the table, I'd be taking them out with me. I'd paid for them. They'd only throw them in the bin. I wouldn't empty a plate of say potatoes, beef, Yorkshire pudding, peas and gravy into a doggy bag though. Come out of the bag a mixed-up mess.
Same, we hardly ever eat out. And this was our first time really needing to request a doggy bag. Because we absolutely hate wasting food. Love it, friend! 🤍 Jess x
Any place worth eating in will put left over food in a box for you if you ask. And if you want to tip, just leave some change on the table. I've done that here for the last many decades!
Hmmm most people these days understand the rest room or bathroom or dare I say the John. Or WC or even going to spend a penny? That’s a throw back when it cost a penny to enter a public convenience. Wow you take your bag out your boot! and not your trunk? Never be embarrassed about a learning experience. Keep smiling your doing great
It was something we thought was understandable and mostly it is, just the funny look as to say, why didn't you call it a toilet? I have been trying to keep the local lingo going. 🤍 Jess x
Yes you are amazing, it is different going on holiday to another country than living there! My experiences state side have been the most wonderful adventure. Like you a tad more than a vacation.
You shouldn't be embarrassed for asking for a "doggie bag". Even the most exclusive restaurants will be fine with that. You've paid for that food, you have every right to take it away. They should take it as a complement that you like the food enough to want to take your own leftovers away with you. If you've found a restaurant that made you uncomfortable for even asking, you should name and shame them. Yes I'm a Brit. We do it quite regularly. Also I quite frequently will turn up at a restaurant and ask if they have a table available on the offchance. If not, it's not a biggie just a stroll down the road to another that hopefully has. If you just expect that the restaurant always has tables available, then you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
Absolutely nothing wrong with that. It is something I’ve done, to ask to take uneaten food home. It saves waste and food is expensive so it’s a good idea. Don’t feel embarrassed about that. I only tip now if it is exceptionally great service, they are reasonably well paid now often with an included service charge. They hate it when you fall asleep on the loo. You are so respectful I can’t imagine anyone getting nasty with you.
Yes, I definitely hate to waste, and the food was delicious, so I wanted to take it home and enjoy it. I completely understand that some places do not offer it, but in the US, it is very common to be offered. Understand two different countries and two different cultures. Tipping is just something that is a part of my culture even though they're raising the hourly wages in the US. I truly appreciate your comment! 🤍 Jess x
I got on the wrong tube - just stayed on until it came back round to the station I got on at - the went and found the correct one - it didn't cost anything extra because I didn't leave the platforms.
Have you ever thought of doing a collaboration video with eg girl gone london or magnetta otter travels. Might be interesting to compare experiences as Americans living in different parts of the UK for different reasons etc.
Oh, Jess, I don't think you should be embarrassed by asking for the doggie bag, or about the tip. When I went to Myrtle Beach, for a professional conference on blogging/vloging, etc. I was so out of my depth and surprised that folks tipped as a matter of course, even before a service was provided. Here in the UK, service charges are often included and shown on menus/bills. But that doesn't mean you can't tip. Leave an extra something, or offering to buy a drink for the barserver will go down well. I do think the puritan nature of the US origins leans away from words like 'toilet'. But the UK invented the 'crapper' the first flush toilet invented by Mr Thomas Crapper, no less. And who hasn't got on the wrong tube or station. London tube is a nightmare for the uninitiated. Practice makes perfect. Asking is key, especially if sincere. Chris, as they say, is a rock star, or as I think, a brick- solid. As a Brit, and with hearing issues, I can so relate to his not necessarily getting on with some UK accents, as I do. I imagine the same applies in the US. l applaud both you and Chris' equanimity and neutral stance re. the political situation. I think most folks here will feel the same. Loving your floral display this week. That red rose is a true delight. I hope it has a scent to match the richness of the colour. Stay well you all. x
I can only imagine how different it was seeing how America deals with tipping compared to the UK. I like the idea of buying the bartender a drink. It seems more personable. I did not know that is where the term crapper came from. That is amazing. Chris has lots of practice with remaining neutral on political issues, he is required to being in the military. Glad you liked the flowers as well. 🤍 Jess x
This really tickled me, cracking video, Denise Lancashire
Oh, thank you, love! It was so fun sharing my 😳 moments. Know I will experience even more, and I definitely embrace them. It helps when looking back to giggle. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🤍 Jess x
A lot of them do not mind they do not like to see food go to wast you are not on your own I do it,
I was walking through a large bus station in the North of England a elderly American couple loaded down with luggage and obviously frustrated because they could not find the local bus service they were looking for, I asked them could I help and being a young man I picked up the heaviest of their cases and showed them where to go, the American guy took out a couple of notes from his wallet and insistently tried to push them into my hand I refused his offer but I will never forget the astonished look on his face as I waved them goodbye.
Same thing happened to me once. I walking home from work in dirty clothes when I came across a nice car with an old well dressed couple stood next to it looking lost. They had a flat tyre, so I changed the wheel for the spare. He tried thrusting money into my hand and got angry when I wouldn’t take it.
That was very kind of you taking the time to show them the way and helping with their bags.
I'm glad that they wanted to show their appearance to you. Thank you for sharing with me. 🤍 Jess x
I had a similar experience. Travelling back from Germany in an overcrowded train,I was sitting on my luggage in the corridor when I helped an American couple board the train and take their seats in First Class. After a few minutes they beckoned me to join them in their compartment as it was empty with the proviso that they would be on the look out for the guard should he decide to check tickets. I travelled with them in First Class from Koln to Ostend and we had a great time chatting.
54 yo old Brit here - I ask to take home food from restaurant all the time. Have done for decades, even if I am just taking it home for the dog. The embarrassment should be the restaurant or pub not allowing it. Name and shame them.
Thank you for your comment and kindness! 🤍 Jess x
We,ve all being there Jess at some point, look back on it with a smile ❤❤
Most definitely! I wanted to share it so I could get a giggle and share my oopsies with you all. 🤍 Jess x
I wouldn't worry about asking for a 'doggy bag' although I wouldn't use that phrase myself. In fact, the concept is very much in step with European environmental awareness. We are being encouraged to think about waste and waste food is one of those things we should reduce. It's probably only less common in the UK than in the USA because portion sizes are not so exaggerated so being faced with uneaten food is not such a thing. I still remember eating out in NYC once and feeling almost panicky that I'd been eating so long but my plate still looked half full. I had to give up in the end but still felt uncomfortably full.
I have once asked in a restaurant in England if they could put some food in a container for us, I wasn't embarrassed and they were great about it. And once I was with a friend who suddenly didn't feel well and couldn't eat and the waiter volunteered to box his food so he could take it and eat it when he felt better. So it's unusual but it's not unacceptable.
In France they have now passed a law that restaurants must offer such services rather than throw away uneaten food and supermarkets cannot throw away unsold food but must donate it. So you are on the right side with this.
PS Coins!! Ugh, I've lived in France, Spain, the Czech Republic and Romania and I can tell you I really hate sorting out coins. I've never even got my head around the euro cent coins. Paying contactless has been one of the best things ever as far as I'm concerned.
PPS You said 'in the boot'. Welcome to the family. I wonder how many times you'll get caught out using Britishisms when you go home!! 😂
We in the UK tend to eat as much as we wish of what's on a reasonably smart restaurant/hotel/pub's plate and don't tend to want to eat stale, congealed, cold leftovers! A 'doggy bag' is nowadays perceived as for a very different purpose, as schools, playgrounds, parks etc plus local authorities legislated against totally inconsiderate dog owners, especially after a few well-publicised little children's deaths! (Not you I'm sure). Also some beaches do, and some don't, allow dogs on beaches, especially at peak times of the year. There is normally clear signage or simply ask a local.
Doggy bag is the term we use in the uk.
What's wrong with doggy bag? That's what we call it in the UK.
I completely understand that the food portion in the US is quite significant, so a to go container is required most of the time.
I try and pay with cash because it's easier to budget for our trips and to tip.
I'm sure I will get called out for the words I will continue to use in the US.
Thank you for your wonderful support and love. 🤍 Jess x
I’m in my 70’s and have often asked for a ‘doggy bag’ - (and never been refused one) - in a UK cafe/restaurant/pub, so no need for you to be embarrassed asking for one. Part of the problem you experienced might be a practical one in that some restaurants also offer a ‘take-away’ service to customers, i.e., for folk who want to order food to eat out/or at home rather than to sit down and eat at the restaurant, so these premises already have containers readily on hand in which to put whatever food you can’t eat at the table for you to take home. Those that don’t also offer a ‘take-away’ service in addition to a sit-down meal might struggle to find a container/cling-film/tin foil in the kitchen to wrap the uneaten food you want to take with you when you leave the restaurant, hence their cool reaction to your request. Another factor to consider - I don’t know how true this is, just something I read a while back on this subject - is that some restaurants, on principle, will refuse a customer’s request for a doggy bag on health and safety/fear of legal prosecution grounds. For instance, once a customer has left their premises with some uneaten food, the restaurant has no control over how that uneaten food is stored or when it is eaten. If the customer does not store that uneaten food in a safe manner and/or does not eat it within a few days of purchase and because of their failures in doing so they become ill, they might then seek to blame/sue the restaurant for their resultant ill-health. For which reason, some establishments might refuse a customer’s request for a doggy bag!
That is an interesting thought on why a restaurant would not do doggie bags. It unfortunately makes sense. It is a pity that people have to be worried about something like that. But it is the world we are living in. Thanks for the comment. 🤍 Jess x
I’m in Wales and I’ve asked for a Doggy bag from time to time. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Don’t worry about tipping I’ve also done this.
N Cambs, England.
It's becoming more common since covid.
Eat-in only places had to do deliveries and many haven't stopped since re-opening.
So, it's becoming easier to ask for a doggy bag because many places still have the take away facilities.
Covid has changed a lot of things.
I never usually tip unless the food has been amazing.
A useful tip is to keep a couple of foldable reusable bags in your bag. That way you won't leave them in the car.
Thank you for your time! I may ask again, but I'm not sure. If I leave a tip, I will just leave it on the table. 🤍 Jess x
Unlike the USA wait staff / servers are paid normally at the national minimum wage which is £11.44 per hour so even if they serve 2 diners or 20 they are not relying solely on tips. My daughter had a second job as a waitress in a Galveston restaurant at the princely sum of $2.20 per hour . Fortunately her main job at a hotel paid well and offered a minimum of 2 hours overtime at 1.5 the hourly rate.
Fabulous, thank you so much for the insight. Because it's a part of my culture. I still want to tip someone for a job well done. 🤍 Jess x
Even British people will mispronounce British place names if they are not from that area.
See the RUclips video by Jay Foreman called 'Why are British place names so hard to pronounce?'
Thank you for the recommendation. I will look that up! I definitely try my best, and if it's not correct, just know I gave it my best. 🤍 Jess x
@@DaydreamersBarn You’ll enjoy Jay Foreman’s videos, they’re entertaining whilst educating
Going to America as an Englishman and handing over $10 for a $10 ticket item and then getting the look as I have not added any tax.
That is one thing that I absolutely love about here: VAT is included here. This really wished the US would do that as well. Understand that it may not be as easy because each state has different taxes. 🤍 Jess x
If you want to leave a tip, they may have a gratuity container on the bar or counter. Otherwise, just leave it on your table when you leave.
Yes, I never give it when we pay for the food - I just leave it on the table when we get up to go.
Love it, we're gonna start saying keep the change or just leaving it on the counter/ table when we leave. Thank you, friend! 🤍 Jess x
Sweet :-) We've all had that feeling of 'I'm new here and I don't know what to do!' Don't sweat it. Most people will try to help you out, and the ones who don't are a**holes and should be ignored. And don't worry about getting the wrong train - I've been using the Tube since I was eleven (sixty years ago) and I always have to check if I'm going somewhere I don't know well. There are apps, maps and staff to help, and if you just stand there looking lost someone will approach you, and it's rarely a mugger :-) Oh and lovely house, by the way.
Thank you so very much for your love and support! I take it all in stride and keep my head up. Always want to prove people with a good laugh. 🤍 Jess x
Don't worry about the tube, I'm a Brit aged 60 and have been to London many times, and I still haven't a clue where I'm going.
We are right there with you. 🤍 Jess x
Jess, I wouldnt fret about getting on the wrong train, I am a Brit and have done the same thing here. I once got on a train in Reading heading to Birmingham and it wasnt until I was settled on the train with 5 others who had got on it too when the guard made an announcement that the train was going to Bristol, talk about panic, when the guard was told about the wrong announcement at Reading, he arranged for an unscheduled stop at Didcot for the 6 people that got on the wrong train lol. I have done the same with a bus and ended up in an area of my city that I had never been to before. It is easy done.
If you ever come up to Birmingham and ask where the Council House is then people might look at you a bit odd but if you ask where the Floozy in the Jacuzzi is then you will receive directions and the Council House is immediately behind it - we tend to give things and places nicknames which can be even more confusing.
When it comes to tipping, we tend not to ask about it, we will just leave it on the table next to our bill payment but if a service charge has been added to the bill then I tend not to leave a tip. We tip for good service.
It sounds like you had quite the experience as well. Seeing that we are not the only ones that has had issues with public transportation in the past is nice to know. When we make it up to Birmingham, we will see if we can check that out. 🤍 Jess x
We've all ended up jumping on the wrong tube train, particularly on a line that splits or has a short destination for some trains, always look at the platform indicator board if the train in or running into the platform. To avoid going to the wrong place, it's often only 3 minutes to the next one so wait, quicker than having to change or come back.
Indicator boards and station / train announcements are far better than 50 years ago. Almost non existent then or unintelligible.
It is nice to know that we are not the only ones to get on the wrong one. We get better each time we go there. 🤍 Jess x
I enjoyed this video, thanks.
As a Brit who lived in Canada for 2 years and frequently travelled across the border, I began to realize how weirdly Brits think and interact with each other. It wasn’t something I had ever thought about before, but being across the pond, it became very clear. When I say we act weirdly, what I mean is that everything seems to be the opposite to what it appears to be.
As a Brit, you are brought up to think in a certain way, and to read the people around you to figure out what they are thinking, but without asking them. It’s so weird; the rules are that you must work it out without asking. Therefore, when you do converse, particularly with a new acquaintance, you play a sort of mind guessing game where nobody actually says what they are thinking, but the other person is trained to know.
And to make things even more complicated, we have sarcasm, where we could say something and it means totally the opposite, or… we may not be being sarcastic, we may be pretending to be sarcastic when we really mean it because we are upset for some reason. In which case, the other person would figure this out and, of course, not acknowledge this but pretend that they do not know that the person is pretending to be sarcastic, so they laugh and pretend it is a joke. In which case, the original person becomes suspicious…. and it goes on like this. As a Brit, I would instinctively know all of this, but thinking about it, it’s bloody complicated! No wonder people from elsewhere get confused.
Something else to bear in mind though; if you are feeling embarrassed, then the Brits involved have opened up to you by letting you know. As with everything Brit related, this means the opposite of what you may think it means. Most probably, they are teasing you, which is a real show of affection. You have to really worry when a new acquaintance is being excessively ‘nice’. This probably means that they truly dislike you!
I completely understand and agree with where you are coming from. We have the sarcasm in American as well, but it is different than over here. It took a bit of a learning curve but we have slowly adapted. It does seem like two different worlds when it comes to how you interact with people at times. Thanks for the comment and sharing your perspective. 🤍 Jess x
I used to work with a German lady who spoke good English but she did make us laugh a lot!! She had a lovely walk and saw lots of 'sheeps ' explained that it was 'sheep' she insisted she was right because there was more than one of them, right?? The most embarrassing was when she told her boss who'd ask what job she had done back home she told him she didn't work she was a lady of pleasure 😂(leasure) he thought it was funny!!!! Horrified when we explained the difference.
Oh wow, that sounds like it was quite the experience! The difference in American English and UK English is bad enough with the differences, I can only imagine with the German translation issues. 🤍 Jess x
I've asked for a doggy bag loads of times, nothing wrong with that. Your waitress/waiter might look puzzled for a second because most people will just leave what they can't eat (which is quite rare as it's considered a bit rude to leave lots of food on your plate because that means you didn't enjoy it)
Yeah, I definitely hate wasting food. It was our first experience ever needing to take a doggy bag home. 🤍 Jess x
I work on the Railway passing though Thetford and Brandon, and we meet many American service personnel of their familys. You guys provide a never ending source of amusement. My favorite is being called Sir to which I reply "Sir is title, I am neither a Knight Of British Empire or a commissioned officer of His/Her Majesty's Armed Forces" The best response I ever got was "Do you use Ma'am?" and I responded "Not at the moment she died in September 2022, God Save The Queen!"
And as for feeling embarrassed don't worry about it, we know what you mean! it's a quaint Americanism. At least you know Cider is alcoholic, we some Americans don't!
I enjoy your vids, good work!
Sir and ma'am is something that is engrained in a lot of Americans, especially military members. But we can see how it is really different here. We do understand the different in Cider. We have both alcoholic and non alcoholic in American. 🤍 Jess x
Lovely video as ever. Don't be embarrassed for who you are!
Oh, thank you, friend! Really appreciate you sharing your time with me. 🤍 Jess x
I have asked many times for a doggy bag for my grandson when he couldnt eat all his food...Toby Carvery and Hungry horse, my locals, but not so much more expensive restaurants. We usually tip at Toby when paying. Before Euros, travelling through Europe you had to have many different currencies with you 😊
I love it. Thank you so much for sharing!! I may ask for take-away. Because I hate to waste food. 🤍 Jess x
That last shot from the drone just emphasised what a lovely family you are, the widening view of you two next to the big house in the rural setting just says "this is us, this is where we belong."
We are glad you enjoyed it. We think it captured it well also. 🤍 Jess x
Tipping has gone by the wayside since most restaurants etc now mainly take cards. Look near the till as most places have a tips jar/ plate or when you pay there is usually a 'do you want to add a service pmt' on the payment device...
It is understandable, it is just part of my culture and something I will continue to do as long as I am able. 🤍 Jess x
I thought only us Brits became unnecessarily embarrassed like this! If these are the most awkward situations you have experienced here, you have absolutely nothing to be worried about!
Glad to know that I am not the only one. Hopefully that is the extent of the embarrassment. 🤍 Jess x
The Tube/underground was inaugurated on the 12th of January 1863. The 1st line was the Central line company .
Lovely, thank you for sharing with us. 🤍 Jess x
Asking for a doggy bag in a cafe, restaurant or pub is no big deal in the UK. We were in a cafe/bakery yesterday and a lady had a small portion of cake left and asked for a container to take it our. No problem. Nothing to be embarrassed about
Love it! I will not be as embarrassing next time. Now know it's a normal thing. Appreciate your kindness and insight! 🤍 Jess x
@@DaydreamersBarn whoops, I mean Savouries
There's no embarrassment about asking for a doggy bag; I and members of my family have done this numerous times if unable to finish a large meal. Normally the restaurant will accommodate without it being an issue.
I thank you so much! I will maybe ask again, but this was the only time we needed it, to be honest. 🤍 Jess x
Hi guys, i think we all have had embarrassing moments in our lives, also tipping is not a big thing over here, so giving a compliment by mouth is enough, and guys don't worry too much about your Americanisms coming out, you highlighted things over here that us Brits see as normal but it was interesting to hear your side of it .❤
Thank you, friend, for sharing with me. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know that my Americanisms are not too outlandish! 🤍 Jess x
Let it go girl. My daughter brings bags of restaurant left overs back for her dogs all the time. Stop with the shame. You paid for it, so if you want to take some home do it. Just bring your own bag next time.
Thanks for the support. We now know what we know and will have no more issues moving forward. 🤍 Jess x
When a youngster I used to take my girlfriend to a restaurant specialising in T Bone steaks. I always asked for a doggy bag for the doggie. I generally tip restaurant staff although it is not required but never, bar staff. Your diction is very clear and is no problem. I would imagine that, depending on his role, being in the US forces has affected Chris's hearing. I sympathise, as a hearing aid user.
Yes, his hearing loss has been from his time in the military, just a part of serving unfortunately. At least the hearing aids have evolved from what they once were. 🤍 Jess x
Poor Jess! No.1, I often sneak some of my food in a serviette, and put in my handbag! No.2 Quite often you'll find a tip jar on the bar counter...The tips will be usually divided to the staff, not the individual waiter...So I say "That was really lovely, thank you, and tell the chef, please"...And I usually ask have they a Ladies, i think now, all restaurants/cafes, have to.
Great tip! I will make sure I let the staff know that next time. Thanks for the comment. 🤍 Jess x
I have worked in the UK in a chain restaurant that had some take away containers for people to well, take away. If a place does not have any containers so could only wrap in cling film that could be inconvenient for the place as they would be trying to think how they could wrap it up properly.
You do not have to ask if people will accept tips in the UK, nearly everyone will. If they think it was unnecessary or inappropriate they will tell all there work mates about the weird person afterwards.
All restaurants accept walk ins if they have tables that have not been booked. Just ask, you never know there could be a cancellation.
Everybody gets on on the wrong train/ tube or bus many times. Its just a matter of how quickly you realise and then how far out of the way you go.
There are no categories on the tube. Many trains do have 1st and standard class.
I thank you so much! I enjoy having reservations for restaurants. It allows our family to plan more in advance.
I will now start leaving it on the table or the counter or saying, keep the change. Thank you for your comment, friend! 🤍 Jess x
pubs/cafes/restaurants in UK do not advertise on their websites or menus whether or nor they allow customers to ask for 'doggy bags' to take away with them any food they ordered bur couldn't fully eat at the table. The phrase 'take-away' has different meaning in UK and USA. In USA, 'take-away' is used to describe excess food you ordered at a table in a restaurant which you want to take away with you to eat later. In UK, in contrast, the term 'take-away' refers to food never intended to be eaten inside the restaurant but, as the name implies, food to be ordered at the restaurant then taken away to be eaten wherever you want
We have realized the little differences and now we do not assume. Thanks for the advice. 🤍 Jess x
I really sympathise. Cultural and social norms vary a great deal. On the first day of my first visit to Japan, I left a tip on the table after dinner. After leaving, a member of the staff came running after me and handed the money back. I later learned that tipping in Japan is not only not normal, it has a negative connotation. As for accents and dialects, you already know that there are many in the UK. When I was about 12 years old, I went to stay with a family at a mining village in Northumberland. I was brought up in the south of England. I did not understand a single word they said! Their dialect is Geordie. But, bless them, they did give me the honour of being the first footer at New Year, beacause I was the youngest. For pronunciations, before looking it up, try to guess how to say this name; 'Cholmondeley'. It is the name of a village, a castle and a Marquess, in Cheshire. Pronunciations often cannot be guessed correctly from the written form.
Some Japanese are amazing. I once spent a week at a conference in Kyoto, and never saw the cleaning staff once. Yet every time I popped back to my room in between sessions, no matter what time of day it was, the place was immaculate.
I completely understand and agree with you. I did know know about tipping in Japan. The accents are just so different here with each direction you drive. I love it and appreciate it. I'm glad they allowed you to complete the tradition. I truly appreciate your time sharing with me. 🤍 Jess x
@@DaydreamersBarn You are right about the accents. I can tell you two anecdotes, if you are interested. 1. I come from Monmouthshire in South Wales. If I were to travel 12 miles west to Cardiff, they would ask which part of England I came from. If I were to go to Chepstow, 16 miles to the east, they would ask which (Welsh) valley I had crawled out of !! 2. Meeting a fellow Welshman at work, and thinking I recognised his accent, I asked if he came from Swansea. "Swansea ?!", he replied. "SWANSEA ??!! I'm from NEATH !!!!" Those two towns are either side of the same river ! 😄
Don't feel bad. Lots of places do doggy bags in the uk. Even if it's something they don't do, there's no shame in asking. ❤
Thanks for the kind words and support. 🤍 Jess x
Hi again Jess. Yet another interesting video. Thank you. 🙂
#2 : Tipping here, as you doubtless now know, is not the same as it is in the USA. I have seen photos of signs in restaurants there along the lines of "Our employees rely on the generosity of your tips" which to my mind at least is just ridiculous. Just pay them a reasonable wage to begin with for goodness sake!!! 😠
Our Minimum Wage ensures at least a half decent income although tips are almost always appreciated. 👍
#3 : "Notes"* Jess, not "Bills". Old habits die hard, eh? 😉
#9 : It should be fun for you if you ever go to North East England. "Why aye man, canny like!" 🤣
#10 : US politics are a source of endless, bemused fascination for us over here. Especially after the events of the last couple of weeks. 😯
* : Our word "Note" comes from the fact that they were originally known as "Promissory Notes". If you look on the front (Monarch's head) side of a Bank of England note it still says "I promise to pay on demand the sum of ....." And as you will now be aware a Bill here is something that has to be paid. With a note perhaps? 😜
Glad you liked the video. Yes, tipping is completely different here compared to America. We are still adjusting. Interesting fact about the word note. Thanks for the comment and support. 🤍 Jess x
Audio is on the left channel only in this video.
Being embarrassed by trivial things is part of the national character, so you must be adjusting very well
Yes, I understand about the audio. I mentioned it in the description of this video!
Definitely try my best and at time get things wrong. Thanks for your comment. 🤍 Jess x
Jess "shocked" you carry the re-usable bags in the boot not the trunk lol!
You know I'm just here living my best life. Picking up the lingo. 🤍 Jess x
I always ask for containers when going for a gourmet night at my local Indian. Too much food and it saves them binning it. In fact it is expected. Also most people don’t tip in pubs.
Love it. I appreciate your time sharing with me, friend! 🤍 Jess x
Hiya Jess, most brits will leave a small tip, and also you can ask for a doggie bag for any left over food, 👍😂💚
Thanks for the support. We are getting a hang on how things go. 🤍 Jess x
Talking about tips my mother did it all her life, don’t ask if you can tip do one of the following when the bill is presented and you want to tip just round the bill off with cash to the next round figure or if that is to little then leave an amount your comfortable with and just give it and say thanks or if paying by card tell them to round the figure or say as an example if the bill is £5:75 just say call it £6:00 or whatever you feel is acceptable. Remember it’s not America, there is a minimum wage system and tips are normally put in a jar and are normally shared evenly between the staff not just the waiters but also the dishwashers and barmen and vice versa. As for doggy bags my mother was a small eater, so she would often ask for a child’s portion or failing that ask before the start of the meal if she could take what she didn’t eat home. No need to be embarrassed at all as you paid for it whether you eat it all there or the rest at home, the restaurant would only dispose of it in the bin anyway. In regard to reusable bags, I use a collapsible plastic box which I put in the shopping trolley and then pack straight into the box. Finally, I have to say you found an excellent area to live in, although I am guessing that isn’t military accommodation but private which you get an allowance from the military for, wish our military did this as that house is something a high ranking officer would live in ie a Colonel or above.
We try to carry some cash on hand so we can just leave it in the jar and go from there. That is a good pointer, to ask prior to the ordering. That would have made sure we did not run into that situation. The housing is a private one which we love. That is unfortunate that it is not the same with your military. 🤍 Jess x
I think the thing with tips in the UK is that they are always welcome but they are not expected - we have a minimum wage. Except perhaps in nice restaurants, and even then it is usually just rounding it up rather than having to be some crazy percentage :-)
That is a good point. The expected outcome is what we are used to seeing and doing. 🤍 Jess x
Hey Jess
I don't think these are crazy mistakes. I met an American college in a pub a few months back. She went to the bar and bought £8 of drinks but left her £2 change on the bar, only to have the bar lady come over and say I think you left your change on the bar. Of course she was trying to tip said lady. I explained not needed or expected by bar staff in the UK.All are paid minimum wage.
The tube in London is easy if you remember most lines go North-South or East-West. The signs going onto platforms state the direction. Most tubes have electronic boards that state the destination and the next station as well as announcements.
It is just something we are used to being American. As you saw first hand. We are learning a little more every time we use the tube how to make it a little smoother. But we do not go there often enough to become experts. 🤍 Jess x
Charming as always. Actually, one practice common in the US which we should adopt is that of being able to take leftover food home in doggy bags - after all, the customer has paid for it (at the price for consuming on the premises) and the establishment should not be reusing leftovers (although any resident dogs may feel deprived). Some places here are set up to do it. It would not be a big expense to have disposable boxes for the purpose. But taking the entire salad bar, bread basket or the plates and cutlery is bad form. I cannot imagine anyone in food and drink service refusing a tip but, if they are not set up for it, they might be confused. Unlike in the US, the staff will not chase you down the street after you leave if you forget to leave a tip (happened to me in NYC). Sometimes there is a charity box as an alternative.
No one.
Should ever chase anyone down in the US for not tipping, that person should be ashamed! That is incredibly!
I completely understand. I hate wasting food. Understand some places offer take away and others do not.
🤍 Jess x
You're so sweet and really have little or no reason to be embarrassed by anything you outlined.
As fast as tipping is concerned it's now often seen in restaurants that a service charge is added. But simply giving extra cash for the service in general is acceptable everywhere. Like saying keep the change etc is fine
Love how you put that will definitely be using the keep the change. Thank you for your comment! 🤍 Jess x
Ha! You said 'boot' and not 'trunk'........you're now an honorary Brit! 😂
Great post Jess! 👍🏻
Haha, well, I'm so glad you all will have me! 🤍 Jess x
You and your family are amazing people .XXX
Thank you, friend. We appreciate you! 🤍 Jess & Family x
I wouldn't worry about the "To Go" or doggy bag, you paid for the food, you're entitled to take away.
The tip, why not?
If they don't want it they can put it in the charity box.
Nothing embarrassing so far!
The change thing, don't worry about it, we're worse when we go to other countries
Rest room, we know what it is, so no need to worry
Everyone gets on the wrong tube at sometime, just go back and start again
Restaurants reservations, depends where you're going, maybe you have big tastes!
Politics, just don't go there, anyone
Nice video👍👍
Thanks for the kind words and support. It has been a bit of a learning curve, even when we thought we had it down, lol. 🤍 Jess x
One Bag? one? my husband does our shopping, he brings back at least 7 carrier bags full each time, and he never takes ours with him, he pays for another lot, but then we bag our rubbish up in them.
Even though I have bought, the shopping trolley ones, which he wont use.
As for the doggy bag, I hate leaving stuff that I can feed the wild birds with, especially chips, cheese, meat etc, but like you I do feel bad asking.
If we are going for a large shopping trip we know to bring multiple, but when it is a quick stop, those are the ones that get us. It just makes sense to take the left overs because if you give it to the birds at least it is being used. 🤍 Jess x
Forgetting a reusable bag is standard. I'm always having to buy a new bag when I know that I have about a hundred in the drawer back home.
I try my best not to buy a new one, because I am overwhelmed with them at home. 🤍 Jess x
👍 sorry, but you must be exceptionally easily embarrassed - can't see any problems with any of these.
As someone else has already commented - nothing wrong with asking for a doggy bag (maybe they might want a small contribution for some containers), and I'd have an issue with an establishment (however upmarket or not) that refused me a doggy bag (unfortunately it's rare that I don't finish my food... but many of my dining companions can only finish half of their pizza, and some of them won't let me finish it for them...).
In the UK I don't think anybody (or very rare) would be offended if you ask them if they would accept a tip.
I suppose it all has to do with the where we were and what kind of establishments. Now we know better as we continue. 🤍 Jess x
No need to be embarrassed to ask for a doggy bag. If the restaurant were being sniffy, they should be embarrassed not you! We have difficulty with pronunciations and very strong accents too, so please don't worry about that. Let's face it, we Brits are always embarrassed and apologising! As for the political stuff...we are all going through a few *local difficulties* and things usually have a way of working themselves out, when decent folk present a united front. Thank you for your thoughts and wishes, and we certainly wish the same for the US.
Thank you for the kind words and support. It is just something we have to understand is a little different here in the UK. we know better now though. 🤍 Jess x
We don't have doggy bags generally because the portions are sized for comfortable consumption on the premises. I would also imagine that the chef would be insulted because you didn't eat his food and then expect for it it be able to be re-heated later.
Tips in UK are a gratuity for exceptional service. All restaurants are required by law to pay a minimum statutory wage to their workers so that tips are a pure extra. How you give the tip depends on you but you are not obliged to do it. Also, be aware that adding a tip onto the credit card payment means that the restaurant pays the credit card fee on that amount and it all adds extra complication. I always carry cash for the tip when I go to a restaurant. Tips are usually in the order of 10% of the bill value. Sometimes a service charge is added to the bill and that is often seen as the (mandatory) gratuity, but that still doesn't stop a tip being added where you feel the service was exceptional.
If you bought more items than you can easily carry then all I do is stack the items back into the trolley or basket and then carry that out to the car to load - simple. Our weekly shopping fills a large trolley and the only bag we take in is the cool box for the frozen/cold food, we then transfer the items into our bags in the car. This also allows the consolidation of like items into their relevant bags, making it easier to unpack at home.
Brits don't even pronounce their own place names properly. The classic locally is Belvoir, which is pronounced Beaver.
Brits are generally well informed about events worldwide and take an interest where systems are different to UK practice, its our inquisitive nature that has served us well over the centuries. That is how such a small island had such a large Empire around the globe with billions of citizens.
Love and appreciate all your insight.
When tipping, we always leave cash. Want the individual to receive the entire amount when possible.
I definitely try to pronounce things correctly, but I understand I can't. So I have to just go with it. 😉
I truly appreciate your time sharing with me. 🤍 Jess x
@@DaydreamersBarn In the majority of restaurants that we use the tips are pooled and distributed among all the staff. It would be unfair if the waitress was the only one to get a tip, when the chef has cooked the food just how I like it and with maybe some adjustments or the barman or the sommelier.
I make a real effort to pronounce the word in the original language, I've noticed that it is appreciated by the native speakers to such an extent that they help out with the rest of the conversation. There is nothing worse than hearing a Brit try to speak French or Spanish with a heavy Brit accent. You only have to watch the Gendarme in 'Allo, 'Allo, a British sit com (available on RUclips), to realise how ridiculous it sounds.
I've got into the habit of dropping any coins less than 10p into the charity box on the shop counter. 10p, 20p, 50p are still handy for car parking and toilets when there's no signal. I keep an old £1 coin for supermarket trolleys. If you had a metal detector and ran it over the garden and farmland where you were staying, you would have no doubt found some medieval coins and maybe Roman coins. The Groat can be found on farmland all over England.
Nice, thank you for sharing with me. I appreciate your time. 🤍 Jess x
I’m deaf in one ear so I have trouble understanding stuff as well and I’m English 😂😂 no need for Chris to feel embarrassed. I still sometimes have to put the subtitles on the TV if there are thick Scottish accents cuz I can’t understand what they’re saying 🤣
Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. If he could, he would put subtitles on people in real life! 😅🤍 Jess x
It depends on the pub., but I've never been made to feel bad about asking. I basically agree with the US attitude on this, "I paid for it so I'll take it with me thanks". Don't worry so much. You're lovely!
It is something we know now. 🤍 Jess x
Lots of places suggest that you take leftover food home with you. They provide food containers and bags too.
Yes, we are glad that they do. We did not know that not all places do. 🤍 Jess x
Unlike America people get a proper wage while serving , don't depend on tips to pay there rent ! 😅 Also love your family values and honesty , makes a refreshing change. Keep up the great vids 👍, I live in the UK and got on wrong tube couple of times 😅
Thanks for the support and kind words. We will keep up the vids for sure. Also, good to know we are not the only ones, lol. 🤍 Jess x
My wife used to work in the local hospital. She was regularly asked to translate between two English speakers with strong foreign or regional accents. She could understand them both but neither of them could understand each other.
We can understand the need for that. It is something that is interesting for sure. 🤍 Jess x
We Brits ask for Doggy Bags sometimes, it's never a problem-- you didn't need to feel embarrassed!
Thanks for the words of encouragement. 🤍 Jess x
We dont usually ask do they want a tip, ALL waiting on staff are gratefull for tips, they were probably embarrassed because you asked!
That is a fair point. 🤍 Jess x
As far as coins are concerned,, I always struggle with identifying euro coinage, as I don't use it every day at home in the UK and have still not familiarised myself with it, even after all the years its been in circulation.
I definitely like paying with cash because I feel I'm able to understand the money and kind of budget a little better for our adventures. I lived in Germany for 4 years and completely understand. 🤍 Jess x
There’s nothing wrong with asking to take leftovers away. I have a small appetite but love food so almost always take away.
Maybe just don’t say ‘doggy bag’ !
Thank you so much. I hate wasting food. I may ask for take-away or whatnot, but I'm not sure. 🤍 Jess x
@@DaydreamersBarn You can just say 'I'd like to take this home please' -- it says to the restaurant that you dont dislike the food -- you just can't eat it all right now
We were in San Francisco and went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. It never occurred to us that a hotel waitress would want a tip. We’d never tip breakfast in Britain. She chased us to the lifts, saying we hadn’t left her a tip. Not embarrassed, just very strange.
Even though it is part of the culture in America that is not something that normally happens. 🤍 Jess x
I went to a very high class anniversary celebration that relatives of my wife held at a 5 star hotel/restaurant. My wife's aunt who's 50th wedding anniversary it was, asked for a 'doggy bag' for the food that was remaining. The manager was very sniffy about it, pointing out as they were a five star establishment they didn't provide such a service. She wasn't embarrassed about it just quite annoyed at their attitude. So people who have lots of money are supposed to just waste food?
I am glad that she was not embarrassed. Sounds like quite the place. We do not really venture to the 5 star restaurants that often, if ever, but regardless of where we go now, if they are 5 star we will not ask for a to go. 🤍 Jess x
I know it’s unusual for a Brit, but I say bathroom. I don’t know why, I just hate the word ‘toilet’, I even cringe writing it. I don’t care if it makes me weird, I don’t care that there is no bath. I feel more comfortable saying bathroom.
That is exactly what we think as well. 🤍 Jess x
With the tipping , my dad always put money under his cup or plate , that way when the waitress cleared the table she would get the tip ... I do this to this day
When eating out with my daughter and family, each of us usually dig out a pound coin to leave as a tip.
Thank you for the insight! I will start just leaving it and not asking. 🤍 Jess x
I wouldn't worry about pronouncing place names. I was on a bus in Mid-Wales and couldn't get the driver to understand the name of the place I was going to (Llandinam). A passenger sitting nearby laughed, saying it's no good, you will have to say it the English way. It was even funnier because I was born and grew up in Surrey, so living in Wales, if I open my mouth, I stick out like a sore thumb.
That is understandable. As much of a difference it is here, it is even more so in Wales, especially if you do not speak Welsch. 🤍 Jess x
That was a sweet vlog Jess XX
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Hope you were able to giggle with me. 🤍 Jess x
A good way to quickly learn how to say British place names is to listen to the classified football results on radio or TV at 5pm on a Saturday during the football season. You'll hear a 100 different towns and cities pronounced in minutes. There's some old ones on YT also.
For Chris, would listening to some TV shows in a regional accent help I wonder ?
It is definitely a good way to learn places! I do sometimes watch the games when on thanks to the gentleman I get to work close to. 🤍 Jess x
Coming to Britain and not knowing tipping customs is not half so confusing as going the other way in the early 80's before loads of info was available on the internet! So finding that the price marked did not include all sorts of sales taxes let alone gratuities was a source of major confusion, as it looked like a rip off attempt!
That must have been quite the experience. It is something that is know and part of the American culture, but if that is not know with like you said, the use of the internet, how else are you suppose to know. 🤍 Jess x
I've never had my tip refused in the UK. I'm baffled
It was odd for us as well. 🤍 Jess x
I don't see a problem with any of these. A lot of restaurants are more than happy to bag or box up leftovers to take home.
Thank you. It was our first time ever needing one, but it wasn't offered. 🤍 Jess x
I doubt that American politics has ever reached such a fever pitch within the country itself, but is also significant to those of us outside, we receiving here demonstrations of democracy to an extreme that baffle and alarm us. However, it is utterly not right that people should expect answers from you as if you and your family represent the whole of your country. There's no easy response to such behaviour, I imagine. Bless you for your patience. Robert, uk.
We understand the want for information and understanding on a different perspective because we are American, but like you pointed out, we are only one family. We do our best to represent our country well, but we cannot understand all of the things that happen. Thanks for your comment and support. 🤍 Jess x
Keep up with uploading new contents, I absolutely love the videos you upload about the UK
Thank you, friend! I love sharing content with you all. Makes my heart so happy! Appreciate your time 🤍 Jess x
I live in Lancashire but worked in Suffolk for some years and I was amazed at the pronunciation of some Norfolk towns eg Costessey (Cossey) and Wymondham (Windham). Where do all the consonants go?? I'm sure they do it to confound outsiders haha
Haha, friend, I have been so baffled by how it's said and what it looks like. 😅
🤍 Jess x
Our car satnav (VW) calls Glossop ‘Glossips’.
Interesting. 🤍 Jess x
Trivia:
Both Toilette and loo are from french.
Everyone knows the toilette bit, how about loo comes from L'eau - the water.
Norman french, Normans use to pi55 [ another french word ;-) ] in the moat, a body of water.
Loo comes from the French phrase "Gardez L'eau!" = "Beware Water!" This is what people shouted when emptying their chamber pots into the street in an age before indoor plumbing.
Cool, thanks, friend! 🤍 Jess x
I've done all of these in America, but the reverse side. We're very alike in some ways, but very different in others. It's a bit of a learning curve.
I agree different but similar in many ways. I love it! Thank you, friend! 🤍 Jess x
Nothing here to be the slightest bit embarrassed about. My wife asks for a "take away box" all the time! Not something I do naturally, but she has absolutely no problem about it. I think its a weird or stupidly posh restaurant. You pay for it, it yours, as far as my wife is concerned - and she WILL make a scene! We usually leave a tip, if we feel like it - but never directly to an individual - that is the whole point. Living in London, tourists are a very normal part of life, no worries. Alway have you bag😁. Place names seem to be designed to be mispronounced and until you hear the locals say it, we ALL mess them up. Honestly, we are used to Americans and we watch a lot of US tv - we always know what you mean! UK Tube is easy compared to many around the world, just follow the colours and read the signs. Never reserved a restaurant in my life - so no idea. Translate for my wife all the time! Wrong with US? Just rude in my opinion and would never ask - be we do like ribbing people we like 🙂.
Well, I completely understand. I do agree if you paid for it's yours. This was definitely our first time really needing take-away containers.
I agree. I try to pronounce them the way that they look thats not a win at all. 😂
Thank you so much for sharing with me! 🤍 Jess x
Oh...you are such a sweet girl Jess! 🥰
Thank you, dear friend! 🤍 Jess x
This is unusual, most places will give you a doggy bag, only yesterday two ladies in the pub left a very small piece of salmon. Tthey both had it wrapped to take home (for the cat?)
I suppose it has a lot to do with the restaurant. 🤍 Jess x
Nothing to be embarrassed about asking to take out meals you couldn't finish. I hardly ever eat out. But if I was in a pub and found I couldn't eat something like cakes, scones or sandwiches at the table, I'd be taking them out with me. I'd paid for them. They'd only throw them in the bin. I wouldn't empty a plate of say potatoes, beef, Yorkshire pudding, peas and gravy into a doggy bag though. Come out of the bag a mixed-up mess.
Same, we hardly ever eat out. And this was our first time really needing to request a doggy bag. Because we absolutely hate wasting food. Love it, friend! 🤍 Jess x
Any place worth eating in will put left over food in a box for you if you ask.
And if you want to tip, just leave some change on the table. I've done that here for the last many decades!
Thank you for the insight and guidance, friend! 🤍 Jess x
I noticed you said 'but they done it'. You've become very East Anglian 😊
Well thank you, that means a lot. 🤍 Jess x
I have so many shopping bags they're taking over my house 😂
❤ from Northeast England ❤️
That is exactly how we feel. 🤍 Jess x
One of my frustrations, is trying to find the toilets in a pub or restaurant I'm not familiar with.
Ask. The staff will know.
Oh, I totally understand, friend! 🤍 Jess x
With the Tube, don’t exit, just find the line that takes you where you want to go. Nothing to pay then.
That is a good bit of advice. 🤍 Jess x
Please dont feel embarrassed about anything , people respond to any question given .
Many an Englishman do not understand another
Thank you so much, friend! Definitely appreciate your kindness. 🤍 Jess x
I'm a Brit and I've done some of those things, so I wouldn't worry too much.
Thank you, love! 🤍 Jess x
We understand your accent perfectly, but we do struggle understanding our own various
Accents.😊
We understand that completely. 🤍 Jess x
Hmmm most people these days understand the rest room or bathroom or dare I say the John. Or WC or even going to spend a penny? That’s a throw back when it cost a penny to enter a public convenience. Wow you take your bag out your boot! and not your trunk? Never be embarrassed about a learning experience. Keep smiling your doing great
It was something we thought was understandable and mostly it is, just the funny look as to say, why didn't you call it a toilet? I have been trying to keep the local lingo going. 🤍 Jess x
Yes you are amazing, it is different going on holiday to another country than living there! My experiences state side have been the most wonderful adventure. Like you a tad more than a vacation.
You shouldn't be embarrassed for asking for a "doggie bag". Even the most exclusive restaurants will be fine with that. You've paid for that food, you have every right to take it away. They should take it as a complement that you like the food enough to want to take your own leftovers away with you. If you've found a restaurant that made you uncomfortable for even asking, you should name and shame them. Yes I'm a Brit. We do it quite regularly.
Also I quite frequently will turn up at a restaurant and ask if they have a table available on the offchance. If not, it's not a biggie just a stroll down the road to another that hopefully has. If you just expect that the restaurant always has tables available, then you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
Those are some great points ans bits of advice. I do truly appreciate it. 🩶 Jess x
Absolutely nothing wrong with that. It is something I’ve done, to ask to take uneaten food home. It saves waste and food is expensive so it’s a good idea. Don’t feel embarrassed about that. I only tip now if it is exceptionally great service, they are reasonably well paid now often with an included service charge. They hate it when you fall asleep on the loo. You are so respectful I can’t imagine anyone getting nasty with you.
Yes, I definitely hate to waste, and the food was delicious, so I wanted to take it home and enjoy it. I completely understand that some places do not offer it, but in the US, it is very common to be offered. Understand two different countries and two different cultures. Tipping is just something that is a part of my culture even though they're raising the hourly wages in the US. I truly appreciate your comment! 🤍 Jess x
Have you seen the video by the 'Map Men' on how to pronounce place names?
No, I haven't, but I will look that channel up once I finish responding to everyone. I appreciate the recommendation! 🤍 Jess x
When I worked in sales, I never mentioned politics, religion or sporting affiliations.
💯 agree with you! 🤍 Jess x
In most restaurants in the uk it's perfectly normal to ask for a doggy bag.
That's good to know. 🤍 Jess x
I got on the wrong tube - just stayed on until it came back round to the station I got on at - the went and found the correct one - it didn't cost anything extra because I didn't leave the platforms.
That only worked on the circle line. Doesn't any more it's no longer a circle.
Thank you so much. We did not know that we could do that! Is going forward we will if it happens again. 🤍 Jess x
Have you ever thought of doing a collaboration video with eg girl gone london or magnetta otter travels. Might be interesting to compare experiences as Americans living in different parts of the UK for different reasons etc.
That would be super cool to do something like that. Thanks for the suggestion. 🤍 Jess x
@@DaydreamersBarnyeah would be good particularly maybe comparing your rural experiences with their more urban ones.
Oh, Jess, I don't think you should be embarrassed by asking for the doggie bag, or about the tip. When I went to Myrtle Beach, for a professional conference on blogging/vloging, etc. I was so out of my depth and surprised that folks tipped as a matter of course, even before a service was provided. Here in the UK, service charges are often included and shown on menus/bills. But that doesn't mean you can't tip. Leave an extra something, or offering to buy a drink for the barserver will go down well. I do think the puritan nature of the US origins leans away from words like 'toilet'. But the UK invented the 'crapper' the first flush toilet invented by Mr Thomas Crapper, no less. And who hasn't got on the wrong tube or station. London tube is a nightmare for the uninitiated. Practice makes perfect. Asking is key, especially if sincere. Chris, as they say, is a rock star, or as I think, a brick- solid. As a Brit, and with hearing issues, I can so relate to his not necessarily getting on with some UK accents, as I do. I imagine the same applies in the US. l applaud both you and Chris' equanimity and neutral stance re. the political situation. I think most folks here will feel the same. Loving your floral display this week. That red rose is a true delight. I hope it has a scent to match the richness of the colour. Stay well you all. x
I can only imagine how different it was seeing how America deals with tipping compared to the UK. I like the idea of buying the bartender a drink. It seems more personable. I did not know that is where the term crapper came from. That is amazing. Chris has lots of practice with remaining neutral on political issues, he is required to being in the military. Glad you liked the flowers as well. 🤍 Jess x