It seems to be every over month or so at this point that Americans take to social media to express their shock or disgust at something quintessentially British.
Within just the past year alone, the internet erupted when Americans had a few choice words to say about our classic fry-up breakfasts – and even tried to recreate their own – and then over on Reddit, Americans just couldn’t seem to believe their eyes when they discovered what British “face meats” were – also known as Billy Bear Ham to us.
The shock and disgust is a two way street though.
We can’t go forgetting the American mother-daughter TikTok duo that caused havoc last summer with their “hot tea / British tea” and “beans on toast” recipes, can we?
So, what’s next then? What British phenomenon is it that our friends overseas just can’t seem to wrap their heads around this month?
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Jacket potatoes.
Like most pointless Britain vs America debates nowadays, it all started on Twitter, and more specifically, it all started with a tweet by American TV personality, Chrissy Teigen – who is fairly well-versed in British culture by being a known Gogglebox fan and famously having a Twitter meltdown after finding herself watching Naked Attraction by accident a couple of years back – so it only seems fitting that she would be the one to instigate this.
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Teigen simply took to Twitter to say that she “just learned about jacket potatoes” – and it all kicked off from there.
You’re not alone if your first thought here was to question how Americans could have never heard of the staple meal that is a jacket potato before.
Where have they been?
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With over 2.9K retweets, 24K likes and thousands of comments though, it’s safe to say that the concept of a jacket potato has not only taken Americans by surprise, but has shocked us Brits all the same, just on the other end of the spectrum.
What’s probably even more shocking though, is that Americans don’t seem to be too keen.
I am reporting this to the FBI anyone eating this is a certified psycho path
This is literally one of the most common dishes in the UK? Not sure what to eat for lunch? Jacket potato. Wanting comfort food? Jacket potato. Need a side for your meal but you don't want fries? Jacket potato!
While it’s mostly just been a back-and-forth debate with the two sides not being able to come to terms with the others’ point of view, many have, however, been quick to jump on the fact that Americans do have a similar concept, but instead call them ‘baked potatoes’, which is a phrase most of us have likely heard of over here too.
The main bone of contention here seems to be the toppings / what us Brits like to put with our jacket potatoes, which we can probably all agree, is the best bet.
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They just don’t know what they’re missing, do they?
Beloved Danish lifestyle retailer Søstrene Grene to move into Manchester Arndale
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Arndale is the latest to get the ‘Grene’ light, as a beloved Danish lifestyle and home decor brand will soon be opening.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
Founded in Aarhus in Denmark back in 1973 by Inger Grene and Knud Cresten Vaupell Olsen, and renowned for its distinctive shopping experience, Søstrene Grene – which translates as the ‘Green Sisters’ – is now led by Grene’s sons, Mikkel and Cresten Grene.
The brothers are making sure that while the brand continues to grow internationally, it still stays true to its family roots.
Søstrene Grene will be moving into to Manchester Arndale / Credit: The Manc Group
The popular retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Manchester Arndale says it’s ‘delighted’ to be welcoming the Scandinavian retailer to the shopping centre, as it prepares to open a 4,952 sq ft store at the North West’s leading retail destination.
The new Søstrene Grene follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
Beloved Danish lifestyle retailer is already a popular presence in Greater Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“We are very much looking forward to opening yet another store in Manchester, further strengthening our local presence and at such a prime location as Arndale,” commented Søstrene Grene’s co-owner and Group CEO, Mikkel Grene.
“We have been warmly welcomed by the local customers who seem to appreciate our aesthetically pleasing and affordable products and not least the store experience, so we cannot wait to open the doors and invite even more new and existing customers to explore Søstrene Grene’s wonderful world.”
Steve Gray, who is the Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, added: “[Søstrene Grene’s] unique offer and engaging store concept will add further variety to our retail mix, giving customers another reason to visit and stay longer.”
No opening date for the new store has been announced yet, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Trending
Peter Kay cancels shows to ‘rest and recover’ following routine surgical procedure
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has announced that he will be cancelling and rescheduling some of his shows following a routine surgical procedure.
The shows have been postponed to allow the Bolton comedian time to ‘rest and recover’.
The two shows that have been cancelled and rearranged for new dates are his upcoming weekend shows at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena – with the comedy legend set to grace the stage on both Sunday 5 and Monday 6 October.
Demand to see Peter Kay has been through the roof, so much so that several ticket sites crashed when the tour was first announced.
He first started his current tour back in December 2022, and shows were originally planned all the way into the middle of 2025, but late last year, he added even more shows to his lineup – with the new dates meaning that he would be delivering his side-splitting stand-up show all the way into 2026.
Peter Kay has cancelled shows to ‘rest and recover’ following a routine surgical procedure / Credit: BBC | Peter Kay (via X)
The 52-year-old already performed 100 stand-up shows at the AO Arena, breaking all attendance and performance records along the way, and he’s also the first artist in the world to perform a monthly residency at The O2 in London.
But sadly, all good things must come to a halt sometimes, as Kay has been forced to cancel some shows due to undergoing a ‘routine’ kidney stone procedure.
A statement confirming the cancellations of the two upcoming shows was shared by Kay’s team on his official X account today.
“We regret to inform you that due to a routine kidney stone procedure, Peter will be unable to perform his scheduled shows at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on Sunday 5 October and Monday 6 October,” Kay’s team said in a statement.
“Following medical advice, Peter will be taking a period of time to rest and recover.”
Going on to thank fans and ticketholders for their ‘patience and understanding’ about the cancellations, Kay’s team then confirmed that the shows have been rescheduled to dates in mid-December instead, and that all tickets remain valid for these new dates.
The Sunday 5 October show has been rescheduled for Thursday 11 December, and the 6 October show has been moved to Friday 12 December.