10 Things Brits Living in the US Miss Most About the UK

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10 Things Brits Living in the US Miss Most About the UK

Moving from the UK to the US is exciting, but after a while, certain things start to feel very far away. Life in America has its perks, sure—but there are some everyday comforts from home that Brits can’t help but miss. Some are small things, like a proper cup of tea, while others, like reliable public transport, can make a huge difference in daily life.

The US does things differently, and that’s not always a bad thing. But if you grew up with walkable cities, Greggs sausage rolls, and pubs where you don’t have to shout over blaring TVs, adjusting can take some time. And let’s not even start on tipping culture or how much a trip to the doctor can set you back.

Here are ten things that Brits in the US really wish they could bring with them from home.

1. Public Transport That Actually Works

Getting around in the UK is pretty easy, even if you don’t drive. Trains might get delayed now and then, but the network covers most of the country. Buses run regularly, even in smaller towns, and cities have decent public transport that’s actually usable. In London, you don’t even need a car—just hop on the Tube, take a bus, or grab a train.

In the US, it’s a different story. Outside of major cities like New York or Chicago, public transport is either unreliable or nonexistent. In many places, you pretty much have to drive everywhere, even just to grab a pint of milk. If you don’t own a car, simple things like getting to work or meeting friends can be a nightmare.

Brits used to efficient transport really feel the difference. There’s no tapping an Oyster card and hopping on a bus. Instead, it’s long waits, limited routes, and figuring out which train actually shows up on time. And let’s not even start on the price—train tickets in the US can be ridiculously expensive compared to what Brits are used to.

2. Decent Tea (and Electric Kettles Everywhere)

Tea is serious business in the UK. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or just a bad day, a proper cup of tea makes everything better. But in the US, it’s a struggle to find a decent brew. The standard tea in American supermarkets is weak and just not the same. And when you ask for tea in a café, you might get handed a cup of lukewarm water with a teabag on the side.

Then there’s the kettle situation. Every British home has an electric kettle—it’s just how things are done. In the US, they’re nowhere near as common. A lot of people heat water in the microwave, which is just plain wrong. It doesn’t get hot enough, and the tea ends up tasting awful.

Finding proper PG Tips or Yorkshire Tea can take effort, and even if you do, you might have to explain to American friends why it’s so important. They just don’t get it.

3. Smaller, More Walkable Cities

In the UK, cities and towns are built for walking. You can go to the shops, meet a friend, or pop to the pub without needing a car. Streets are designed for pedestrians, and public transport fills in the gaps. Small towns still have high streets with actual shops, and you’re never too far from what you need.

The US is much more spread out. Many cities are built for driving, with huge roads, massive car parks, and pavements that seem to go nowhere. Even in places that do have sidewalks, walking isn’t always practical because everything is so far apart. You can’t just nip to the shop—you have to get in the car and drive to a shopping centre.

Brits miss the convenience of being able to walk to the corner shop or take a quick stroll to meet a friend. In the US, that just isn’t always an option.

4. Greggs Sausage Rolls & Other British Chain Staples

Greggs is a national treasure. Whether you’re grabbing a sausage roll on the way to work or treating yourself to a steak bake, it’s cheap, quick, and always hits the spot. Other UK chains, like Pret, Wagamama, and even Nando’s, have a special place in British hearts.

In the US, these places are either hard to find or don’t exist at all. Sure, some cities have Pret, but it’s not quite the same. And Greggs? Completely missing. American bakeries just don’t compare—there’s no flaky, buttery pastry filled with proper sausage meat.

Brits in the US find themselves craving these simple pleasures. Some even try to make their own versions, but it’s never quite right. And while the US has plenty of great food options, sometimes you just want a sausage roll without having to explain what it is.

5. Lower Healthcare Costs

Healthcare in the US is expensive. Really expensive. In the UK, the NHS means you don’t have to worry about paying a fortune just to see a doctor. Need a check-up? It’s free. Trip to A&E? Also free. Prescriptions? A set price.

In the US, even with health insurance, medical bills can be shocking. A simple visit to the doctor can cost hundreds, and if you need a trip to the hospital, you might get a bill that runs into the thousands. Ambulance rides alone can cost more than a holiday.

Brits in the US really feel the difference. Back home, healthcare is something you don’t have to budget for or stress about. In America, people think twice before seeing a doctor because they’re worried about the cost. It’s one of the biggest adjustments for Brits moving across the pond.

6. Pubs with Actual Atmosphere

Pubs in the UK have a certain feel—cosy, welcoming, and full of character. Whether it’s an old village pub with a fireplace or a city pub packed after work, there’s something special about them. You order at the bar, find a table, and can actually have a conversation without shouting.

In the US, bars are different. Many have loud music, TVs on every wall, and table service where you have to tip. It’s just not the same vibe. Even places that try to be “British pubs” often miss the mark.

Brits in the US miss proper pubs where you can grab a pint, chat with friends, and not feel like you’re in a sports bar. The cosy atmosphere of a good UK pub is hard to beat.

7. A Proper Sunday Roast

A Sunday roast is a British tradition. Roast beef, Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, and plenty of gravy—it’s a meal that brings people together. In the US, it’s not really a thing. Some places offer something similar, but it’s just not the same.

Finding a proper Yorkshire pudding in the US is tough, and the roasts often lack the right flavours. Plus, the idea of a lazy Sunday in the pub with a plate of roast dinner is something Brits really miss. Americans have brunch, but let’s be honest—it’s not the same.

For Brits living in the US, making a Sunday roast at home is an option, but it’s never quite like the way Mum makes it.

8. Less Tipping Pressure

Tipping in the US is stressful. In the UK, you might leave a bit extra at a restaurant, but it’s not expected everywhere. In the US, tipping is a must, and the rules can be confusing. Restaurants expect 15-20%, bartenders expect tips, and even coffee shops have tip jars.

Brits aren’t used to this much tipping. It’s not that they don’t want to tip—it’s just the constant pressure that feels overwhelming. And when wages depend on tips, it makes things even more complicated.

For Brits, paying the price on the menu without figuring out extra percentages is something they miss.

9. More Paid Time Off

Brits get more time off. Simple as that. In the UK, full-time workers get at least 28 days of paid holiday a year. In the US, there’s no law guaranteeing paid time off, and people often get just two weeks—if that.

Taking time off in the US can feel like a luxury, not a right. Brits are used to having proper holidays without guilt. In America, work culture often makes people feel bad for taking a break.

10. British Humor That Isn’t Watered Down

British humour is dry, sarcastic, and sometimes a bit dark. In the US, jokes don’t always land the same way. Sarcasm can get taken literally, and self-deprecating humour sometimes confuses people.

Brits miss the way people back home just “get it.” Comedy shows, pub banter, even casual chats—it’s all different in the US. Nothing beats a good British joke.