American in Britain Spring 2024

EATING OUT

New York Eats

14 Leopold Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7BD

Telephone: 020 3674 1783

When you think of Wimbledon, your first thought would certainly be tennis, and your second probably leafy tree lined streets and beautiful houses. One thing I am sure you wouldn’t think of is Hip Hop and an Urban vibe, and neither would I, until the other day when I came across New York Eats.

This restaurant has risen, like a phoenix, from the previous restaurant occupying the space, namely NYEAT, which had already built a strong following over the four years it was in business, and has taken all that was good with NYEAT and taken it to a higher level.

I have lived close to, and eaten and drunk in Wimbledon for many years, and this NY hip hop vibe, more akin to a fashionable New York restaurant, is definitely unique in this part of town. The décor is chic and the walls are covered with tasteful graffiti inspired by artwork found across America. There is a Tupac room (a famous rapper best known for his hit ‘California Love’, for the uninitiated), and the lighting is subtle, which sets the scene for a perfect place to visit on a weekday or at the weekend (where there is a live DJ on a Saturday). If all this sounds a little bit too ‘gangster’ for you, please don’t worry, and don’t be fooled, as this is a serious restaurant that serves seriously good food, and the décor is just there to create that authentic Urban New York atmosphere, something that is unique in this part of London.

The menu is a delight for me, as it is packed with tasty offerings, so it was extremely difficult for me to just choose only a few dishes.

For our starters, I selected the Nachos topped with Pulled Beef (£12), and my wife selected the Californian Tacos with grilled chicken (£12). Portions here are very generous and the nachos are almost a meal on their own. The large bowl of crunchy nachos were covered with fresh guacamole, sour cream, slightly spicy salsa, crunchy jalapenos and a blend of three cheeses, and the term ‘loaded’ was designed just for this dish. It is hard to imagine anything that would make this dish better, but the addition of the delicate pulled beef did just that. The Californian tacos were equally large and the soft hand-made tacos were packed full of succulent chicken, crispy lettuce and sweetcorn salsa, and gave my nachos a real run for their money for the best starter ordered.

After such a large treat we needed a small pause before our mains, which gave us some time to enjoy our French Rosé that was crisp and extremely drinkable. The owner, Kristian, is a wine connoisseur, and has amassed an amazing selection of wines at very reasonable prices, so whatever your taste there will be a wine for you, so do ask for help as you won’t be disappointed with the recommendations - we weren’t.

As with the starters the choice of mains includes a who’s who of American dishes, with Burgers and Steaks taking centre stage. The steaks (ranging from £26 - £42) are sourced from the same supplier as many well-known London steak houses and come from British grass-fed Hereford cows. They are also aged for 40 days to ensure they burst with flavour, but as much as I love a good steak, and these are good, I really wanted to sample a selection of dishes, and so chose one of the combination dishes on offer. These combination dishes allow you to combine steaks, lobster, prawns, burgers, in fact all of the dishes available, but I opted

for Half a Rack of Ribs and Wings (£28). The slow cooked beef ribs must have come from the largest cow ever, as the half rack was enormous and the beef just fell off the bones. In addition to being tender, the beef was topped with a sticky, but not too sickly, BBQ sauce, and was accompanied by four chicken wings (again a chicken with wings clearly on the large side!), covered in Voodoo sauce which was beguiling with a lovely heat and finished off with a portion of fries. My wife chose the New York Burger (£21), and to many a burger is just a burger, but when the patty is made up of prime beef like this one was, wonderfully seasoned and cooked to perfection you realise that is just not true. This is a melt in the mouth experience and is worth a journey to New York Eats in its own right. To accompany this, my wife selected one of our favourites, namely Mac ‘n’ Cheese (£6), and we weren’t disappointed with its gooey centre and its slightly crunchy cheesy top.

Desserts are equally indulgent, and we chose the San Sebastian Cheesecake (£8), which was a creamy crustless, caramalised topped cheesecake, accompanied by a metal pot of luxury milk chocolate, perfect for those of you with a sweet tooth.

If that was not enough, New York Eats also holds a number of live music events, and recently welcomed the amazing vocal group: ‘Sing Harlem!’, for a number of shows at the restaurant, so the diners not only enjoyed the wonderful food, they were treated to wonderful music straight from the streets of Harlem as well.

New York Eats offers all diners a unique experience with exceptional food, innovative cocktails, an extensive wine list, music events and an authentic NY vibe, and once visited, will certainly keep tempting you back. We have already been twice! www.newyorkeats.co.uk

Gouqi

25-34 Cockspur Street, St James’s, London, SW1Y 5BN

Telephone: 020 3771 8886

You might think that after receiving a number of Michelin stars during your career you might happily go into retirement and take it easy, but Chef Chee Hwee Tong clearly isn’t one to go quietly, as after his 18 years at a who’s who of Chinese restaurants, including being the Executive Chef at Hakkasan and Yauatcha, he has returned, but this time with his own restaurant, Gouqi. Gouqi draws its name from an island in the East China Sea, famed for its picturesque fishing villages and the shrubs carrying the eponymously named Goji berries, that are a symbol of health and vitality.

The restaurant clearly prides itself on ensuring that everything is ‘just so’, and that is immediately obvious when you leave the hustle and bustle of Trafalgar Square and enter the restaurant. Everything oozes class and understated elegance, from the well-stocked bar by the door surrounded by plush and substantial stools where diners can enjoy a drink before going to their table, to the décor where the ceiling and walls are finished with artwork from six award winning artists. The lighting is even slightly dimmed to enhance the feeling of sophistication and calm.

The main restaurant has Chinese lanterns and banqueted seating, some that have a clear view of the kitchen, and if you want a more private meal there are 2 private dining rooms, and for a romantic meal there are three tables in a semi-private area shaped like a clover leaf and segregated by a red velvet curtain at the back of the restaurant.

The food offers the diner an authentic, but modern dining experience, using the freshest ingredients sourced from around the globe and lovingly cooked the ‘old fashioned’ way, and in keeping with the attention to detail vibe, each dish is served

on its own custom-made chinaware in keeping with the dish itself.

There are a number of options for dinner, including an 8-course Tasting Menu (£168), Gouqi Signature Menu (£98) or if you let them know 24 hours in advance, a 5-course Duck Menu for those who love everything anatine! (£75). Personally I like selecting my own dishes so went for the À la carte menu.

Our first choice was the wonderfully named Supreme Royal Dim Sum Platter (£41.50), as it sounded so grandiose and it didn’t disappoint. Eight wonderfully crafted morsels, including the classic Shanghai Xiao Long Bao with its rich pork flavour and the Prawn Siu Mai topped with abalone. The colours are vibrant, but there are no artificial flavourings used here, and these colours are all natural, coming from the reds from beetroot, the blues from the butterfly pea flower and the greens from spinach. Accompanying these we selected the Prawn Toasts (£22.50) and the Deep-Fried Softshell Crab (£21.50). Just as when Chef Tong was at Hakkasan, the prawn toasts are special, and the lightly oiled crispy bread is covered with domes of moreish prawns and sesame seeds and the deep fried crunchy softshell crab was ably supported by a rich and smooth Thai green curry which warmed your throat whilst providing a lovely kick.

Our second course was one of Gouqi’s signature dishes, namely Duck (£38 for a half duck). The duck here is presented in 2 ways. Firstly, you are served thin crispy skin from both the breast and the underside which you dip into sugar. If eating pure fat doesn’t sound appetising, don’t be fooled, it is in fact absolutely delicious, and a perfect entree to the second way which is the more conventional and involves light home-made pancakes. The duck is initially slow cooked over charcoal and cherry wood which gives the duck flesh a distinctive smoky taste, and no extra oil is added to crisp up the duck skin. The slow cooking not only gives the duck its wonderful flavour, it also

makes it extremely succulent, and this was accompanied by a rich and fruity hoisin sauce with crispy spring onions and fresh cucumber to complete the ensemble.

The delights continued for our mains with Angus Tenderloin Beef with Black Pepper Sauce (£42), Sauteed Crystal Jumbo Prawns with Yellow Chive in XO Sauce (£42) and Dried and Fresh Scallop Fried Rice with XO Sauce (£30). The beef was ‘melt in the mouth’ and was bathed in a light peppery sauce, and the prawns meaty and accompanied by crunchy Pak Choi in a delicate sauce, but the star was the Scallop Rice. The rice was packed with scallops and bursting with flavour along with its wonderful mixture of textures, as the fried rice added to the ordinary rice provided a satisfying crunch.

I love miniature selections of desserts in restaurants as you can experience all that is on offer, and so I was delighted that Gouqi offers 2 such selections, where you can have either 3 or 5 choices. We chose the Gouqi Symphony No 5 (£45), that gave us all 5 of the desserts. Our server, who was wonderful, recommended eating the desserts starting with the lightest first so as to not dominate the delicate flavours with the stronger ones, a welcome piece of advice that enabled us to enjoy every mouthful. All of the desserts were delicious, but the stand outs were the Midnight Sun and the Gouqi Valley. The Midnight Sun was a black sesame biscuit packed with a creamy passion fruit mousse (think a 5 star passion fruit Oreo!) with mini mango chunks perched on top, and the Gouqi Valley, a sort of chocolate cheese cake topped with Matcha and a sharp and fruity Goji berry sorbet, that was an explosion of tastes as well as colours.

A meal at Gouqi ticks all of the boxes for a culinary treat as it provides special dishes, cooked in a traditional way, complemented by impeccable service in a stylish space. What else could you want? www.gouqi-restaurants.co.uk

Studio Frantzén

87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge Fifth Floor, Harrods, London SW1X 7XL

Telephone: 020 7225 6800

When you think of eating out in London of an evening, I am sure you would not initially think of Harrods, the department store, as a destination, and neither would I! Maybe a visit to their dining halls on the ground floor at lunchtime, or a cream tea later in the day, but not for an evening meal, so I was intrigued when I heard about Studio Frantzén located on the 5th floor, if only to understand how you can get in and out of it when the store is closed!

Studio Frantzén is part of the Frantzén Group, which was set up by Chefs Bjorn Frantzén and Pastry Chef, Daniel Lindeberg, and as with another well-known Chef, Bjorn used to be a former footballer! Restaurants in the group include Frantzén and Zen, both of which hold 3 Michelin stars, so the group’s newcomer, based in Harrods, has much to live up to, and from what I have seen it is living up to that standard admirably.

The restaurant nestles at the back of Harrods, and is best reached through Entrance 5, but if you fancy making your way through a who’s who of expensive brands to find it you can make your way through any entrance, but leave enough time either for that ‘must have’ purchase, or to get lost a few times, as those who have visited Harrods will know what a rabbit warren it is.

On entering the restaurant, you immediately forget you are in a store, as the décor is plush with an eclectic mix of Harrods meets Sweden, where a state-ofthe-art open kitchen goes hand in hand with warm woods, Nordic runes, intimate booths and subtle lighting. The open kitchen is flanked by seating, so diners can witness at close hand the chefs serenely going about their business - truly the ultimate chef’s table.

The restaurant space is split into an upper outside space where you can have a drink overlooking the London skyline, or even eat, and I am sure that it is an amazing place to enjoy the stunning selection of cocktails whilst enjoying the view and trendy music in the summer, but when we visited it was March, so we were happy to just have a drink here (with a blanket covering us!), and chose to eat inside as it was rather damp and cold!

The mixture of Scandinavia, Asia and London runs throughout the menu, and provides the diner was a number of problems, as it is packed with a multitude of wonderful options. As our pre-starter I chose a ‘Rockefeller’ Oyster (£5.50 per piece) and my wife a Grilled Oyster (£6 per piece). There is a clever Asian twist on this American favourite, with the addition of seaweed and sake to the sauce, and the addition of rich cheese to compliment the warm slippery oyster. The grilled oyster was equally moreish, bathing in a smoky butter sauce along with seaweed oil and some herring caviar, a mouthful of creamy deliciousness!

For my starter, I chose Tartar of Tuna and Red Deer with vendace roe, wasabi cream and fermented plum and warm ginger butter (£29). There are a lot of strong flavours combined here, and in the wrong hands could be just a mish mash of a dish, but the dark and gamey roe deer flavour came through, as did the delicate almost buttery tuna with the wasabi, adding some body without overpowering everything - masterful. My wife selected a Crispy Tofu and Beetroot Salad which was packed with crispy coloured leaves all wellseasoned, accompanied by sweet beetroot and small cubes of crunchy tofu.

Mains are cutely described as ‘From the Fireplace’, and it was here that we really experienced the skill of the chefs. My wife loves the sweet, clean and light taste of lobster, and so chose the Lobster with coriander, curry and brown-butter hollandaise (£85), and I chose the dish Sweden vs Japan (£70), (which could come straight from the annuls of the World Cup).

My wife’s lobster was cooked to perfection, and the spongy flesh just bursting with flavour melted in the mouth. The lobster was accompanied by a lightly curried hollandaise which added a slight zing without taking away from what all lobster lovers love about lobster, namely its sweet fishiness. Although good, the lobster had to take second place to my Sweden vs Japan dish which was simply the best dish I have tasted for many a year. Here the most flavoursome of Japanese Wagyu, cooked to perfection with a delicately crispy outer layer surrounding a slightly pink inner, sits on a rich and hearty Swedish braised brisket with a lemon grass jus and Japanese mustard. Continuing the football analogy, analysing the dish on the two different meats the match was a 1-1 draw, as both were magical in their own way, but for me the addition of the Japanese mustard was not necessary as it overpowered the wonderful tastes of the meats and that tipped the match to 2-1 in Sweden’s favour! A Swedish win was cemented by the incredible Hasselback Potatoes (£8) we chose to accompany our mains, as these Swedish roast potatoes were so crisp on the outside and light and fluffy inside that they were memorable in their own right.

The desserts were equally special, and my Lime Tart (£12) with whipped coconut cream was a lovely mix of sharp, citrussy, smooth mousse accompanied by the sweet coconut cream. Our other choice was the Rum-Raisin Ice Cream (£14), that was taken to another level by the addition of frozen foie gras. Indulgence on a spoon!

Harrods has a number of well-known restaurants, and for me the best of these is now Studio Frantzén, as it does everything well. The décor is understated but classy, the service is impeccable, and the food sublime, so try it for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

www.harrods.com/en-ec/restaurants/ studio-frantzen

Mortimer House Kitchen

37-41 Mortimer St, London, W1T 3JH Telephone: 020 7139 4404

On a corner of Fitzrovia, just up from Oxford Street, sits Mortimer House Kitchen, a charming Italian restaurant, lounge and bar, that provides a homely place to enjoy all that Chef, Tom Cenci, is conjuring up.

Open from early in the morning for breakfast, to late at night for that final drink before wending your way home, Mortimer House Kitchen has something for everyone.

The décor is warm, and has the feel of entering someone’s front room, that makes you feel very welcome from the start. The front room vibe gives way as you move deeper into the restaurant, as you then reach the wooden tables set out for dinner and the open kitchen at the end where the chefs efficiently create the fresh dishes inspired by family summers spent in Orta San Giulio and the Amalfi coast. The order of the day here is simple dishes done well, and this certainly resonates with me, as what better thing is there than fresh pasta cooked well, covered in sauces bursting with flavour?

To accompany our pre-dinner drink we selected a few nibbles, which are also available at the bar, in the form of a Crispy Polenta with parmesan mayonnaise (£3 per piece) and a Parmesan Biscotto, Taleggio and Olive (£3 per piece).

Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal, water and salt, and from that description it doesn’t make my heartbeat increase, but at Mortimer House Kitchen it is actually very creamy and flavoursome and surrounded by a light and crispy breadcrumb shell and covered with a generous portion of fresh parmesan shavings. The Parmesan Biscotto is crunchy, and its cheesy flavour complemented the fruity tang of the Taleggio cheese.

For our Antipasti, we selected the Caprese, Tomato, Avocado, Stracciatella (£15) and the Carne Cruda, N’duja, Bruschetta (£16). The caprese salad was vibrant with a number of different coloured tomatoes, and was so fresh every mouthful was like a touch of summer. And for those, like me, that thought that stracciatella was an ice cream flavour, it is, but here it is a creamy cheese originating in Puglia and is from the same family as burrata. My carne cruda combined a lean and tender beef tartare with a light crispy bread, a lovely contrast of textures, and the succulent beef was well flavoured with garlic and fresh olive oil.

For our Primi, I selected Nonna’s Beef and Oregano Meatballs with Spaghetti, Marinara (£25) and my wife the Maccheroni, Taleggio, Black Pepper and Truffle (£25). The meatballs are a family recipe from Chef Tom’s grandmother, and were rich and meaty (as all meatballs should be!) sitting on a bed of fresh pasta

covered in a garlic, olive oil, tomato and basil sauce, something I wish my grandmother would have served me! My wife’s Italian take on a mac ‘n’ cheese was fulsome, but I would have wished that there was a little more luxurious truffle flavour coming through as that would have elevated the dish even more.

Our Secondi dishes were the Chicken Parmigiana, Marinara Sauce (£27) and the Cornish Cod, Butter Bean and Agretti Stew (£28), with a side portion of confit rosemary potatoes (£6). The Parmigiana was just perfect with the succulent chicken covered in crunchy breadcrumbs and topped with oodles of mozzarella smothered in a rich tomato sauce. My cod was well cooked and perched on top of large creamy-coloured beans with their soft floury texture, and fronds of agretti, with their spinach like taste, in a fishy broth.

After this many courses we decided to share a dessert, and selected the Torta 900, Nutella Ricotta (£9), a sort of millefeuille with the pastry replaced by fudgy chocolate sponge, sandwiching a smooth mousse - a chocoholics dream.

Mortimer House Kitchen provides simple and tasty Italian dishes in a warm and homely environment at affordable prices, and is the perfect place to either drop in for one course during the day, or to go with friends for a meal in the evening. Either way you will enjoy all it has to offer.

www.mortimerhousekitchen.com

TRAVEL Jersey Featuring The Club Hotel & Spa and Bohemia Restaurant

Jersey is said to be the sunniest spot in the British Isles, with more sunshine hours per day than anywhere else (342 hours more in 2021), although Jersey, in reality, is not actually part of the British Isles, but is in fact a Crown Dependency named The Ballwick of Jersey. Regardless of the legal niceties, Jersey has something for everyone, as it not only has some of the most stunning beaches, it is also rich in history, and is a taxfree shopping destination to boot.

Within Jersey’s 45 square miles, there are some of the most varied landscapes that you will find anywhere in the world, from the cliffs on the north coast, home to many birds including puffins, to the golden sandy beaches on the south coast, and not only does it have a diverse natural playground, it bursts with history. I will leave the shopping destinations to you, but there are a few other tourist spots I would recommend you visit.

War Tunnels

On 1st July, 1940, Jersey was occupied by the Germans under Hitler, after Churchill withdrew the UK troops as he believed the islands were of no strategic importance, and could not be defended properly. This occupation continued for nearly five years until the 9th May, 1945.

The Jersey War Tunnels enables visitors to find out what it was like to live in Jersey during WWII in a hands-on and highly innovative way. The tunnels were dug deep into the hillside by forced and slave labour taken from across occupied Europe, and was designed to protect the German’s from Allied air raids and bombardment in the event of an invasion (which never came!), and in 1943, it was converted to an emergency hospital.

The exhibition is interactive and really brings the Jersey peoples’ stories to life, from the impossible choice of whether to stay or go when the UK said they would not defend the island, through to the hardships of daily life, and whether to collaborate with or resist the German occupation. Every visitor is given papers of a real person, and as you progress through the exhibition you learn what happened to them (and you) and whether they/ you were a collaborator or resistance fighter. www.jerseywartunnels.com/the-tunnels

Jersey Sea Trips

On an island like Jersey there are many providers offering boat trips enabling visitors to view its dramatic coastline, varied wildlife and stunning beaches. Take a rib ride to try and spot bottle-nosed dolphins and grey seals, or even go across to France’s

Normandy coast for a typical Gallic lunch (only 30 minutes away), but my personal favourite trip is a ‘seafari’ to The Ecrehous.

These are a small group of islands situated six miles from Jersey, where at high tide the eerie sight of a few old fishermens’ huts perched on higher ground (seeming at the mercy of the sea), is all you can see, but as the tide goes out, more and more of the islands appear, providing sandbanks and rock pools for the visitor to explore and relax on, or enjoy a swim or picnic. Truly a unique experience.

Jersey Zoo

In 1958, this zoo was set up by Gerald Durrell (author of ‘My Family and Other Animals’, and famous conservationist), with the rationale to save species of animals that were dying out. Although it is a zoo, the emphasis here is conservation, and so the animals are well cared for. Enjoy experiencing the majesty of the gorillas, the playfulness of the howler monkeys, or the craziness of the lemurs, along with many special events designed to educate all of the family.

Military History

Jersey has been involved with military conflicts between the UK, France and Germany for thousands of years, and these

military conflicts have left their mark on Jersey’s landscape, and as Jersey is so small in size, it is easy to explore many at your leisure. One of particular note, is the iconic Mont Orgueil Castle. The castle has over 4,000 years of history, as it was initially the site of a neolithic settlement and then converted to a medieval castle, and finally, a Tudor artillery fortress, which the French attempted to capture a number of times (all unsuccessfully), as it is in easy view from France. Even the Germans during their occupation added to the castle. See if you can spot these ‘camouflaged’ additions whilst there.

Beaches

It is impossible to recommend things to do in Jersey without mentioning the beaches. The beaches in Jersey have the power to take your breath away and leave you standing in awe. From mile after mile of sand, to cliffencircled coves and vast expanses of lunar landscapes, the beaches in Jersey are breathtaking and waiting to be discovered during your island break.

The Club Hotel & Spa

The Capital and largest town of Jersey is St Helier, and right in the heart of the town you will find The Club Hotel & Spa, which is perfectly situated for the shops and restaurants and near to many of the sights St Helier offers. A good sign of a hotel’s quality is that it is well frequented by those in three-piece suits, as well as those in bathing suits, as business travellers expect quality and top service, and what is clever is that this boutique hotel caters for everyone, and their different needs, effortlessly.

There is much to do in Jersey, but as the weather was poor when we visited, we decided to visit the subterranean spa for a little ‘R n R’ and were rewarded with a hidden gem. Although underground, the pool area has a warm feel, and the smart shallow pool is perfect for relaxing, with a Jacuzzi bench at one end. In addition, there is a steam ‘pod’ and a salt steam room and a rainforest shower, all of which we used extensively. The spa has a wide range of treatments for men and women, and I selected a full body massage allowing the skilled masseuse to manipulate and target all of my tired muscles, leaving me totally relaxed and tension free.

The hotel has a secluded outside terrace which boasts a small heated outside pool and loungers (perfect for the Jersey sunshine), and an ‘honesty bar’ where you let reception know what you have had and they add it to your bill (something unusual in this day and age!).

The Club Hotel & Spa is an exclusive boutique hotel with only 38 deluxe double rooms and 8 suites, and all are in keeping with the neutral colour palette. Plush carpets, crisp white Frette bedding, and chocolate and coffee-toned furnishingsincluding stylish touches such as chaise longues and mirrored sliding wardrobes - feature throughout. The rooms also benefit from natural light, which streams in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Thoroughly modern comforts including LCD flat screen TVs, DVD players, portable telephones, en-suite bathrooms with luxury Elemis toiletries, and soft bathrobes and slippers, are staple features in all the rooms.

Apart from the décor and service, the other thing that makes The Club Hotel & Spa stand out is its outstanding in-house restaurant, Bohemia Bar & Restaurant. Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, with its own private entrance, the Bohemia Bar & Restaurant has been Jersey’s finest dining establishment since opening its doors in April, 2004. The restaurant has held a Michelin star for 20 years, and the Head Chef, Callum Graham, brings an eclectic mix of European influences from his time in Paris and Geneva, combined with the fantastic local Jersey produce available on the island and surrounding seas.

Diners can either select from the À La Carte menu, or choose one of the set menus including an innovative 5 course Surprise Menu (£109), where you don’t know what courses you are going to get!, (although you are able to explain what you can’t or don’t eat), or a 6 course Signature, Pescatarian or Vegetarian Tasting menu (£129).

Each tasting menu can be supplemented by various wine flights, but if that doesn’t appeal there are many choices from the extensive wine list by the glass, or bottle, all from £36. I selected the Signature Tasting Menu and my wife decided that as we were close to the sea she would choose the Pescatarian Menu, and we were both treated to a couple of hours of food bliss.

Our journey started with three delightful Amuse Bouches – I had a delightfully smooth chicken liver parfait with cep powder in a crisp shell, and my wife a fresh Jersey oyster, along with a cheesy puff with a light mousse and an apple tart - a tantalising start.

Our starter was a Celeriac Terrine, roasted consume, shallot Apple and Wiltshire truffle.

The layers of crunchy celeriac were topped with an icy cold and totally moreish truffle ice cream and bathed in a clear and flavoursome consommé. An expertly put together dish with every mouthful an explosion of flavour and texture. We thought this would be difficult to beat, but our second dish was even better. This dish used wonderfully fresh Jersey crab on a delicate Pernod mousse with a blood orange sorbet. I am not a fan of Pernod as its aniseed flavour is usually too strong for me, but here the flavour was so delicate it complemented the delicate crab flavour perfectly and the blood orange sorbet added the icing on the cake, a dish truly worthy of a Michelin star as it was that good.

My next dish was roasted Veal Sweetbread with onion and yeast chive with a Maderia jus, and my wife’s a cured and torched Seabream in a jalapeno & dill jus. Sweetbreads are shied away from by many, but if you do you are missing out on a real treat, as they are so rich in flavour, and here they were cooked to perfection, and the Maderia jus was almost sticky as it was so rich and full of flavour. In contrast, my wife’s seabream was light and fresh with the jalapeno and dill oil adding just enough spice to enhance the seabream, as well as being an eye-catching green colour! My next course was a succulent Jersey Beef with morels and a garlic flavoured beef jus, and

my wife had a hunk of Halibut, both cooked exquisitely and just bursting with flavour.

Our palate cleansing dish before our dessert was called Mojito Flavours, and was truly a Mojito on a plate, with a hint of rum, crunchy biscuit crumb and a real zing from the lime, cleansing the palate before our dessert.

We were proud to have made it to the final dish as each course is not only exceptionally created and tasty, they are also generously sized, so you can appreciate all of the flavour combinations. The final dish of the ‘Ivoire Vairhona Chocolate Bar’ with forced rhubarb had texture and flavour combinations of pistachio, white chocolate and sweet rhubarb which worked very well and concluded the meal perfectly.

Jersey, although not a large island, is packed with things to do with your family, and The Club Hotel & Spa is perfectly located as a base to see all that it has to offer. In addition, its restaurant, Bohemia, is a veritable gem, and it truly deserves all of the accolades it has received, as it continues to deliver special food accompanied by impeccable service in a relaxed atmosphere.

www.theclubjersey.com

www.bohemiajersey.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

UK Pensions – What Has Replaced The Lifetime Allowance?

UK pension planning for US taxpayers can be a very sophisticated and worthwhile strategy when understood and executed correctly. Not only do UK pensions generally allow for tax relief on money contributed into the plan and tax deferred growth on money while in the plan, but UK pensions also provide UK inheritance tax protection which can be an important wealth planning tool for an American in the UK where UK allowances for estate tax purposes drastically differ from the allowances available in the US.

During the Spring Budget Statement in March 2023, chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a surprising area of reform for UK pensions, namely the intention to abolish the lifetime allowance for TY2425 onwards. Questions regarding how the rules work would in the interim period, and going forward, have taken some time to be answered following the announcement. This has meant undue delays in fully understanding the intricacies of the new rules, and how they apply to pension plans which are close to or have breached the lifetime allowance already – the below provides an overview of where we were prior to last years’ Budget Statement, the rules that applied during TY23-24 (the interim period), and what the new rules look like for TY24-25 and beyond (or until further legislative change is announced!).

What Is/Was The Lifetime Allowance Charge?

The lifetime allowance represented the maximum amount that an individual could accumulate across all their UK pensions before being subject to a penalty at the time of a ‘crystallisation event’ (please see below). The lifetime allowance amount fluctuated over the years, trending downwards, and ultimately was frozen at £1,073,100 since TY20-21.

On commencing to draw from your pension, you were allowed to draw up to 25% of the value of the pension tax-free. This could either be taken as a lumpsum or apportioned across all future withdrawals (making every withdrawal 25% tax-free). The 25% tax-free lump sum was commonly referred to as the ‘pension commencement lump-sum’ and drawing the pension down piecemeal over time is known as ‘flexi-access drawdown’.

This applied to all UK registered pension investors unless specific lifetime allowance protection was held. The falling lifetime allowance over time resulted in more individuals needing to carefully plan for any additional tax charge they may be exposed to during retirement.

Under the historical rules, the lifetime allowance charge imposed on pension savings in excess of the applicable lifetime allowance depended on the timing of distribution of that excess:

• 55% of the value of the excess if taken as a lump sum, or

• 25% of the value of the excess if taken piecemeal as part of flexi-access drawdowns. (Note: with the actual drawdowns then subject to income tax at an individual’s marginal income tax rate). The charge would be payable following a ‘crystallisation event’ - The most common crystallisation events included beginning to draw on the pension, reaching age 75, or passing away before age 75 with no drawings having been made from your pension.

The lifetime allowance remained in force for TY23-24, but the lifetime allowance charge was reduced to zero for the tax year

The lifetime allowance remained in force for TY23-24, but the lifetime allowance charge was reduced to zero for the tax year. Instead of any excess above the lifetime allowance being subject to the lifetime allowance charge, any distributions of the excess were merely subject to an income tax charge when distributed.

What Has Replaced The Lifetime Allowance Charge?

As of 6th April 2024, the lifetime allowance framework is replaced by two new allowances:

1. A lump sum and death benefit allowance, and

2. A lump sum allowance.

Without other protections in place, an individual’s lump sum and death benefit allowance is £1,073,100 and their lump sum allowance is £268,275, which represent the lifetime allowance and the 25% pension commencement lump sum amount in place prior to the legislative changes.

The lump sum and death benefit allowance places some limitations around the maximum amount that can be considered tax-free in aggregate during the pension owners’ lifetime and on death. Any lump sum amount in excess of this aggregate amount will be subject to an income tax charge regardless of whether death occurs before age 75 or whether protection is in place.

In addition, an overseas transfer allowance in the amount of £1,073,100 has also been introduced for any overseas transfers of a UK pension to another qualified scheme outside of the UK (which is generally considered a taxable event for US purposes on the entire amount transferred) with any excess balances subject to a 25% overseas transfer charge.

What Is The Impact On Pension Protections?

Where an individual has previously secured primary protection, individual protection or fixed protection, a higher lump sum allowance and lump sum and death benefit allowance will remain applicable based on the thresholds available under the particular protection scheme. In this instance, the total protected amount should remain available as the lump sum and death benefit allowance, and 25% of the protected lifetime allowance should remain available as a lump sum.

Individuals with enhanced protection should note that the treatment going forward has changed. Those with enhanced protection will have a lump sum and death

benefit allowance equal to the pension value as of 5th April, 2023, with the lump sum allowance capped at 25% of that applicable value. As a result, future growth on the pension post 5th April, 2023, onwards will no longer remain protected under enhanced protection and would be subject to income tax when excess benefits are received.

Prior to the changes, those with enhanced or fixed protection could lose their protection if any further contributions or benefit accrual took place after the protection took effect. While this rule is still in effect for any new applications for protection made after 15th March, 2023, those with historical enhanced protection and fixed protection have been able to make additional contributions since 5th April, 2023, without losing the protected status.

What Is The Impact Of Changes On Estate Planning Considerations?

Given the overall favourable changes for the accumulation of UK pensions, for a US taxpayer in the UK it is worth looking at both the US and the UK estate tax considerations on a UK pension. UK pensions are held outside of a UK taxable estate, while they are includable in a US taxable estate. As noted earlier, it is generally a useful tool to utilise for UK residents given the large differentials in US and UK estate tax allowances. A UK pensioner has the ability (regardless of age) to nominate a beneficiary of their wish to inherit their pension at death.

There is slightly different treatment on inherited benefits depending on whether the individual dies before or after reaching age 75. The treatment is outlined below:

Death Before Age 75

Where an individual passes away before age 75 without having drawn from the pension, the pension fund would be assessed against the lump sum and death benefit allowance. The full allowance will be available to pass tax-free to the beneficiary and excess taken above this allowance taxed as pension income.

Where an individual had already started to draw from the pension, any remaining lump sum and death benefit allowance would be available to use by the beneficiary, with any excess subject to income tax.

This represents a difference to the prior rules as death wasn’t previously a ‘crystallisation event’ for the purposes of computing lifetime allowance charges where pension funds were already being drawn down prior to age 75. This meant that the entire value of the pension (even in excess of the lifetime allowance) could pass tax-free to beneficiaries previously. This is no longer the case.

To the extent pension benefits are taken via nominee or successor flexi-access drawdown rather than as lump sum death benefits, income distributions will remain tax-free to beneficiaries.

Death At Or After Age 75

If an individual dies prior to drawdown or while in drawdown, the beneficiary can access withdrawals from the pension flexibly over time and there are no restrictions on the amount that can be withdrawn at once. Where a pension fund is not yet in drawdown, the beneficiary is entitled to take the lump sum allowance tax-free with any additional distributions taxed at the beneficiary’s marginal rate of income tax. Where a pension fund was in drawdown with the lump sum allowance utilised, the beneficiary will pay tax on all distributions at their marginal rate of income tax.

Managing the US and UK tax implications of UK pension withdrawals should be a topic of discussion with your US/UK tax adviser and wealth manager to ensure you optimise your drawdown strategy. The flexible drawdown rules and changes to the lifetime allowance regime allow funds to pass on to beneficiaries for their use as they see fit. When embarking on a UK pension distribution strategy it will continue to be important for US taxpayers to consider their US-UK estate tax position and legacy goals accordingly.

Further information please contact

Andrea Solana:

andrea.solana@masecopw.com

The Legal Stuff

This document may not be forwarded, copied or distributed without our prior consent. This document has been prepared by MASECO LLP for information purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax or any other type of advice and should not be construed as such. The information contained herein is subject to copyright with all rights reserved.

The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of MASECO as a whole or any part thereof. All investments involve risk and may lose value. The value of your investment can go down depending upon market conditions and you may not get back the original amount invested. Your capital is always at risk. This article does not take into account the specific goals or requirements of individuals and is not intended to be, nor should be construed as, investment or tax advice. Information contained in this article is based on MASECO’s understanding of current tax law and legislation which is subject to change. MASECO Private Wealth is not a tax specialist. Your ability to benefit from any of the tax mitigation planning mentioned in this article will depend on your personal circumstances. The levels, and bases, of tax relief is subject to change. You should carefully consider the suitability of any strategies along with your financial situation prior to making any decisions on an appropriate strategy. We strongly recommend that every client seeks their own tax advice prior to acting on any of the tax mitigation opportunities described in this article.

MASECO LLP (trading as MASECO Private Wealth and MASECO Institutional) is established as a limited liability partnership under the laws of England and Wales (Companies House No. OC337650) and has its registered office at Burleigh House, 357 Strand, London WC2R 0HS. The individual partners are Mr J E Matthews, Mr J R D Sellon, Mr A Benson, Mr D R B Dorman, Mr H Q A Findlater, Mr T Flonaes, Mr E A Howison and Ms A L Solana. For your protection and for training purposes, calls are usually recorded.

MASECO LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the conduct of investment business in the UK and is registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor.

HOTEL REVIEW

Summer Lodge, Evershot, Dorset

Summer Lodge is a boutique, country house hotel, situated within the enchanting village of Hardy’s Evershot in Dorset, and is the perfect place to base yourself if you are looking to explore miles of beautiful countryside or spend the day at the nearest beaches at Seatown or Kimmeridge Bay, or slightly further afield the famous seaside town of Lyme Regis with its eclectic selection of shops, or the cliffedged West Bay. There are also a selection of vineyards nearby, including Furleigh Estate, Langham Wine and Bride Valley.

The Grade II Listed, Red Carnation property is set within 4 acres of manicured walled gardens and is the perfect setting to relax and unwind, especially in the spring and summer, as the gardens surrounding Summer Lodge’s buildings are absolutely stunning and perfectly kept, and include a vegetable garden, green lawns to play croquet, and a lovely seating area by a pretty water feature, which had it not been raining, we would definitely have enjoyed a drink by!

There is an indoor pool that is large enough to swim in, sun-loungers, a Jacuzzi and sauna, a small gym, and treatment rooms offering an array of body and beauty treatments,

including massages, holistic treatments, facials and pregnancy treatments.

The staff at Summer Lodge are as charming as the property itself, and our welcome on arrival was warm and friendly, whilst remaining very professional. We felt that nothing was too much trouble for the staff, from the receptionists, to the restaurant staff and the turn down staff who kindly waited twenty minutes whilst we finished getting ready for dinner.

This generous hospitality is extended warmly to families including pets, where every care is taken to ensure guests enjoy a memorable stay and we met at least five four legged friends who all looked like they were enjoying their stay as much as we were!

The 20 rooms and four luxury suites are individually styled, while the 400-year-old Ivy Cottage is a retreat within a retreat. The room we stayed in was very comfortable, with a small conservatory leading from the bedroom that led on to a small courtyard that housed two sunloungers. Again, these would have been perfect had we been there in spring or summer, and add an extra element of privacy for those wanting

to be alone. I always think the little touches that hotels offer are what make them, and on arrival we found chocolates and shortbread, and when we asked for an ice bucket to be delivered, we were also brought small bowls of popcorn, crisps and olives.

The living areas of the hotel are very comfortable, with a dog friendly bar and large lounge, that in winter houses a roaring fire, and would be lovely to enjoy Afternoon Tea in, or a pre-dinner glass of champagne.

The restaurant offers a menu of locally sourced produce, whilst using its own garden’s produce, and I have to say my meal was absolutely delicious and one of the nicest hotel meals I have had, and it thoroughly deserves its 3 AA Rosettes. Starters included Pork Rib, Crab, Mackerel and Short Rib, whilst mains included Monkfish, Cod, Lamb, Duck and Chicken, along with a Cauliflower option for vegetarians. We enjoyed some delicious local cheeses and shared an even more delicious Apple Crumble Soufflé. What was so nice about the restaurant was the atmosphere, with many guests, including

ourselves, chatting to those on the tables next to them, and although we were in Dorset, our fellow diners were also from the same town my friend was from in Cornwall!

Breakfast is taken in the conservatory, where you can look out on to the lovely garden and lawn, and offers a continental choice including the usual selection of yoghurts, perfectly cut fruit salad, breads, cold meats and fish and cereals, as well as the traditional hot breakfasts.

If you are looking to head towards the UNESCO Heritage Jurassic Coast, for a weekend or longer, then Summer Lodge would be a perfect hotel in which to stay.

For further information on Summer Lodge please visit www.summerlodge.co.uk

9 Fore Street, Evershot, Dorset, DT2 0JR

Telephone: 01935 482000

THE EVOLUTION OF SELF-PUBLISHING

“Some

May Still Dream Of Chat Shows And The TLS Review But That Is Only One Way Of Doing Things”.

- Orna Ross, Founder & Director,

While getting a book deal with a traditional publisher continues to be a goal for many authors, for millions of others, selfpublishing is becoming increasingly enticing, not least because it is easier than ever before to quickly create, distribute and market an professional-looking book.

Statistics bear this out. According to wordsrated.com, the number of selfpublished books has increased by 264% in the last five years, with 300 million sold each year (https://wordsrated.com/selfpublished-book-sales-statistics/). However, it is not just the growth in numbers of selfpublished authors that is impressive, but also their success.

According to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Alliance of Independent Authors, self-published authors made up over 50% of Kindle’s Top 400 Books for 2023. The London Book Fair I recently attended featured several standing-room only panels devoted to selfpublishing and the rise of the independent author, attended by hundreds of writers of every age. As one panelist noted, selfpublishing is particularly appealing to those working in genres such as romance, fantasy, and thrillers, especially if they are adept at cultivating their audiences through social media and other avenues.

What Is SelfPublishing?

Self-publishing refers to the process where an author takes control of the entire process of publishing their book. The advantages to self-publishing include:

• Authors no longer need to find an agent to ensure publication of their book

• The authors owns all the rights to their work

• Authors can receive dramatically higher royalty profits

• Books can be brought to market much faster (self-publishing can take months or sometimes weeks, compared to traditional publication which can take up to 18 months or longer).

The disadvantages to self-publishing include:

Alliance of Independent Authors

• More responsibility. The onus is on the author to create as professional a book as possible. This potentially requires more time (and money) invested in marketing, editing, formatting, cover design, etc., although there are increasing numbers of companies providing these services

• More work to get visibility. Book reviewers for major media outlets are more likely to cover traditionally published books as they are considered to be pre-vetted. For the same reason, it can be more difficult to get selfpublished work into bookstores, although this is changing.

For the same reason, it can be more difficult to get selfpublished work into bookstores, although this is changing

Hybrid Publishers

Another option, for non-fiction authors in particular, is hybrid publishing, said author Suzy Quinn, Editorial Director of the UK office of Kevin Anderson Associates, a company offering book- and ghostwriting services. Hybrid publishers occupy a middle ground between traditional publishing and self-publishing. In general, hybrid publishers and authors share the

costs of producing and distributing a book. The authors won’t receive an advance, as is typical in traditional publishing deals, but they may earn higher royalty fees.

“With hybrid publishing, you know what to expect”, said Quinn. Because traditional publishing cycle can be lengthy and sometimes unpredictable, it can represent a huge opportunity cost for authors, particularly those in the business or selfhelp fields, who want to know exactly when their book will come out.

Do Your Research

If you do choose a hybrid publisher, however, do your research. Query authors that have worked with them in the past, and ensure the publishers have a process in place to evaluate the books they publish, so that it is not just a vanity press disguised as a hybrid publisher. Examine the books they have produced to discern their editorial and production quality.

Note, too, that a good hybrid publisher can be costly – perhaps up to 30-40K USD. As Quinn stated, “the chance of making your money back is slim”.

Insights From The London Book Fair

• Increased Professionalism. Nearly every panel I attended at LBF noted the increasingly professionalism in the selfpublishing market. Today, many successful self-published authors organize their businesses like mini-conglomerates, hiring their own editors, marketing and publicity experts, proofreaders, beta readers, audio book narrators, cover designers, fulfilment services, and more.

They are aided by new digital tools as well as companies such as Reedsy, where authors can find and hire a wide range freelance publishing professionals, to one-stop shops such as Stardust Book Services, BookBaby (their blog has dozens of tips on self-publishing) and Smashwords (a company focused exclusively on e-books). For those

who want name recognition, there are established companies such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

• The Importance of Marketing and Publicity. Marketing is hugely important for self-published authors.

Many panelists stated that they devote as much time to marketing as they do to writing their books. Encompassing everything from personal branding on social media to finding and engaging their reader community both online and in person, marketing also includes cultivating publicists, journalists, reviewers, and BookTok influencers (several LBF panels were devoted to ways to utilise TikTok and BookTok).

Many authors mentioned the importance of regular newsletters to keep in touch with readers, along with creative giveaways and promotions

• Increased Splintering of the Market.

Orna Ross, Founder and Director of the Alliance of Independent Authors, speaking on the Rise of the Indie Author panel, mentioned the increased nicheing of the book market and the erosion of the idea of traditional publishing as the sole path to successful authorship. “Now people can be famous to followers and unknown to others. Some may still

dream of chat shows and the TLS review but that is only one way of doing things.” Several authors mentioned setting up a discord servers to build their networks and reach their audiences directly. Others are investing in e-commercepowered websites to capture higher sales revenue much more quickly.

Of course, writers will always still need to write their books, build their relationships with their readers and think of creative ways to grow their audiences

• Embrace Technology. Many panelists noted the transformative powers of technology, particularly AI. Increasingly self-published authors are using Shopify, Kickstarter and Book vault for everything from selling their books direct to audiences, to publishing, shipping, and print on demand services. Rise of the Indie Author panelist Michael La Ronn, of Author Level Up, a popular You Tube channel, said that “I think it’s the greatest time in the history of the world to be a writer. AI can help us be the best version of ourselves, from ideation to marketing”. Of course, writers will always still need to write their books, build their relationships with their readers and think of creative ways to grow their audiences. But if you’re willing to put in the time, the rewards for selfpublished writers may be well worth it. As Jo Henry, Managing Director of Book Brunch, a daily news service and information site for the book industry that also runs the Selfies Book Awards said, “there’s no rules for self-publishing except to be prepared for a lot of hard work, to be passionate about your book, and to find a great community to support you – not just readers, but other indie authors too, who are usually incredibly helpful and collegiate”.

By Sarah Midori Zimmerman

READER’S LIVES

American in Britain reader, James Darborough, has himself had a book published - The Gambler’s Gamethat shares some of his Grandfather’s history as the only American to break the bank at Monte Carlo.

Born in 1869, William Darnborough was the only American to break the bank at Monte Carlo. He was also an American who aspired to be in Britain, and in 1912, he finally achieved his goal as the farm boy from southern Illinois married into English aristocracy. In simple terms, he was following the “American Dream”, although, at the same time, he followed his own “European Dream”.

His exploits were widely reported at the time, and there are corners of the internet that still discuss his roulette system over 120 years later. Around four years ago, I was contacted by a complete stranger who had come across his story. The conversation went a little like this:

“He’s the man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo! You’re his grandson and so you must write a screenplay. After all, you live in LA now, so you must know everyone in the film business”. As I do not “know everyone in the film business”, I decided to write a novel based on his adventures instead. The screenplay will hopefully follow. Fortunately, my grandmother and, subsequently, my mother, kept a considerable amount of letters, photographs, and other items, including a Royal Enclosure badge from Ascot in 1909, and many of William Darnborough’s notebooks.

The newspaper archives available on the internet also provide a rich source of material. After three years of investigating,

interviewing experts in baseball and roulette, meeting with the directors of the casino in Monte Carlo and dozens of book drafts, I have just released The Gambler’s Game.

A gifted baseball pitcher, Bill, made his way from rural Illinois to play for teams including Denver and Kansas. Still, his roulette exploits took him to New Orleans, Mexico City, San Francisco, Nevada, and the gambling dens of 1900 Gilded Age New York. Finally, he spent eight years at the casino in Monte Carlo, living next door at the Hotel de Paris. His commute was the secret underground tunnel that still exists between the hotel and the magnificent casino underneath the Place du Casino.

Russian Grand Dukes, Italian Countesses, British Lords, American financiers, and German industrialists mingled in Monte Carlo at the same time that the first car rally was held in 1911. This was a time when motorcars, domestic electricity, telephones, and even airplanes all came into existence. It was indeed a moment in history when it seemed anything was achievable. However, one prize alluded William Nelson Darnborough - assimilation into British society. Plenty of the tailors, cobblers, and hatmakers that still exist on Jermyn Street and Saville Row aided his quest, and many of them are featured in the book, as well as Brown’s Hotel, Ascot, and Waddesdon Manor, which was highlighted in the Winter 2023 issue of American in Britain.

If your quest is to assimilate into London society, how do you meet people in the early 1900s? The American Club, situated next to the old In and Out Club on Piccadilly, provided a centre for London’s growing expatriate community, but was not established until 1918 (sadly, it closed in the 1980s). For the record, William Darnborough was a founding member of the American Club, and according to family tales, his wife would often call the members’ bar to request he return home.

Luckily, Bill’s reputation proceeded him.

New York Times, page 3, December 25th, 1910:

By far the most discussed person on the Riviera now is W.N. Darnborough, the American who recently won so heavily at the Monte Carlo roulette tables. He went to Nice for a spell of golf, but now he is back playing again. He is still winning and is now well over $400,000 to the good. He is regarded by the croupiers as the heaviest and luckiest player ever known at Monte Carlo.

Once he had established Brown’s Hotel on Albemarle Street as his permanent residence, the invitations followed. Eventually, and almost inevitably, his story evolves into a lifechanging decision: Should he give up his life of gambling and champagne in Monaco in exchange for the heart of an English lady?

The Gambler’s Game is available on Amazon in print, kindle, and audio formats. Further information can be found at www.thegamblersgame.com.

WRITING COMPETITION

To mark World Book Day, PropertyGuides.com invite anyone who has moved abroad to tell them all about it, with at least one writer getting the chance for a regular paid blog for their website, read by thousands of would-be expats each week.

Competition Details:

YOUR TASK:

Write a 500 to 1,000 word article on any aspect of moving to your new home. Entertain, inform and inspire them! It can be an area guide, top tips, amusing anecdote or advice for others to learn from your mistakes!

THE PRIZE:

At least one writer will be offered a paid monthly column on PropertyGuides.com for at least a year. Whether it’s sharing information about how you got your visa, renovated your property or made friends with the neighbours, there is a broad scope for the types of articles you could write.

YOU:

You’re a native English speaker who has moved abroad in the past ten years. You should be prepared to cover the details of your move, including property buying or rental, getting visas and just dealing with the everyday in your new country, with accuracy and verve.

At least one writer will be paid a minimum of £100 per article and a minimum of 12 articles, subject to meeting minimum quality standards.

You’ve imagined your own Year in Provence like Peter Mayle, or Driving over Lemons in Andalusia like Chris Stewart, or even renovating a riad like Tahir Shah, but could you write as well as them? Their writers earn as much as £2,000 per year.

Submit your entry to www.propertyguides.com/earn-money-bywriting-about-living-abroad/

Competition ends 1st May 2024.

HERE ARE A SELECTION OF EXPAT BOOKS THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN:

1. La Vie. A Year in Rural France – John Lewis-Sempel

Life deep in the Charente, depicted by one of the UK’s best nature writers, as he relaxes into a French lifestyle, indulging in two-hour lunches, while watching wild boar trot past his garden.

2. Driving Over Lemons – Chris Stewart

We’ve been to Chris Stewart’s Alpujarras home and it really is out in the sticks, but beautifully situated at a confluence of two rivers below the Sierra Nevada. You’ll love his tales of swapping scraping a living in rural Sussex, for living his best life in rural Spain.

3. A Dream of Italy – Nicky Pelligrino

You’ve read the articles. You’ve watched the TV shows. Now you can read a novel about four strangers who each take up the challenge of a one-euro home renovation in southern Italy.

4. Snowball Oranges: One Mallorcan Winter – Peter Kerr

The world behind the beaches has been brought vividly to life by a jazz-playing Scotsman who purchased a run-down farm and was shortlisted for the WHSmith British Travel Book of The Year Award.

5. A Year in Provence – Peter Mayle

The world-wide bestseller that kickstarted not just the cheerful expat genre, but launched a thousand ferry passengers to France looking to capture his joie de vivre.

6. My Family and Other Animals – Gerald Durrell

Recently depicted on the hit TV series, this is the classic true-life tale of the Durrells’ move from Bournemouth to Corfu in the 1930s. Funny, wise, lots of animals and a horrible mistake in a Greek toilet.

7. Under the Tuscan Sun – Frances Mayes

The memoir that was turned into a movie starring Diane Lane, about a

recently divorced author who goes to renovate an abandoned villa each summer, picturing how the previous owner would have reacted.

8. The Caliph’s House – Tahir Shah

A departure from the usual Provence or Mediterranean islands, The Caliph’s House tells the tale of a frazzled British film-maker who heads to Morocco to renovate a mansion. Described as “joyful and resplendent” by the Sunday Times.

9. Cartes Postales from Greece – Victoria Hislop

Described as a lavish love letter to Greece, the Sunday Times bestseller’s novel is about a “discovery not only of a culture but also of a desire to live life to the full once more”.

10.Things Can Only Get Feta – Marjorie McGinn

Marjorie McGinn’s puns are painful (“Homer’s Where the Heart Is”) but the journalist’s account of her move from Scotland to Greece, at the start of Greece’s economic woes, is a delight. McGinn has now moved into novels on the same theme.

CHRISTOPHER NYE, EXPLAINS WHY EXPAT LITERATURE IS SO POPULAR: “Expat literature is so powerful because it fits the classic story structure: a character that you empathise with, who goes on a journey where they meet challenges and discover things about a new place and about themselves.

“Add an element of escape from the humdrum or a failed relationship, looking for love or a new career or just some excitement, and who wouldn’t want to read that? The fish out of water, the Brit abroad, is a wonderful source of humour, inspiration and shared experience.

“They can be fiction or non-fiction too, and many arise naturally from blogging. That’s why our offer to tell us about your experience overseas could be your route to a bestseller!”.

Best of luck if you do enter the above competition!

THEATRE REVIEW

By Tim Baros

Standing At The Sky’s Edge

Standing at the Sky’s Edge, winner of several Olivier awards last year, is thankfully back for those of us who missed it the first time around.

A National Theatre production now at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in Covent Covent, Standing at the Sky’s Edge tells the story, in three different decades, of the occupants of a council flat in the Park Hill buildings in Sheffield. It’s very well orchestrated, with the set being a partially exposed tower block, as we get introduced to the occupants of the flat separately, but then as the show gets going, their stories intertwine with each other and at times all are on the stage at the same time - cleverly done! First off is a working class couple just starting out - in 1960. Then in 1989 an immigrant family from Liberia move in to start their lives in a new country. And lastly,

in 2015, a single woman - Poppy - moves into the flat. She has fled London (and her ex- girlfriend) to start a new life. And as the clock ticks along, so do the stories. Babies, relationships, drama, breakups, and yes death, all take place within the span of 70 years in this show, hailed as a home grown triumph. It’s quite a journey!

Director, Robert Hastie, has an easy job thanks to the cast of over 25 characters (Laura Pitt-Pulford playing Poppy is the standout), are all very good, while the band, situated on the second floor of the stage/tower block, are visible but not obvious and not in the way. The music and lyrics, by Richard Hawley, are beautiful, and while the second half in no way compares to the first half, Standing is memorable and one of the best shows now playing in the West End.

www.lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/ standing-at-the-skys-edge-2/

Laura Pitt-Pulford as Poppy, Elizabeth Ayodele as Joy and Rachael Wooding as Rose in Standing at the Sky’s Edge in the West End. Credit Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.

The Tax & Legal Services You Need As An American in Britain

Expat Legal Services Group works with American expatriate families and business owners in the areas of international taxation, immigration law, and cross border business and estate planning. With a focus on US/UK tax compliance, the firm leverages a modern suite of technology resources to deliver an optimised solution for US citizens and residents with cross border filing obligations.

Contact: Roland Sabates

Telephone: +1 816 812 6246

Email: roland@expatlegal.com

www.expatlegal.com

Looking for a professional Quiz Master?

Ben Everson has many years experience in compiling and compering quizzes, and has a great reputation for hosting fun, entertaining evenings.

Ben ensures that the questions will be tailored to your audience, and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to their team, as well as providing informative and amusing context to some of the answers.

A great quiz doesn’t just happen, it needs careful planning and research, so if you are looking to hold a successful Quiz Night and would like to someone to create a memorable quiz and host the evening for you, please call Ben Everson on 07921 694823, or email beneverson@hotmail.com

PROPERTY

Above, Beyond And By Your Side: When Destination Services Are A Lifeline For Expats

Imagine you have just arrived at JFK International Airport. You’ve taken on a new role at work, and the company has arranged to relocate you and your family to the United States. It’s already late by the time you get through customs, collect all your luggage and take a car service to your short-term accommodations, only to find that the night clerk has no record of your reservation and no vacancies.

What Do You Do?

Who Do You Call?

If your company has engaged a Destination Service Provider, you call your designated consultant from the Settling-In Services team. Because this is the person you have engaged with the most up to this point, she knows your family. Because she is always available to you - literally at any time of the day or night - you know she will answer. And because your consultant knows the last thing you want to do is check into a hotel, possibly for days on end, she dispatches her husband to collect you and your family and bring you all back to their home to stay while she gets everything sorted out.

The scenario described above is a true story. There’s above-and-beyond. There’s going the extra mile. Then there is what a Destination Services Provider does.

Whether you are relocating to the US, the UK or anywhere else around the world, destination services can be a lifeline for expats like you. Yes, they help with getting your Social Security, bank account, driver’s license, ID cards and all those legalities, but the real service really shines when it comes to managing the many inevitable vagaries of life in a foreign country.

Just ask my colleague Francesca Ferraiolo. As Director, Destination Services, Francesca manages a team of settling-in consultants with a tremendous capacity for empathy and a talent for handling unexpected hiccups.

“The first thing to understand is that there is no such thing as ‘standard’ destination services,” she said. “Everything is customised to the assignee’s experience”. Francesca has no shortage of anecdotes like the one about the consultant who welcomed the assignee and family into her home.

There’s the team member who excused himself from his family’s Christmas Eve celebration in order to serve as a witness and

celebrant of an assignee’s hastily arranged nuptials at City Hall.

There’s the time Francesca herself negotiated the sale of an assignee’s car - for as much as $15,000 more than he might’ve gotten otherwise - or helped to save another assignee’s life by finding her a hospital to address acute abdominal pain that turned out to be appendicitis.

Assignees often have personal issues that they don’t want to raise with their human resources department

“Assignees often have personal issues that they don’t want to raise with their human resources department”, she explained. “They come to us because, in many ways, we are their first friends in a strange country. We’re like extended family that they can trust”.

Beyond her 20-plus years of working in relocation, Francesca has first-hand experience with what it feels like to be a stranger in a strange land. She was seven years old when she moved with her family from their native Calabria, in the south of Italy, to Connecticut.

In fact, all the consultants on our team have had similar experiences. Many of them have lived all over the world and speak multiple languages, and all of them know the power in simple acts of kindness to ease the hardships of adapting to an unfamiliar culture. This is true for most DSP’s.

When Francesca recounts all the stories about the ways our consultants go above and beyond, people often ask, why? Why be on-call 24/7 and go to such great lengths?

The simple answer is that this is the business value a DSP offers: we do everything we do to make the experience a success, and the more we make it a success, the more our client companies will hear from their employees that we are destination service rock stars.

But there’s also another reason: It’s the right thing to do.

By Christine Haney, Executive Vice President, Global Relocation and Referral Services, Douglas Elliman

AUDITIONING IN THE UK

Are You Interested In Auditioning For A Casting Agency Whilst In The UK?

If you are registered to receive our monthly email newsletters, you may have seen several casting agencies advertising for Americans living in the UK to audition for various adverts, films and television shows, so if this is something that interests you, here are some tips from one of our avid readers, Nicola Peluso, an actress, and fellow American living in the UK.

Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about your background, and what brought you to the UK?

I am a Californian girl, born in Santa Monica. I began acting professionally in LA at the very young age of four with the Nina Blanchard agency. I have worked professionally as a model and actor in Los Angeles, Milan, and New York. My partner is British, and we first met on set of his rock band’s video shoot in New York and relocated to the UK in 2015 for family life. I currently work as a professional actor in London and have been fortunate to work across the industry in film, television, stage, voice and games. I have also written and produced my own film which screened at several international film festivals. Some of my current work includes ‘Marvel’s ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp; Quantumania’, video games Sherlock Holmes; The Awakened and Robo-Cop; Rogue City and I am the official voice of Ford Motors UK and Europe.

What can our readers expect if they go for an audition?

A myriad of things can be expected of you in an audition. A common request on a first audition is for a Self-Tape. The expectation is for you to record your performance of the ‘sides’ (script) and any noted physical instructions with a ‘reader ‘(someone off camera reading the dialogue of the other character) and send it over to casting. You should choose a quiet environment in which to record. You should have a well lit, blank wall/backdrop, and the recording should have clean clear sound. Most actors use their iPhones, but you can opt for more professional equipment if need be.

The CDG (Casting Directors Guild) has a great ‘Guide to Self-Taping’ which can be found on their website.

You will be given some additional time to get off book, maybe 10 minutes and will then read for the additional characters

agent. They may request further details such as height, location, availability and any scheduling conflicts. You will then work on the material with the casting director, director or casting assistant. If your scene has dialogue they will ‘read in’ for you. You may potentially be asked to audition for additional characters on the day, once in the room, something that has happened to me on more than one occasion. You will be given some additional time to get off book, maybe 10 minutes and will then read for the additional characters.

What advice can you give readers with regards to their audition?

If going to an audition in person, prepare the sides that you will be sent by the casting director beforehand. This means that you should be ‘off-book’, having memorised the dialogue for your scene. Occasionally, there won’t be anything to prepare in advance, and you will receive the script at the audition and may be given instructions as to improvise an action or scenario in the audition room. Always dress as the character would, arrive no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled audition time and be comfortable with waiting. Casting directors are incredibly hard working and so respectful of talent, but sometimes auditions run over and you may have to wait past your appointment time to be seen. You may also be paired up with another performer at the audition and be expected to work together on the day. It’s best to respect the process of the other performers whilst waiting to be seen, and keep conversation, phone activity and line running to a minimum. When you are called into the room, you will be instructed on where to stand, and asked to ‘slate’ to camera. Slate means to look down the lens then state your name and

It is best to thoroughly prepare for your audition. Research the project, and have an understanding of the format, pace and tone of the piece, as well as the people affiliated with the project. Develop your character as informed by the story and text. Create a back story for your character. Know where your character is coming from, what is happening in the scene, their wants, needs, desires and motivations. Be open to receiving direction and offering adjustments to your performance and most importantly, have fun.

Have you got any funny stories from past auditions?

I love auditioning. It is always full of surprises. I think one of the most humorously unique experiences I’ve had in the audition room was for a video game at Spotlight. The director was brilliant and had a background in experimental theatre. He had called in to the audition over Zoom and surprised us in the room with a myriad of unusual props; a wool blanket soaked in a bucket of freezing water, juggling balls, dumbbells, rubber bands and other unique objects to engage with whilst performing our dialogue. It was quite a surprise for us. Wringing out a very heavy wet wool blanket over Zoom meant that things did get a bit slippery, but it was quite fun and we had a lot of laughs, though the subject matter was quite serious and high intensity.

Are there any pitfalls readers should be aware of?

If unrepresented you should be very careful about where you find casting notices. It is important to understand your rights as a performer and what can and can not be requested of you in an in-person audition, Self-Tape, or at work. I recommend looking for casting notices from reputable sources such as Spotlight, Backstage and Casting Networks, to name a few.

There are some great guidelines for conduct and professionalism in the industry to assist you on your journey as a professional performer. I recommend visiting the PMA (Personal Managers Association) and the CDG (Casting Directors Guild) websites as well as Spotlight and Equity UK, all of which have great resources for performers understanding their rights and codes of conduct within the industry. Everything from contracts, pay agreements, consent, etc. is covered.

Finding great agents who are in alignment with your values, and career goals to represent you is imperative to your development and success as a performer. I recommend agents that are members of the PMA. It can take time to find the perfect fit. But having that great team in your corner is golden.

But having that great team in your corner is golden

If our readers are successful and do get offered a part, what can they expect when they start filming?

What a great question. The beauty of this medium is that every production manifests differently. From Studio productions to indy film making, TV, voice and games. There are a myriad of variables as to what you should expect. With voice, I have been booked on jobs with a little as 2 hours notice. With film I have sometimes been booked anywhere from three days up to two weeks. Other times you have more time to prepare.

You may receive the script days or weeks in advance and other times the script may come the night before the shoot.

But there are a few standard protocols. You will be sent a contract to sign which you should review thoroughly. If represented, your agents should have a firm handle on contract negotiations and industry standards, and you should feel comfortable discussing any articles you find unclear. If unrepresented, I encourage you check with an entertainment attorney and Equity UK to make sure the agreement has both you and the production’s best interest at hand, and that everything is in alignment with industry standards.

At some point you will receive the script, potentially offered a rehearsal schedule and be contacted by production to arrange; transport, wardrobe fittings, hair and makeup tests, shooting schedules and call times.

When you arrive on set (the best part) it is time to fully live in the world of the character. You will be introduced to your fellow actors and members of production then given direction by your director - and it’s time to work! There are many intricacies involved in production, so it’s great to read up on productions of all kinds to get the lay of the land. Film,TV, Voice, Games and MoCap, (motion capture), though having much in common, they are all very different mediums and have different structures and technical requirements and expectations. Learn all of the roles on set and how you can best be respectful, professional and able to self-manage at work. A film set is a beautiful collaborative ecosystem. Approach every job with an open mind and a collaborative spirit.

Do you have any final words of wisdom for our readers?

Acting is beautiful. I believe that it takes great endurance and passion to be in the industry, and it is a vocation in the truest sense of the word. It is such a wonderful profession. There is always something new to explore within yourself. I am continuously challenged by this work not only as an artist but as a human being. This great work connects us to our enduring humanity, offering us the opportunity to connect to each other, exploring the human condition and expanding through empathy. Storytelling is an ever evolving medium. There are so many exciting things happening in Film and TV, Games and Voice, and new technologies alongside re-emergence of classic techniques like 35mm. Find as many opportunities as possible to create and collaborate. There are many great resources to assist you in discovering career opportunities. Get out

there and take a class or workshop, connect with others in the industry, attend film festivals and create your own work.

There are many great resources to assist you in discovering career opportunities. Get out there and take a class or workshop, connect with others in the industry, attend film festivals and create your own work

Helen would like to thank Nicola for taking the time to share her thoughts with you, and if you do go for an audition and are successful, please do let us know.

SPRING CLEANING

Spring Cleaning Tips For A Sparkling Home

It’s spring-cleaning time, and while it can feel like a daunting task, there are few things more satisfying than a freshly spruced home. Open your windows, let out winter’s layer of dust, and clear out your clutter. Here are some tips to spring clean your house so it sparkles.

Start Small

Do you start by cleaning the windows? Or maybe with the hoovering? Or what if you started by going through the pile of paperwork that’s built up into a small mountain?

If you find yourself wondering where to begin, it helps to break things down into bitesize chunks. Quite often, cleaning your house room by room is the best option. By being organised and structured, you’ll be able to clean more effectively and save time too. Start with the most used room in the house, which is probably the kitchen, and work from there.

Rope In Some Helpers

You could set yourself a challenge to spring clean your house in a day. Try and get your family and friends involved to spread the load (you might have to bribe them with a well-earned takeaway at the end of the day). Put on some music, grab the dusters, and have some fun.

Clear The Clutter

Spring cleaning is about more than getting rid of hidden grime. It’s also about organising your things and clearing out the clutter. It’s when you go through your drawers and cupboards that you find the clothes you haven’t seen for ages, and the important bits you thought you’d lost.

Be ruthless. There are many charity shops in the UK, so if you are brave enough to clear the clutter, I am sure they would be delighted to receive your donations, or you can try to sell them on one of many of the recycling apps that have appeared over the years.

Once you have gone through all the detritus of your house, you know the things that are left are important to you, so you need to find a safe and sensible place for it all.

Tackle The Big Jobs First

There are some chores that you simply can’t escape – even if you want to. Cleaning the oven is one of them, and if you have been

collecting grease in the bottom since your last spring clean, there’s no easy option. It’s going to take rubber gloves, oven cleaner and plenty of elbow grease, or you could call many of the mobile oven cleaning companies who will come to your home with their special equipment and do this for you.

Windows can also be a huge job, simply because there are so many of them and you must do both sides. Professional window cleaners are often the best option for the outside as they have extendable squeegees. When it comes to the inside, there are plenty of cleaning hacks available for streak-free glass.

And when you’ve done those two jobs, pack up your duvets to send to the dry cleaner. Get these big jobs out of the way and then you’re free to focus on the rest.

Less Is More

When it comes to cleaning products, less is more. An abundance of bottles, sprays and cloths creates more clutter and is just not necessary. A good multi-purpose spray will go a long way, and when it comes to things like limescale or grease, some natural kitchen supplies often pack the best punch. A squeeze of lemon juice gets rid of shower scum in mere moments. If your dishwasher needs a cleaning rinse, add a cup of vinegar on a hot wash and it will sparkle like new.

When it comes to cleaning cloths, it’s always best to find reusable ones. A pack of microfibre cloths will last. You just throw them in the washing machine, and they’ll come out clean and refreshed. They also fold down neatly, so they’re easy to store in your newly minimalist, organised undersink cupboard.

Keep Up The Hard Work

Now that your house is sparkling clean, the hardest thing to do is to maintain it. Life is busy and sometimes it’s hard to even get past breakfast without finding the worktops full of dirty bowls and cups.

By tackling the cleaning little and often, you can keep on top of any dirt and dust. If you live with a partner or housemate, try to agree a routine that suits you both. If you have children, give them a job like emptying the dishwasher that they have to do every day. Share the load and keep on top of the small things and it will all feel much more achievable and that way you will have time to enjoy a fabulous UK summer – we hope!

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE

There Are Up To 6.5 Million US Citizens Abroad Who Are Eligible To Vote. Here’s How To Be One Of Them

With the candidates in each of the two major political parties now selected, US election season is now in high gear. All US citizens abroad over 18 have the right to vote in federal elections, no matter how long they’ve been away. Contrary to myth, overseas votes must be counted for an election to be certified – though some elections are ‘called’ beforehand if the races aren’t close. In fact, votes from abroad have been the ‘margin of victory’ in close races up and down the ballot. Our votes matter.

The process of voting from abroad is different from voting absentee domestically.

Americans abroad should register and request their absentee ballots by using a federal form called the FPCA (Federal Postcard Application). They should send in this form every calendar year, even if they are already registered, as early as January. Federal law says that states are not required to send ballots to voters abroad without a same year request. Some states will do so anyway for a set amount of time, but state laws change, and it can be hard to keep track. In addition, having an up-todate FPCA on file could protect your ballot in the event of a challenge.

Some states will allow abroad voters to register and request a ballot via their own state website, but voters should ensure they select the ‘abroad’ category, and state ID is often required - something abroad voters may no longer have, and is not required when using the FPCA.

No matter what you’ve done in the past, complete your FPCA registration/ballot request today! There are several websites that allow you to fill out the form online, and I’ll mention two: FVAP.gov, the government website, and votefromabroad.org (VFA), a website that is provided as a public service by the Democratic Party Committee Abroad.

VFA is easier to use as it offers a photosignature option. This means you can complete and sign the form using the camera on your mobile phone and, if permitted by your state, email it to your Local Election Official (LEO) without having to print anything out.

It’s best to send the form by email if your state allows - and most do. The sites will let you know if you can, based on your US voting address and registration status. Requesting your ballot is just the first step in a multi-step process. Put this list on your fridge as a reminder:

• Get to know your LEO. Once you’ve sent in the form, confirm your LEO has accepted and received it

• Check your inbox and your spam filter for your ballot 45 days before each election. For the November 5 general election, ballots start going out from September 21. Mark that date. If no ballot by then, contact your LEO

• Follow the directions carefully for completing and returning your voted ballot. Absentee ballots in some states may be subjected to a higher level of scrutiny, given the persistence of unfounded claims about voter fraud. States also have different rules. Though all states will email ballots to abroad voters, twenty states still require voters to postal mail their voted ballot back. Putting the printed ballot materials together can be a bit of an origami project. Have envelopes, scissors and tape handy.

Five states, including California and Florida, will accept ballots by mail or fax, but not email. No fax? Look for an app that can convert a PDF into a fax. Or, you can email a scan of your ballot materials to fax@fvap.gov and

FVAP will fax them to your LEO - just don’t wait until the last minute. For instructions, go to ‘Fax and Email guidelines’ on FVAP.gov.

• Act fast. No matter what your ballot return method, send your voted ballot back as soon as you receive it. The top reason overseas ballots are not accepted is that they arrive too late to be counted. Postal mail can be slow, so use an electronic method to return your ballot if allowed by your state

• Confirm your ballot has been received and accepted, either on your state website or with your LEO

• Have a back-up plan. If you’ve sent in an FPCA but don’t get your state ballot, or you sent your state ballot but your LEO hasn’t received it, you can use a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) to vote. You can generate a FWAB on FVAP.gov. It’s not voting twice to send in a FWAB - if your LEO receives both ballots by the deadline, they’ll count only your state ballot. If you need help, you can get it on FVAP.gov in the ‘Feedback’ tab or via VFA using the red icon on the lower right of the landing page. VFA also offers live voter help via Zoom: Go to or https://qrco.de/bbh0zg or scan the QR code below.

Laura Mosedale has lived in London for 26 years and votes from abroad in Minnesota. She is an FVAP.gov-trained Voting Assistance Officer. If you’d like to help get out the abroad vote, please email votefromabroaduk@gmail.com. We set up and staff nonpartisan voter registration drives at companies, clubs, international school and study abroad programmes. For nonpartisan voting information, follow votefromabroad on Instagram, FB, Linked In, TikTok and YouTube.

AMERICAN CLUBS’ NEWS

Kensington Chelsea

Women’s Club - KCWC

KCWC is a vibrant community of friendly, dynamic women from over 50 countries who enjoy London life to its fullest! Join us this Spring/Summer to fill your diary with exciting events in the company of new friends, such as the ‘Know before you go’ group, prior to visits to exhibits such as the Bloomberg New Contemporary, and the Angelica Kauffman exhibition and Christies. We also have multiple cookery groups plus culinary masterclasses eg. pairing food and fine wines.

Our Book Clubs, Bridge, and Tennis Clubs are vibrant, whilst a thriving Garden Group will shortly be taking a day out to explore Highgrove gardens (with kind permission of H.M. The King).

We all know that in London we’re surrounded by cutting edge architecture, but how about exploring the city’s most historic ‘secret’ buildings with group of kindred spirits to make it more fun.

You’re invited to be our special guest at our speakers events, where you’ll have a chance to get to know better, a member of the Royal family (sssh), plus leading surgeons, designers such as Alidad, and the glorious Sophie Conran and authors like Santa Montfiore.

Register today at KCWC.org.uk under Featured Activities - tickets are free for KCWC Members or £15 for guests and redeemable towards a new membership. You can also view our events calendar and learn how to join KCWC, London’s premiere international women’s social club for over forty years.

Now the fun and friendships start! We can’t wait to meet you.

American Women Lawyers In LondonAWLL

AWLL is an organisation of Londonbased women with ties to the American legal community. Our aim is to provide professional development support to members through educational events, networking and mentoring opportunities. AWLL has also partnered with several top companies to offer exclusive discounts and benefits to members.

Visit awll.org.uk to learn about membership benefits, upcoming events and to join our group.

For more information about AWLL, please visit our website at www.awll.org. uk or contact AWLL President Eryn Hanlon at eryn@awll.org.uk. You can also connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. We look forward to seeing you!

AWC London Women’s Group

In 1898 a group of American women living in London met for tea and agreed to create a women’s group dedicated to “useful service” in their home away from home. The following year, the American Women’s Club of London (AWC London) was founded. While the Club has evolved over the past 125 years, its core mission of helping expat women adjust to living abroad while also serving the London community has remained the same. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, the AWC London will be hosting a Founders’ Day event this spring to celebrate the Club’s rich history.

AWC London is also excited to announce that they have appointed a new President and Vice President to serve on the Board of Directors. Chitra Shanbhoque will be serving as President and Kathy McNamara will be serving as Vice President. Both Chitra and Kathy have held various roles on the Board of Directors over the past few years, and they are excited to take on their new roles to help the Club carry out their core mission for the years to come.

Junior League Of London - JLL

Discover the dynamic force that is the Junior League of London, the distinguished UK chapter of the Association of Junior Leagues, International. With nearly 300 leagues and a remarkable 125,000 global volunteers, we stand as one of the most impactful volunteer organisations globally - entirely powered by the dedication of women.

The league is a diverse community dedicated to fostering women’s leadership to achieve meaningful impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Fuelled by a passion for social change, we are committed to eradicating poverty in London. From tutoring sessions to meal service, our volunteers serve as a driving force behind transformative change.

Learn more here: https://www.jll.org.uk/ join-us/ or email membership@jll.org.uk.

USEFUL CONTACTS

CHARITABLE GIVING

CAF AMERICAN DONOR FUND

10 St Bride Street

London

EC4A 4AD

Contact: Joe Crome, Senior Manager, CAF American Donor Fund

Telephone: +44 (0) 3000 123 150 (Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm excluding UK bank holidays).

Email: cadf@cafonline.org

Website www.cafonline.org/cadf

With over 20 years’ experience, we are the smart, tax-effective way for dual UK and US taxpayers to achieve greater impact with their charitable giving.

The CAF American Donor Fund is a dual qualified Donor Advised Fund which can help you maximise the value of your gifts to charitable organisations. If you pay tax in the UK and the US, the CAF American Donor Fund enables you to claim eligible UK and US tax relief on your global giving, including adding 25% through UK Gift Aid where applicable.

We have a range of flexible products available, starting at one-off giving through to long-term invested funds. We accept donations of cash (any major currency); stocks and shares as well as non-cash gifts.

Whatever stage you’re at with your philanthropy journey, we can help. Our specialist team of Relationship Managers will be with you every step of the way to guide you quickly and efficiently throughout the management and administration of your giving, using our established and trusted service.

EDUCATION - SCHOOLS

TASIS THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ENGLAND

Coldharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey, TW20 8TE

Contact: Sarah Travis

Telephone: 01932 582316

Email: ukadmissions@tasisengland.org Website www.tasisengland.org

The educational pathways TASIS England offers to day (3-18) and boarding (13-18) students include a broad-based American curriculum, AP courses, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and EAL support. Taught in small classes, every student in our diverse community from 50 nations is encouraged to reach their academic potential. Participation in co-curricular activities, the arts, athletics, and leadership programs provides balance, fosters curiosity, and develops Individual talents. With excellent exam results and one-to-one college counseling, 97% of TASIS graduates

gain acceptance to their first- or secondchoice university in the US, the UK, and worldwide. Extensive summer opportunities are also offered to students from all schools. Located close to London on a beautiful and historic 46-acre estate.

TAXATION

EXPAT LEGAL SERVICES GROUP

Website: Expatlegal.com

Telephone: +1.888.502.8579

Contact: Roland Sabates

Email: roland@expatlegal.com

Expat Legal Services Group, with its background in international taxation, offers unique legal services for American expatriates and foreign nationals with financial interests in the United States. We leverage a suite of modern technology solutions that enable us to bring our international expertise directly to you no matter where in the world you might be living.

USTAXFS

3 Harbour Exchange Square, London, E14 9GE

Telephone: +44 20 7357 8220

Contact: Joni Trulock

Email: j.trulock@ustaxfs.com

Website: ustaxfs.com

Twitter: @ustaxfs

With over 35 years’ experience, our US/UK expat tax specialists provide US and UK tax return preparation, planning, compliance, and expatriation as well as all US business tax services, wherever you are in the world.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

LONDON & CAPITAL

Two Fitzroy Place, 8 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3JJ

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 396 3200

Email: invest@londonandcapital.com

Website: londonandcapital.com

The core of our expertise at London & Capital is managing investments for wealthy families and our clients generally share similar requirements; they have amassed wealth or capital and now need it to be structured and invested in a way that preserves and grows it for the future. We build investment strategies that are designed to be resilient and help clients achieve their long-term financial goals. Many of our clients are international, with finances, business interests, property and family across multiple countries. We provide clear comprehensive financial strategies and global reporting regardless of currency or location.

US CONNECTED FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS

We are also one of the few wealth managers who actively welcome US clients and are both SEC (US) and FCA (UK) regulated, with a dedicated team looking after the wealth of international American families since 1989. Whether you are a US Citizen or Green Card holder living abroad, a British expat in the US or a foreign entity with US reporting, we are uniquely positioned to work you to organise your wealth into a coherent global strategy, invest with a focus on capital preservation and provide clear, concise global reporting.

MASECO PRIVATE WEALTH

Burleigh House, 357 Strand, London, WC2R 0HS

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7043 0455

Email: enquiries@masecopw.com

Website: www.masecoprivatewealth.com

MASECO Private Wealth gives peace of mind by providing expert guidance to US families on how to simplify their cross-border wealth management needs. We serve and care for Americans living at home or abroad through the planning and implementation of rational, practical and tax efficient wealth management strategies.

To discuss advertising or annual print & digital promotional packages in American in Britain magazine and www.theamericanhour.com, please email Helen at helen@theamericanhour.com

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