American In Britain Winter 2025

WINTER 2025/26

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN Serving the American Community in the UK

WINNER: Best American Expat Support Media Platform 2025 WINNER: Excellence in Transatlantic Community Engagement 2025

FEATURES INCLUDE: American Expatriate Clubs’ News • Days Out With The Family • Eating Out Education • Hotel Review • Legal Matters • Take Five • Taxing Issues Theatre • Travel • Wealth Management A D V I S O RY PA N E L

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN

WINTER 2025/26

CONTENTS 3 20 18 21 28

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3

Eating Out

8

Wealth Management

11

Taxing Issues

15

Legal Matters

17

Education

18

Theatre

20

Days Out With The Family

21

Take Five

24

Travel

28

Hotel Review

31

American Clubs' News

32

Useful Numbers

PUBLISHER: Helen Elliott Telephone: 020 8661 0186 Email: helen@theamericanhour.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Ben Everson Telephone: 07921 694823 Email: ben@theamericanhour.com American in Britain, PO Box 921, Sutton, SM1 2WB No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers.

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Helen Elliott

Ben Everson

Winter fun!

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Georgina Vass

R E L AT I O N S H I P A N D S E X T H E R A P I S T

Specializing in issues facing expat couples

contact@georginavass.com georginavass.com APPOINTMENTS IN LONDON

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EATING OUT

EATING OUT

ROKA

37 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 2ND Telephone: 020 7580 6464 Charlotte Street, in Fitzrovia, is a wonderful street to meander down as it is bustling and blessed with numerous bars and restaurants to enjoy, and at its heart is the original ROKA restaurant. ROKA, Charlotte Street, opened its doors in 2004, and since then has used the Japanese ‘robatayaki’ cooking method to good effect, entertaining patrons to this day.

The Charlotte Street restaurant has large glass windows providing lots of natural light to the large interior, and at the heart of the restaurant is the Robata Grill, which not only creates many of the wonderful dishes, it also provides some theatre for the diners. This Robata grill is surrounded by a beautifully knotted wooden counter where diners can get up close and personal with the skilful chefs. The rest of the restaurant is also a mixture of wood and glass and its minimal interior still feels modern and polished.

If you want a cocktail or two before eating then there are many places in London you can choose, indeed, there are many in Charlotte Street itself! But ROKA not only provides special food, it also has a beautifully presented Japanese basement bar that has a DJ playing laid back music where you can relax before going upstairs for dinner.

The concept of ROKA is that the food comes when ready, so don’t come here if you are after a quiet traditional meal where food comes in a designated order. This is the place where you order a number of dishes to share with your fellow diners, so choose carefully who you are eating with! When I visit these ‘come when ready’ restaurants I limit the randomness of the dishes by selecting a few dishes at a time so I can manage what food comes when.

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Whilst we looked at the menu we opted for a bowl of Edamame with sea salt (£6.8), and this classic dish didn’t disappoint. The crunchy beans are considered a complete protein as they contain all the essential amino acids necessary for good health, but that to me is secondary as they just taste great. Our next two dishes were the Chicken Karaage with chilli sauce and garlic soy (£12) and Yellowtail Sashimi, yuzu-truffle dressing (£19.5).

Chicken karaage is a popular Japanese dish known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, and the chicken here was well marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, ginger and mirin, providing depth and a touch of sweetness to the flavour, and the coating was super crispy, all served with mayonnaise. Our second dish accompanying this ultimate crispy chicken was a beautifully presented yellowtail sashimi where wafer thin tuna fanned around fresh salad with a lovely tasting sauce combining the clean tuna, the luxurious truffle and a hint of citrus - a burst of flavour in every mouthful.

Our next two selections were the Rock Shrimp Tempura, wasabi pea seasoning and chilli mayonnaise (£18.5) and Crab, Prawn and Black Cod Dumplings with chilli dressing, edamame, and spring onions (£18.5). The rock shrimp was almost meaty and very fresh and covered in crispy batter, and when combined with the spicy, but not overpowering sauce, was a delight. The dumplings or gyoza as they are known, were crisp and golden on the bottom and were packed with a juicy mixture of fishy treats inside, just as they should be.

After all these delights we turned our attention to the Sushi and Sashimi and you will struggle to make a choice as the selection is extensive, which is why they kindly have platters for the table! We went for the raw salmon, avocado and asparagus

with wasabi tobiko and tenkasu (£13.4) and fatty tuna (£21.6). The sushi provided a lovely mixture of textures and tastes from the heady combination of salmon, avocado and asparagus. My personal favourite was however, the fatty tuna. The fattier cuts of tuna are known for their oily and darker appearance which contributes to its more flavoursome buttery richness, and the pieces here just melted in the mouth.

Our final course before dessert was to sample some of the treats from the robata.

Cooking over hot coals requires a high level of expertise, as all us frustrated barbequers know to our cost, but to take it to the level ROKA chefs take it to is another level, as our Baby Back Pork Ribs (£17) with their slightly sweet glaze, and the Cedar Roast Baby Chicken with chilli and lemon (£25), where the slight hint of lemon and the gentle heat of the chilli, along with the crispy skin from the robata enhanced the succulent chicken perfectly, making it truly delicious.

Desserts at ROKA are equally special with a Matcha and Yuzu Custard Tart, Strawberries and Peach and a Coffee Baked Cheesecake with roasted hazelnuts and Japanese whisky ice cream (both £11) a few of the choices available, but for me, the Chef Selection of Desserts served with Seasonal Fruits, Ice Creams and Sorbets (£15 per person min 2 people) was ideal.

Since ROKA opened in 2004, they have gone from strength to strength, and now have 11 other restaurants across the globe, as well as 22 Zuma restaurants (its sister restaurant in the group), and it is not hard to see why, as its mixture of theatre, and quality, well-cooked food, is a heady mix and one that clearly resonates with diners across the world. www.rokarestaurant.com WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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Kapara

14 Greek Street, James Court, London, W1D 4AL Soho is a vibrant and bustling area of London, which over the years has reinvented itself from its less salubrious reputation to one that is now a gastronomical destination.

In the heart of this area is Greek Street, and the restaurant Kapara. Kapara translates as ‘Darling’, and is the creation of Chef, Eran Tibi, who also launched the popular Middle Eastern eatery and bar Bala Baya. It comprises of an alfresco terrace and a main ground floor restaurant with a raised stage for live music, which mixes plush curved booths, lush plants and rich accents which are almost playful and mischievous.

The outdoor space is on James Court, and is decorated in the style of the season, so during our visit in December it was a winter wonderland with twinkly lights, sparkling baubles and frosted branches, and luckily numerous heaters to ward off the December chill, but I can equally envisage this space as a beach bar in the summer. This outdoor space is an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of Soho, with flamboyant pink furs and buzzy music creating a place where dinner or drinks morph into an event, not just something ordinary.

The menu is designed to be for the whole table and is full of sharing plates bursting with Middle Eastern flavours, including dips like hummus, mezze-style small plates, grilled meats and a few dishes with special twists. Portions are generous, as they are designed to be shared, and as with many

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other Mediterranean restaurants dishes come when ready, so if you want to savour your meal more, I suggest you order a few dishes at a time so everything doesn’t arrive at the same time!

We ordered the Carrot Hummus (£9) and Black & Gold (£12) as our first two dishes, and were treated to a plethora of Middle Eastern flavours each with a slight twist.

The carrot hummus was rich and creamy toped with crunchy carrot chips for texture, but it was the addition of a hint of kumquat compote and harissa which gave its magical spicy citrus taste. The hummus was served with two slightly warm light and fluffy pitta breads that were equally moreish. The enigmatically named Black and Gold refers to crispy battered baby squid (the gold) and a rich and indulgent black garlic aioli (clearly the black!) which juxtaposed the lightness of the squid perfectly.

For our mains we selected the Beef Fillet Skewers (£35) and the Sticky Golden Chicken (whole £42/half £28), and another portion of pitta bread as it was just so good the first time! The beef was expertly cooked with a lovely hint of pink in the middle and

the portion size will easily serve more than one. The beef sat on a simple laffa (an Iraqi pitta bread) which is like a pitta, but is unique as it doesn’t form a pocket and is slightly chewier than a usual pitta or naan.

The sticky golden chicken was my personal favourite however, as the flesh was so succulent and the skin was generously covered in a harissa paste which gave the dish a real heat.

After all this food we were almost full, so decided to share a dessert in the form of the Kapara Cheesecake with blackberry meringue and fresh blackberries (£16). This baked cheesecake was just wonderful, with the slightly dense baked vanilla cheesecake drenched in a sweet melted blackberry meringue, a must have for those with a sweet tooth amongst you.

If you are looking for a special night out whether with friends, a date, or a celebration, Kapara delivers a package of good food, spirited atmosphere, lively cocktails, and a sense of occasion that few standard restaurants can match all in beautiful surroundings. www.kapara.co.uk

EATING OUT

Town House Restaurant, The Kensington

109-113 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5LR Telephone: 020 7589 6300

Nestled in the affluent area of South Kensington, London, is The Kensington, a lovely, boutique hotel, and within this hotel is Town House Restaurant, a small, comfortable and cosy restaurant, offering a diverse menu to suit all tastes.

My friend and I arrived at the hotel on a damp and drizzly Tuesday evening, and were immediately transported from the drudgery of outside, to a smart, clean and fresh environment that is not huge in size, but nicely laid out, extremely welcoming and very comfortable, with perfect lighting in whichever room you are in, be it the K Bar, Town House Restaurant, or the lounge areas where Afternoon Tea can be taken.

We headed from the reception area to the stylish K Bar, which has the feel of a sophisticated gentleman’s club, with its oak panelled walls, low chandelier lighting, and extremely comfortable leather wingback chairs, from where we were given the Martini Bar experience by one of the knowledgeable mixologist’s. A mobile drinks trolley was wheeled to our table, from which our glasses were iced, and then having read the special cocktail menu, our cocktails were crafted in front of our eyes and made especially for our personal tastes. Alongside these we were served nuts, crisps and huge olives, all specially selected to enhance the Martini experience, and had we not been having WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

dinner in the restaurant, we could have chosen some snacks from K Bar’s Snack Menu.

We were meant to spend half an hour in the K Bar, but we were so comfortable and relaxed, and the drinks were so delicious, that before we knew it we had been there an hour and a half!, so we quickly headed through the door from the K Bar around the corner to the hotel’s restaurant, Town House, which is again small in size but perfectly laid out, offering tables of varying sizes, and one, which we chose, by a fire. Again, the décor. is fresh, warm and welcoming, and having settled into our chairs we spent a few minutes deliberating which of the tantalising dishes on offer to choose.

Whilst this deliberation was taking place, we did transport ourselves to Spain, by choosing a couple of light bites; Salt Cod Fishcakes, that are like little croquettes and Padron Peppers. The croquettes were light and crispy and served with a lovely, flavoured mayonnaise sauce, whilst the peppers were a vibrant green and large in size and nicely salty.

Having spoken to one of the restaurant’s waiting staff, who selected the delicious house Sauvignon Blanc for us, we chose our starters - Chargrilled Octopus, cauliflower purée, romesco sauce, herbs and garlic dressing, and the Wild Mushroom Risotto, which was actually a main course, but upon my request was served as a starter.

The ocotopus was grilled to perfection and the risotto’s rice was cooked perfectly and mixed with a lovely, creamy, mushroom sauce. Other options include Smoked Salmon, Beef Tartare, Beetroot Tartare, Soup of the Day and a selection of Salads, ranging in price from £13 - £20.

For our mains, we chose the Pan Fried Duck Breast, dauphinoise potato, orange supreme, bigarade sauce £32, and Chargrilled Prawns, creamy satay sauce, shallots, red chilli, grilled pineapple salsa £28. My friend enjoyed her duck, although had wished it had been slightly pinker, and my prawns were large in size and served in their entirety. Other options for main courses include Dover Sole, grilled or meunière £55, Chicken Milanese, homemade marinara sauce, bucconini, rocket £28, Catch of the Day (market price), Chicken Tikka Masala, saffron rice, papadam, yoghurt raita £29, Pumpkin & Ricotta Tortellini, butter & sage £22, Cauliflower Three Ways, roasted, tempura, purée, almonds, harissa dressing, £22, and Pan Seared Scottish Salmon, beurre noisette, lemon, broccoli £32.

Desserts on the menu include Pineapple Cake, Strawberry & White Chocolate Fraisier, Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Fondant, Tropical Eton Mess, Caramelised Banana Flambee, Ice Cream and a Seasonal Cheese Selection, all at £14 with a £4 supplement for the cheese.

The staff at Town House were excellent.

Attentive, friendly, knowledgeable and couldn’t do enough for us, and added to what was a very pleasant experience.

If you are heading to the V&A Museum, or one of the galleries in the area, or shopping in the exclusive stores in Knightsbridge and Kensington, it would be worth leaving the hustle and bustle for a warm, relaxing and welcoming cocktail, snack, lunch or dinner at The Kensington, and their bar and restaurant. www.townhousekensington.com WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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Chet’s

65 Shepherd’s Bush Green, London, W12 8QE Telephone: 020 3540 3150 Shepherd’s Bush Green is a vibrant neighbourhood in London, situated in the shadow of the famous Westfield Shopping Centre, with a large open space of approximately eight acres, surrounded by mature trees, and is thought to have got its name from the use of this common land as a resting point for shepherds on their way to Smithfield Market in the City.

It is an oasis surrounded on three sides by busy roads and has been developed to accommodate a number of play areas for children as well as paths for pedestrians and cyclists. It is well supported by five tube stations and at the end of the common is the Shepherd’s Bush Empire which is home to many concerts. Along side the Empire is the Hoxton Hotel, Shepherds Bush, a luxury 237 bedroomed hotel which is the home to Chet’s.

The word fusion is widely used to describe a combination of different food styles and there are many examples, but at Chet’s the fusion of Thai and American styles is a first for me, and although it seems on the face of it an odd combination, I can report that is does work!

As we entered The Hoxton we were met initially by Chet’s bar, a new drinking area that serves up Thai inspired cocktails to accompany a number of Thai street food favourites, all served in a laid back and fun environment and relaxed music. Offerings include the Lychee Martini or how about a Watermelon Cooler? All delicious and wonderfully distinctive. There are a number of bar snacks you can enjoy with your cocktail, but we gave these a miss as our destination was the restaurant, so after enjoying our tipples we moved on to the restaurant part of Chet’s.

The décor is an eclectic mix of American diner meets trendy hotel restaurant, with high ceilings and foliage mixing, or fusing, with diner style booths with shabby chic upholstery and shiny tables giving a kind of space that encourages relaxed indulgence rather than a hushed dining room reverence.

The new bar sits proudly at one end of the restaurant and there is a garden at the other, where I am sure patrons can enjoy the London sunshine, but as it was 7.30pm on a cold December evening when we visited, there was no sunshine for us! On the third side the open kitchen displayed the skill of the chefs as they industriously prepared a raft of tasty dishes with precision.

The actual menu style is straight out of an American diner and is restricted to a one, two-sided sheet with the food on one side and the drinks on the other.

Carolyn Or, the Head Chef at Chet’s, has taken her experience from across the globe to create an exciting menu full of 6

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exciting combinations combining Thai and American influences.

In the starters section Tingling Onion (£12) mingles with Prawn Toasts (£14), Larb Gai (£14) with Sticky Wings (£13), so you know this is no ordinary menu. The prawn toasts are also not your ordinary prawn toasts either, as here crispy bao buns are packed with house-made prawn paste and succulent prawns with a sesame covering and are delicious. The tingling onion was shaped like a flower and the onion ‘petals’ were covered in a golden crispy batter and accompanied by a creamy ranch dressing and a spicier three flavour party sauce. Our third choice was the sticky wings which, be warned, are very, very sticky, and had a nice heat to the sauce.

The mains require you to choose between a more American style or a Thai one, as there are opulent rice and noodle dishes ‘From the Wok’, along with a choice of curries sitting alongside a choice of meats and burgers/sandwiches that you would find in a diner. We went Thai style and selected the Wagu Fried Rice (£34), the Fried Chicken Khao Soi (£22), along with a Tomapork (£35).

The Wagu beef in the rice was delicate and fully flavoured and was well supported by the egg fried rice, broccoli, onions and bell peppers, and perfectly mopped up the creamy coconut milk sauce of the khao soi curry. The Tomapork is a play on words amalgamating pork with the word tomahawk (a beef steak cut) and is a twice cooked middle white pork steak with a fruity Thai apple chutney and slaw, and was large and perfectly cooked.

Desserts, if you have room, are worth waiting for, with the standout being the Everything But The Kitchen Sink Sundae (£12) which combines strawberry, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, thai nuts and much more besides!

The service here is warm and well-judged and their knowledgeable staff are happy to suggest dishes, and their enthusiasm for the food is genuine and heart-warming.

The concept of Thai meets American food is a novel one and I look forward to seeing how this develops, as both styles are well loved and there are many more combinations to explore and enjoy. www.chetsrestaurant.co.uk

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT The American Anomaly: Why The UK’s Non-Dom “Crisis” May Be A US Opportunity The recent overhaul of the United Kingdom’s non-domiciled (“non-dom”) tax regime has generated headlines that would make any Chancellor of the Exchequer sweat. The prevailing narrative in the British press is one of capital flight: a mass exodus of the super-wealthy fleeing a tax crackdown, taking their liquidity and investment potential to more hospitable climates like Dubai, Switzerland, or Italy.

And yet, if you look closely at the arrivals lounges of Heathrow or the property inquiries in Kensington and Chelsea, you will notice a distinct anomaly in this narrative. The Americans are still coming.

In fact, they are arriving in numbers that suggest the UK government has committed a cardinal sin of politics: they have designed a policy that actually works for a specific, highly valuable demographic, but they have done a terrible job of telling anyone about it.

It could be argued the Treasury has undersold its own reforms. By allowing the conversation to be dominated by the loss of the archaic remittance basis, the government has failed to publicise the immense simplification of the new system, specifically how the new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime creates a golden window for US citizens. While the timeframes for tax relief have indeed shifted down, the reduction in bureaucratic friction is a game-changer which I believe has been understated.

To understand why the new system is a hidden boon for Americans, we must first look at the labyrinthine structure it replaced.

The Old Regime: A Cage of Complexity

For decades, the “remittance basis” of taxation was the cornerstone of the nondom lifestyle. This system allowed newly arrived UK residents to opt out of paying UK tax on their foreign income and gains.

Importantly, provided that money never touched British soil.

On paper, this looked like a fantastic deal.

You could live in London, allow your overseas portfolio to accrue income and gains, and pay zero UK tax on it, provided you didn’t bring it into the UK. But in practice, the remittance basis was a gilded cage.

The rules for “remitting” money were draconian. If you brought a single pound of 8

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that foreign income into the UK, whether to buy a latte, pay a school fee, or purchase a flat, under the ‘ordering rules’, it potentially became taxable at the highest UK marginal rates (up to 45%).

Those who received good preimmigration planning advice would segregate their accounts with forensic precision: “Clean capital” (money earned before moving to the UK) in one pot, foreign income in another, foreign gains in a third.

Accidentally mixing these funds (“tainting” the account) could poison the whole pot, making it all taxable upon remittance.

Furthermore, the clock was always ticking. The remittance basis wasn’t free forever. After seven years of residence, you had to pay an annual charge of £30,000 just to keep using the basis. After 12 years, that jumped to £60,000. By year 15, you were “deemed domiciled” and taxed on your worldwide income just like a regular Brit.

For Americans, this system was particularly headache-inducing. The United States is unique among major economies in that it taxes based on citizenship, not residence. An American living in London is still liable for US federal taxes. While the US-UK tax treaty prevents double taxation, the mechanics of the remittance basis often clashed with US tax reporting. An American would pay US tax on the income and gains accruing in their investment portfolio, so the UK remittance basis option may not have saved them a huge amount of tax.

Separately, if they remitted that money to the UK, they might face a UK tax bill. For many Americans in the UK, the “benefit” of the remittance basis was often swallowed by the administrative nightmare and US taxes that were accruing.

Crucially, the restriction on bringing money into the UK has been abolished for these four years.

This is the detail that has been lost in the noise. Under the old system, you had tax-free foreign income only if you left it offshore. Under the FIG regime, you can earn $10 million in US dividends, bring it all into a UK bank account, buy a townhouse in Notting Hill, and pay zero UK tax on it.

There is no need to segregate accounts.

For the first four years, the UK effectively becomes a tax haven for foreign income.

After the four years are up, the shutter comes down. The individual moves onto the “arising basis,” meaning they pay UK tax on their worldwide income and gains, same as any other resident. It is a cliff edge, certainly, a drop from 15 years of potential protection to just four. But for the modern, mobile professional, four years of absolute freedom is often worth more than 15 years of administrative handcuffs.

The New FIG Regime: Radical Simplicity

The American Advantage

Enter the new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime, introduced to replace the remittance basis. The government’s selling point was “fairness,” but the real story is “simplicity.”

Under the FIG regime, eligible new arrivals to the UK are given a four-year holiday. During this four-year period, they pay absolutely no UK tax on their foreign income and gains.

For the first four years, the UK effectively becomes a tax haven for foreign income

This is where the narrative shifts decisively in favour of US citizens. The “exodus” stories focus on the French, Italians, or Indians for whom the loss of the non-dom status means moving from 0% tax to 45% tax. For them, the UK has indeed become much less attractive.

But Americans were never paying 0% tax.

Because of Uncle Sam’s global reach, an American in London was always paying at least the US federal rate on their worldwide

WEALTH MANAGEMENT income and gains. The UK non-dom regime didn’t save them from tax; it just saved them from the difference between the US rate and the UK rate.

Here is why the new regime works so beautifully for them: 1. The “Free” Remittance Window Under the old rules, an American wanting to buy a £5 million home in London faced a dilemma. If they used their foreign earnings, they triggered a UK tax charge.

Under the new FIG regime, that American can move to London, liquidate a US portfolio, bring the cash over, and buy the house tax-free in the UK. They still pay their US capital gains tax, but they would have paid that anyway. The UK tax friction is entirely removed.

2. Foreign Tax Credits (FTC) Alignment Once the four-year FIG period ends, the American moves to the arising basis. They are now taxed by the UK on their worldwide income. However, because UK tax rates (45% income, 20-24% capital gains) are generally higher than US rates, the American simply pays the UK tax and claims a Foreign Tax Credit on their US return.

In most cases, the US tax bill reduces to zero because the tax paid to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) exceeds the liability to the IRS. While no one loves paying higher UK rates, the “double tax” fear is largely a myth for well-advised Americans. The transition from the FIG regime to the worldwide basis is much smoother for an American than for a French national, who suddenly faces a new tax liability they didn’t have before.

The American was always paying tax somewhere; now they just pay it to London instead of Washington.

The new system is tailor-made for the midcareer American executive, the tech entrepreneur on a five-year stint, or the US retiree looking for a European chapter WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

Conclusion

The newspapers are not entirely wrong; there will be an exodus. The old-school nondoms, those who lived in London for decades paying virtually no tax while hoarding wealth offshore, are packing their bags.

But nature abhors a vacuum, and the void they leave is being filled by a different kind of wealthy resident. The new system is tailor-made for the mid-career American executive, the tech entrepreneur on a fiveyear stint, or the US retiree looking for a European chapter. For these people, the UK has just removed the biggest headache of moving money across the Atlantic.

The government has inadvertently built a red carpet for American wealth.

However, to make sure you take advantage of this new tax landscape, will require thoughtful and specialist advice.

The Legal Stuff • This document is intended for the recipient only • The information contained herein is subject to copyright with all rights reserved.

The document may not be copied, forwarded or otherwise distributed, in whole or in part, to any other party without our written consent • Nothing in this document constitutes investment, tax or any other type of advice and should not be construed as such • MASECO is not a tax specialist and we recommend that anyone considering investing seeks their own tax advice.

• The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of MASECO as a whole or any part thereof • This document is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice • This document does not constitute a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any products or to adopt an investment strategy.

will not have the benefit of the protections afforded by the UK regulatory regime.

Performance: • Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results • No assurance or guarantee can be given that any target return will be achieved • Illustrations of potential risk or return are illustrative only and do not necessarily reflect possible actual maximum loss or gain.

MASECO LLP (trading as MASECO Private We a l t h 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 The Kodak Building, 11 Keeley Street, London, WC2B 4BA. For your protection and for training and monitoring 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.

Patrick Bowen Partner and Senior Wealth Manager E: patrick.bowen@masecopw.com

Risk Warnings: • 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 • Fluctuation in currency exchange rates may cause the value of an investment and/or a portfolio to go up or down • Alternative strategies involve higher risks than traditional investments, such as speculative investment techniques, which can magnify the potential for investment loss or gain • Certain products which may be used within a portfolio in order to give exposure to particular investment strategies may not be regulated in the UK and therefore WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

9

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN We would like to invite you to our free

AMERICAN FINANCE & NETWORKING EVENT on Monday 27th April, 2026 at The Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London From 12pm - 3.30pm Join us for us for an informative afternoon of financial advice and networking opportunities.

THE TOPICS THAT WILL BE COVERED ARE:

Cross-Border Tax Compliance And Planning Implications For Americans In The UK

Roland Sabates from Expat Legal Services Group will discuss cross-border tax compliance and planning implications for Americans in the UK in consideration of the evolving tax landscape in both countries. The presentation will offer an overview of the general tax guidelines that are important for both new arrivals and long-term expats to understand, and go on to cover tax obligations and opportunities relevant to small business owners, international families, and anyone saving for retirement.

An Update On The Global Investment Landscape And How To Structure Your Investments As Americans Living In Britain Presented by Jonathan Gold, London & Capital This seminar will include a macroeconomic update, and will also cover the difficulties Americans in Britain face for managing their global investment portfolios and provide suggestions for how to structure these effectively.

Smart, Tax-Effective Giving For Dual US And UK Taxpayers Joe Crome, Head of CAF American Donor Fund, will share insight on the best ways to give to charities in the UK, US and around the world, how to maximise the tax relief available to you, making use of the UK’s Gift Aid scheme and flexible solutions to plan your charitable giving over the longer-term.

This event is free of charge and is for Americans only.

Readers must pre-register for this event, so please email the names of those who would like to attend to helen@theamericanhour.com We look forward to seeing you there.

SPONSORED BY:

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN

TAXING ISSUES

TAXING ISSUES Beyond The Basics: Key US Tax Challenges For Americans Living In The UK Most Americans in the UK know their US tax obligations don’t end when they move abroad. Filing a US return from overseas is familiar territory - but beyond the basics, certain rules can turn a routine filing into a complex challenge.

Among the most critical decisions: how to minimise double taxation, whether to use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), and how to navigate cryptocurrency reporting and PFIC compliance. Each of these areas can have long-term consequences for both tax liability and financial planning.

FEIE Or FTC: Which Is Best?

One of the first choices for US taxpayers abroad is whether to exclude foreign income under FEIE or claim foreign taxes paid through FTC. Both aim to reduce double taxation, but they work in very different ways - and the best option depends on your circumstances.

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) FEIE allows qualifying taxpayers to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income in 2025. To qualify, you must either: • Pass the Physical Presence Test (330 days abroad in a 12-month period), or • Meet the Bona Fide Residence Test (reside in a foreign country for an entire tax year).

FEIE applies only to earned income - such as wages or self-employment - not passive income like dividends or crypto gains.

Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) offers a dollarfor-dollar credit for foreign taxes paid, reducing US tax liability. Unlike FEIE, it applies to both earned and passive income and is claimed on Form 1116. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to 10 years”.

Choosing The Right Approach In some cases, FEIE combined with the standard deduction offers a clear advantage.

For example, if you receive US-source income that isn’t taxed in the UK, using FEIE plus the allowable standard deduction can shield income from US tax entirely. A single filer in 2025 could exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income and still offset $15,750 of other income from US tax (i.e. $3,000 interest from an ISA and $12,750 of US capital gains).

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However, for many Americans living abroad, the Foreign Tax Credit often provides greater flexibility and long-term benefits.

Here are some situations where FTC may be the better choice: • Child Tax Credit eligibility: FTC allows refundable credits for qualifying US citizen children (up to $1,700 per child in 2025). FEIE disqualifies you from the refundable portion • IRA contributions: If you exclude all your income, you can’t contribute to an IRA because excluded income doesn’t count as earned income • Equity compensation: FTC is often better for multi-year equity awards since FEIE generally applies only to current year’s income. FTC is often the only way to minimize US tax on compensation related to prior years of service • Future planning: FTC credits can be carried forward for 10 years, useful for future income like pensions that may not be taxed abroad.

However, for many Americans living abroad, the Foreign Tax Credit often provides greater flexibility and long-term benefits Important Considerations Many expats choose FEIE for simplicity, especially those who self-file with only employment income. While this may ease compliance, it’s not always the best long-term choice. Switching between FEIE and FTC requires caution - revoking FEIE means you can’t claim it again for five years without IRS

consent. This can have serious consequences if you later move to a low-tax country.

Conversely, if you’ve been using FTC and move to a country with low tax rates, accumulated credits may still offset US tax liability, but their effectiveness could be limited. The bottom line: evaluate both options carefully and seek professional advice before making a switch.

Cryptocurrency And Us Tax Obligations Abroad

For Americans living in the UK, cryptocurrency adds another layer of complexity to US tax compliance. The IRS treats digital assets as property, not currency, which means every disposal - whether selling for cash, swapping tokens, or using crypto for purchases - creates a taxable event. Gains are calculated as the difference between your cost basis and the asset’s fair market value at the time of disposal.

Short-term gains (held for 12 months or less) are taxed as ordinary income at rates up to 37%, while long-term gains enjoy preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your worldwide taxable income. Income from mining, staking, or receiving crypto as payment is treated as ordinary income and may also attract selfemployment tax. Reporting typically involves Form 8949 and Schedule D for capital gains, and Schedule C for mining or staking income.

Dual Reporting: US And UK Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) also classifies crypto as property, applying capital gains tax when assets are sold or exchanged. For US expats, this creates dual reporting obligations. Even if UK tax is paid, the IRS still requires disclosure of worldwide income. Relief may be available through the US-UK tax treaty, FEIE, or FTC, but these mechanisms do not eliminate the need to report.

Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) Crypto income can also trigger the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) - a 3.8% surtax for individuals whose Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds $250,000 (married filing jointly), $125,000 (married filing separately), or $200,000 (single or head of household). For expats, MAGI includes foreign earned income even if excluded under FEIE, which can unexpectedly push WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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taxpayers over the threshold. While foreign tax credits may offset regular income tax, they do not reduce NIIT, making planning essential for Americans abroad with significant investment income.

New IRS Reporting Requirement: Form 1099-DA Starting in 2025, US digital asset brokers must issue Form 1099-DA to report gross proceeds from digital asset sales. This new form standardises reporting for cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and stablecoins similar to Form 1099-B for stocks. Initially, only gross proceeds will be reported, but cost basis reporting becomes mandatory in 2026. The IRS will now have direct visibility into crypto transactions, increasing audit risk for noncompliance.

For example, if you sell 1 ETH for $2,000 after buying it for $1,500, the broker will report $2,000 as gross proceeds on Form 1099-DA. You must still calculate and report the $500 gain on Form 8949. If cost basis is missing, the IRS may assume zero, inflating taxable gains.

Compliance Tips: • Track cost basis per wallet/account (in accordance with Rev. Proc. 2024-28) • Use FIFO (first-in, first-out) or Specific ID consistently • Expect mismatches as brokers lack historical cost basis - manual reconciliation will be needed.

PFIC Rules: The Hidden Trap

Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs) are one of the most complex - and punitive - areas of US tax law for Americans abroad. These rules often apply to popular non-US pooled investment funds, including mutual funds, ETFs, investment trusts, and index funds. For expats in the UK, Stocks & Shares ISAs frequently hold PFICs, which can trigger harsh US tax consequences.

PFIC rules were introduced in 1986 to prevent US taxpayers from deferring tax on passive income earned through foreign entities. To achieve this, the regime imposes a punitive tax structure: distributions and gains are taxed at the highest marginal rates, deferred tax is subject to daily compounded interest, and complex reporting applies - including annual filing of Form 8621 for each PFIC. PFIC rules were designed to eliminate tax deferral and make foreign pooled investments less attractive for US taxpayers but there are ways to reduce the burden.

While elections like Mark-to-Market can reduce exposure by recognising annual gains or losses based on market value, income is treated as ordinary income, and gains must be recognised even if the asset later declines. It’s not favourable treatment, but often better than the default regime.

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Strategies To Minimize PFIC Impact Planning ahead is key. Consider these approaches: • Make a PFIC Mark-to-Market election where feasible • Purchase shares directly in non-US companies • Invest in funds with US assets (broker location doesn’t matter) • Open a US brokerage account for international funds • Favour US-based ETFs that qualify as UK reporting funds • Avoid UK-domiciled pooled investment vehicles unless elections are possible.

If you already hold PFICs, you’ve likely experienced the tax impact and compliance burden and selling may be the most effective way to exit this punitive regime Additional Considerations If you already hold PFICs, you’ve likely experienced the tax impact and compliance burden and selling may be the most effective way to exit this punitive regime.

Timing matters. PFIC status applies the day you become a US person. For example, if you plan to apply for a green card, PFIC holdings can create significant complications once you become a US taxpayer. One strategy is an ISA “clean up” - selling or restructuring ISA investments before US tax residency begins.

Given the complexity of these rules, consulting a cross-border tax advisor before making investment decisions is highly recommended. A brief consultation can help minimise costs and protect your long-term investment growth.

Closing Thoughts

For Americans living in Britain, US tax compliance involves far more than filing a return. Choosing between the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), navigating cryptocurrency reporting, and understanding PFIC rules are just a few areas where complexity can lead to costly mistakes if overlooked. Every decision - from how you invest to how you structure your income - can have lasting consequences for both tax liability and financial planning.

While these rules may feel overwhelming, proactive planning and guidance from a cross-border tax advisor can help you manage the challenges with confidence.

Ultimately, understanding these issues isn’t just about compliance requirements - it’s about protecting your wealth and making informed choices for the future.

RoseMarie Guaglieri serves as a Tax Manager at H&R Block Expat Tax, specialising in US tax compliance for Americans living abroad. With over 30 years of experience, she has guided thousands of expatriates, managed global mobility tax programs for multinational corporations, and trained international tax professionals. Her time living and working in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Switzerland gives her a unique perspective on cross-border taxation. At H&R Block, RoseMarie leads a team of expat tax advisors and plays an active role in new business development. The H&R Block Expat Tax team provides virtual US tax preparation services to Americans worldwide. Whether you prefer expert guidance or a do-it-yourself option, we’re here to help. Learn more at www.hrblock. com/expat-tax-preparation/ or contact us at expattax@hrblock.com.

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LEGAL MATTERS

LEGAL MATTERS How To Avoid Child Abduction Legal issues Americans in Britain should know when travelling or relocating abroad with a child after parental separation Many Americans living in Britain are surprised to learn that the rules about taking a child abroad after separating from the other parent differ from those in the US. Even when you share care of your child informally or believe you have full responsibility, the law in the UK may still require formal permission before travelling. Understanding these rules is essential to avoid unintentionally breaching child abduction laws.

My Child Lives With Me. What Is The Problem?

Even if your child lives with you, the law in England and Wales says that before you take them abroad, even if just for a holiday, you must seek permission from all those with parental responsibility or obtain a court order. This is different for American parents who are used to US custody orders that often set out travel rights more explicitly.

Although there are some exceptions, you should ensure you understand your legal position before taking a child out of the country. To avoid any risk of child abduction allegations, you may wish to consult a family solicitor who works with international families.

In the interests of maintaining a good co-parenting relationship for the sake of your child – and avoiding difficulties at the airport – you should inform the other parent and seek permission with reasonable notice. Some countries require a formal letter of consent or document confirming you have your ex-partner ’s permission to travel to that country. It is important to check the specific requirements of the destination country in advance.

I Am Worried That My Ex-Partner Intends To Abduct Our Child

If you have concerns that your ex-partner is planning more than just a holiday with your child and does not intend to return to England, you must act quickly and seek specialist legal advice. Urgent legal steps can be taken to prevent a child from being removed from England. Time is of the essence. Once a child has left England, a parent must rely on international law such as the Hague Convention. This provides some protection to have your child WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

returned although can lead to a prolonged period of separation.

What If I Do Not Want To Give Permission For A Holiday?

If you have good reasons for refusing permission (for example, you think the destination is unsafe), you can ask the court to decide whether your child should go.

Ultimately, the court will make a decision based on your child’s best interests.

I Want To Move Abroad With My Child. How Do I Avoid Abducting My Child?

If you plan to move abroad permanently with your child, and the other parent will remain in England, you must both agree to the relocation. If you disagree, you will need permission from the court before you can leave the UK with your child. This applies whether your intended move is back to the US or to another country. The court will weigh up whether the move would be in the best interests of your child.

My Ex-Partner Wants To Move Abroad With My Child. What Can I Do To Stop Them?

If you oppose your child moving abroad, you will need to think carefully about how you would show the judge that the move is wrong for your child. Depending on your child’s age and understanding, the court may decide to take their views into account.

These are often finely balanced cases and many families should consider alternative dispute resolution (ADR) such as mediation to resolve matters out of court.

We Both Want To Move Abroad With Our Child.

Happily Ever After?

It is important that parents carefully consider the terms of a move. If the move is intended to be permanent, you must both understand it cannot easily be reversed.

Once your child becomes integrated into the new country, which can happen quickly, the courts of that country will usually take over jurisdiction and apply their own national law.

If the move is temporary, for example for the duration of a work assignment, the terms should be clearly discussed and documented before leaving the UK. Many American families benefit from receiving legal advice in both England and the destination country, especially where relocation and international parenting arrangements may later become disputed.

An exciting job offer abroad might look straightforward, but without proper planning it could result in being unable to return ‘home’ with your child without the other parent’s agreement.

‘Mediation In The Skies’

If you have had your child abducted or if you have abducted your child, court proceedings are highly stressful and binary. The stakes could not be higher and one of you will be potentially devasted by the outcome: your child will either be allowed to stay in the country they have been taken to or the court will order their return. One way to reduce the tension is to mediate.

‘Mediation in the skies’ refers to mediation conducted across borders and time zones. It is challenging: the abducting parent may be desperate to stay where they are, and the left behind parent may feel entirely unable to trust them. The abducting parent is likely to enter into mediation on the basis that they would be prepared to agree generous terms of child arrangements with the left behind parent and be reasonable with practicalities.

Through this process, a creative solution may be found and family relations going forward may be preserved.

Lauren Hall is a specialist international child abduction solicitor. Lauren acts for applicants and respondents in Hague Convention and international wardship cases.

Lauren Hall Partner T: +44(0)20 3826 7339 E: Lauren.Hall@russell-cooke.co.uk WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION US & UK University Admissions: What Families Need To Know In 2026 January restores rhythm to family life: school bags repacked, calendars realigned, and children settling back into routine. Yet for internationally educated young people - particularly American families living in Britain - January is no longer merely the start of a new term. It has become the quiet beginning of the university journey. The decisions that will shape 2026 admissions are unfolding now, long before a personal statement or Common App essay is written.

More students than ever hope to apply to both the US and UK. They imagine themselves equally at home in an Oxbridge supervision and a Stanford seminar; they picture two futures, two systems, two cultures. This instinct is natural for globally mobile families - but it introduces a complexity that many underestimate.

Students can apply to both systems, yes. But each system asks them to craft a different version of their academic identity.

The UK reads for mastery. Admissions tutors are not evaluating personality or future promise, but assessing whether a student can handle the intensity of a course from day one. That means subject alignment, deep engagement, and evidence accumulated over several years.

The personal statement functions as a case for readiness, not a creative exercise. A student who thrives in this environment tends to have a tightly constructed profile: strong predicted grades, coherent subject choices, and a sense of intellectual purpose.

The US reads for possibility. Admissions officers look for breadth, curiosity, and the beginnings of a three-dimensional young adult. They want to understand who a student is becoming: how they will contribute to a campus and, ultimately, what kind of alum they might one day be. This is why US preparation begins quietly in Year 10 and must become intentional by Lower Sixth - with sustained commitments, meaningful community engagement, and a transcript showing ambition across multiple fields.

The tension between these two philosophies is exactly where international students struggle. A transcript that is ideal for Cambridge - four aligned A-levels, or an IB combination built for depth - may translate poorly for Stanford or Yale, where breadth is not only valued, but expected. Conversely, a student who builds a wide-ranging academic profile for the US may appear unfocused in the UK, where range can read as indecision.

Admissions deans on both sides of the Atlantic WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

will tell you that the “strong everywhere” student is rarer than families assume.

Yet none of this means dual-system applicants are disadvantaged. They simply need intention. The student who can translate themselves - who can articulate deep subject readiness for the UK and thoughtful personal growth for the US - often becomes the strongest candidate in both arenas. The work is not about constructing two personas; it is about revealing different facets of the same person through two academic lenses.

UK admissions read for mastery; US admissions read for potential - two systems evaluating the same student in very different ways This is where many families lose time.

They wait for results, or for schools to issue guidance, rather than recognising that January is the hinge point: the moment when choices begin to narrow or expand the possibilities ahead. The coming year will reward students who proceed with clarity. The US will value intellectual range built across years. The UK will value depth that cannot be faked in the final term. Both systems will reward coherence over accumulation.

For American families in Britain, this moment is an opportunity rather than a challenge. Your children already live in translation between cultures; the task now is to shape that into academic storylines that make sense in more than one country.

When approached with structure, the international life becomes an asset - a narrative of adaptability, cultural fluency, and perspective that few domestic applicants can match. At Archer Franklin, this is the work we specialise in: helping families build the architecture beneath that

optionality. We guide students through the competing demands of two systems, define the academic through-lines that travel well, and ensure that choices made now support outcomes a year or two from today. Our work is not simply to increase options but to help young people understand who they are becoming - and to ensure the systems they apply to can recognise it.

Optionality remains powerful. In 2026, it must also be deliberate. For internationally educated families, the strongest applications will come from students whose paths show intention, coherence, and the confidence to translate themselves across borders.

Kate Bock, Executive Director, Archer Franklin Education Archer Franklin advises globally mobile families on US and UK university pathways.

Contact: info@archerfranklin.com www.archerfranklin.com Phone/WhatsApp: +44 (0) 20 8163 6699 WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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THEATRE The Producers At present the world is a very serious place, with conflicts and hardships across the globe, so there are times when everyone needs a little escapism and unadulterated fun, and a visit to Mel Brook’s revived musical ‘The Producers’ does just that.

Mel Brooks’ The Producers has long been regarded as one of musical theatre’s most audacious comedies - a gleefully offensive, utterly shameless romp that turns bad taste into high art. Yet each revival must answer a tricky question: can a show so rooted in its own 1960s satire still land with the same delirious force for modern audiences? The production I saw answers with a resounding yes. Delivered with a mix of cartoonish energy, pinpoint musical craft, and unapologetic silliness, this Producers proves that a classic can still feel dangerously alive when its performers commit fully to the joke.

At the centre of any successful staging are its mismatched antiheroes, Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom. The chemistry between the two is essential; without that off-kilter pairing, the plot - two producers scheming to get rich by staging a guaranteed Broadway flop - loses its anarchic propulsion. Here, Max is played with glorious, sweat-soaked bravado

by Andy Nyman. He struts, wheedles, shouts, and seduces little old ladies with the ferocity of someone whose ego is simultaneously his greatest weapon and biggest vulnerability.

He hits the sweet spot between desperation and showmanship, revealing tiny flickers of humanity beneath the bluster. His Max isn’t just a huckster; he’s a survivor whose entire identity depends on the next big con.

Marc Antolin’s Leo Bloom, by contrast, is a jittery delight. Nervous accountants are a common comedic trope, but his Leo makes neurosis into a performance art. From the moment he clutches his blue blanket - his emotional life raft - you can sense the character’s deep longing to escape the confines of routine. His journey from timid numbers-man to co-conspirator is one of the production’s greatest pleasures, not because it surprises us, but because it feels so emotionally true. When he bursts into the jubilant fantasy of “I Wanna Be a Producer,” the stage seems to expand with him, the choreography suddenly freer, the lighting brighter, as if the show itself is encouraging him to step into the spotlight.

What elevates this production above standard musical-comedy fare is its razorsharp comedic timing. Brooks’ script relies on a certain rhythm: jokes land like drumbeats, musical punchlines follow set-ups like clockwork, and even the physical comedy has 18

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a kind of mathematical precision. The director clearly understands this, orchestrating scenes with an attention to pace that borders on musical. Not a beat drags. Not a gag overstays its welcome. Even the moments of deliberate awkwardness - those long pauses that stretch so thin they threaten to snap - are calculated with expert care.

The supporting cast embraces the show’s heightened world with relish. The Swedish bombshell Ulla, played delightfully by Joanna Woodward, whose presence is itself a parody of Broadway’s obsession with leggy showgirls, is wonderfully self-aware. Her performance of “When You Got It, Flaunt It” becomes less a musical number and more a wry commentary on objectification, delivered with enough comedic bite to undercut the character’s surface-level innocence. She’s not just a joke - she’s in on the joke, shaping the humour rather than being the target of it.

Then there is Trevor Ashley’s wonderfully camp Roger De Bris, the flamboyant director who transforms Springtime for Hitler from a guaranteed flop into a camp masterpiece.

His presence is a riot of sequins, feathers, and theatrical excess. The production’s version of the infamous “Springtime for Hitler” number is as outrageous and elaborate as audiences hope for: goose-stepping, glittering uniforms, choreography so over-the-top it verges on surrealist parody. It’s a showstopper not just because it’s funny, but because it is constructed with meticulous craftsmanship.

Every visual joke lands. Every musical flourish sparkles. The number embodies Brooks’ core idea: that satire works best when delivered with absolute theatrical sincerity.

But the one who steals every scene they are in is Harry Morrison as the delusional Hitler supporter, Franz Liebkind, the pigeon-loving, helmet-wearing playwright whose disastrously patriotic script, Springtime for Hitler, becomes the foundation of Max and Leo’s proposed catastrophe. He is a blatant Nazi sympathiser, with swastika branded pigeons (yes you read it right!), but he escalates the absurdity of his views by playing the role with a real sincerity so absolute that you find yourself laughing uncontrollably not being revolted by what he is supporting.

Visually, the production is rich without being cluttered. The set design moves swiftly between environments - dingy offices, lavish townhouses, rehearsal spaces, backstage corridors - using clever panels and shifting architecture to preserve momentum. This fluidity keeps the narrative charging forward while allowing for sudden comedic reveals: doors flying open at the wrong moment,

hidden compartments spilling out props, staircases unfolding like pop-up book pages.

The lighting design, too, plays a vital role, shifting from muted tones during Leo’s dreary accounting days to bright, absurdist palettes once the scheme kicks into motion.

If there’s any criticism to be made, it lies in the show’s deliberately provocative humour. The Producers was designed to push boundaries, and this production doesn’t soften its edges nor should it. But some jokes that once shocked now feel like historical relics, amusing less because of their inherent comedic value and more because of the audacity with which they are delivered. Yet even these moments serve a purpose: they highlight how satire evolves and how comedy’s relationship with culture changes over time.

Ultimately, the real achievement of this production is its heart. For all its cynicism, The Producers is secretly a story about longing - longing to be seen, to be appreciated, to escape the roles the world has assigned. Max and Leo’s scheme is fraudulent, hilarious, and wildly irresponsible, but underneath it all is a genuine desire for transformation. The final scenes, where friendship triumphs over greed, lands with unexpected warmth.

Mel Brook’s show never shys away from provocative material (Nazism, stereotypes etc.), but it cleverly mocks these, rather than trying to shock for shock’s sake.

I loved this show when I saw it many years ago and I still do today, and if you want a few hours away from your reality, enter the bizarre and very funny world of Mel Brooks, as The Producers is the show for you.

The Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0HH Telephone number: 0330 333 4811

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DAYS OUT WITH THE FAMILY Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience What do you get if you mix an iconic book, one of the most famous concept albums of the 1970s’, committed actors and modern technology? The answer is an awesome experience at Jeff Wayne’s The War of the World Immersive Experience.

This immersive experience is one of London’s most ambitious attractions, and with its sets, virtual reality and interaction with actors, not just tells the story, it places you directly inside it!

HG Wells is one of the most well-known and prolific writers, and was considered a futurist as he foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the world wide web, so it is slightly unnerving that he also wrote about a martian invasion!

In 1978, his story was taken by Jeff Wayne and turned into the classic double album “The Musical Version of the War of the Worlds”. The album combined rock music with orchestral elements, along with narration from a number of famous stars (Richard Burton and David Essex), and is one of the biggest selling concept albums of all time with sales of over 15 million. When you add to these, cutting edge technology and the attention to detail that the immersive experience provides, you get nearly 2 hours of escapism which is spookily real and really does take you to this bygone age and an invasion by martians.

Writing this article is tricky to do as I do not want to spoil the experience by giving away the special effects and surprises that occur, but from the moment you enter the actual experience you are transformed back to Victorian times by the décor, lighting and even the smells you encounter.

The passion of the actors, who guide you through the various scenes is palpable, and their ability to involve the visitor in what would have been a desperate situation is masterful. The blend of these personal interactions with the use of technology, including VR headsets, takes the experience to a different level and ensures you really feel you are living through the experience. There are approximately 24 scenes during your visit, mixing horror and some humour, which balances the darker aspects of the invasion 20

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and the destruction the martians inflicted on Victorian England.

From the moment the iconic first few bars of Jeff Wayne’s first song on the album played, it sent a shiver down my spine, and I am sure you to will enjoy the other 9 songs from Jeff’s soundtrack as you move through the experience.

This experience has been running since 2019, and its longevity is testament to the quality of the show and its appeal, as it will appeal to those devotees of the book/album as much as it will delight those who know nothing about the story at all (in fact you might enjoy it more as you do not know what is coming next!).

This is a show for all ages (from 8 years old) and the attention to detail is such that they not only think about the sounds and sights, it even extends to smells, truly immersing the visitor into this new world.

There are a few scarier scenes, so children do need to be over 8 years old, and because of the nature of the show it is not suitable for wheelchairs.

The closest tube station is Aldgate which is on the Circle and Metropolitan Line, and the number 25 bus stops right outside.

55 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3A 2BJ www.thewaroftheworldimmersive.com

TAKE FIVE

TAKE FIVE Winter Warmers

by Judith Schrut

Seduction, Subterfuge, Survival: Lesley Manville & Aidan Turner in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre, photographer Alexandre Blossard

With the glow, glitz and guzzle of the festive season behind us and spring’s tell-tale snowdrops, blue skies and daffodils not quite ready to put in an appearance, are you wondering what to do with these wintry waiting weeks? Good news! Britain’s got loads of toasty treats on offer this time of year. Join Judith Schrut for a brief but spectacular preview of the coming year’s cultural highlights.

1. Hot Tickets

UK Theatreland welcomes the new year with a steamy array of hot tickets for your entertainment, wonder and joy.

There’s always a time and place for cherished West End oldies-but-goodies, especially where they’ve been re-energised with fresh casts and creatives. Long-running shows like Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Cabaret and Oliver! still take the breath away. If you’re looking for a generous dose of bellyache laughter, invest in a ticket to The Producers, transferred to the Garrick Theatre after a triumphant off-West End run.

Thirsting for something new? Yeehaw!

It’s showdown time, as West End meets Wild West in the world premiere of High Noon. This bold, theatrical re-telling of the 1950s Oscar-winning Western marks the stage debut for writer-producer Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, A Star is Born, Dune). Emmy and Tony winner Billy Crudup (The Morning Show) and Olivier winner Denise Gough (Angels in America) lead in an edge-of-yourseat thriller set in the American West of the 1800s. The show’s timeless themes - like justice, duty, courage and desire - are surely as relevant now as they were then.

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The National Theatre’s stylish, seductive and highly anticipated version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses pits rivals Lesley Manville (The Crown) and Aidan Turner (Poldark) as pre-revolutionary French aristocrats battling against each other for sex, love and power. Over at the Noel Coward Theatre, you’ll find an intriguing staging of Dracula, with Cynthia Erivo (Wicked, Harriet) working her way solo through all 23 characters in this Gothic masterpiece.

For quality shows without West End price tags, seek out the dramatic delights to be found at London’s many excellent Fringe venues. Marylebone Theatre, one of these small but perfectly formed stage gems, debuts a new musical, Cable Street. Not far away, Kiln Theatre turns a theatrical spotlight on the ‘fifth Beatle’, the band’s brilliant, beloved but tormented manager, Brian Epstein, in Please, Please Me. When it comes to a range of inventive shows for all ages and tastes, you can count on one-of-a-kind Wilton’s Music Hall.

Wilton’s is the oldest Grand Musical Hall in the world, splendidly restored, cosily welcoming and easy on the wallet.

Would you die for love? That’s the question posed by Wilton’s dark, gripping Noir musical Ruth, dramatising the life of Ruth Ellis, 70 years after she became the last woman executed in Britain.

Wilton’s year- openers also include the charismatic Charles Court Opera in Gilbert & Sullivan’s lyrical satire, Iolanthe, Francesca Confortini and the Brian Clemens Jazz Orchestra taking audiences on a musical movie tour, and a rollicking night with cabaret legend Dillie Keane in Still Curious.

Britain’s regional theatres offer a fantastic chance to catch top shows on national tours.

The coming year brings fine touring versions of favourite musicals such as Cats, Annie, Waitress and The Rocky Horror Show. Also hitting the road are Matthew Bourne’s multiaward-winning, smash hit production of The Red Shoes, ever-popular ABBA musical Mamma Mia! and acclaimed one-woman drama Prima Facie, starring Jodie Comer (Killing Eve).

Further information: highnoontheplay.com wiltons.org.uk marylebonetheatre.com kilntheatre.com

2. Go For Glow

Let there be light! You may have noticed that winter outdoor light displays have become increasingly popular, but this year they seem more inventive than ever. Many finish with the festive season while others take a longer view, shining their lights well into the new year.

Magnificent Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, lights up its grand House and Pleasure Gardens into January.

As the sun goes down, you’ll be immersed in a spectacular world of light, colour and sound as Waddesdon’s elegant façade transforms into a “Grand Tour” of Europe, similar to that taken in the 19th century

by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild and his mischievous poodle, Poupon. Then, follow Waddesdon’s light trail and be dazzled by luminous tree canopies, interactive displays and a tunnel of glittering stars.

You’ll find more brilliant lights for dark nights at Longleat Park, Wiltshire’s Festival of Light, aglow to mid-January. Along Longleat’s enchanting lantern trail, you and your loved ones can view famous landmarks and natural wonders as well as meet fanfavourite characters like Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph.

Cornwall’s renowned Mousehole Harbour Lights twinkle over this picturesque seaside village and its North Atlantic shore every evening till late, while Leonardslee Gardens, East Sussex, has created a sparkling adventure inspired by the beauty of its lakes and gardens. Its Midwinter Light’s Dream takes you on an unforgettable journey through woodlands bathed in light, music and mystery.

Over in London, Southbank Centre’s free Winter Light display shines on till midJanuary, illuminating Thames riverside with a gallery’s worth of specially-commissioned Waddesdon Manor Light Trail ©Waddesdon Manor

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light art, including Liz West’s Hymn to the Big Wheel, France-Lise McGurn’s Hysteric Grammar and Rafael Rosendaal’s Twist.

Meanwhile, mid-January is just the start of Canary Wharf Winter Lights, 10th edition.

This year’s theme is ‘Dreamscape’, beaming nightly to the end of the month.

Last but not least, St Mary-le-Strand Church, Aldwych, proudly marks its 300th birthday year with ‘Decades’, a giant display created by light artist Louise Giovanelli. A shimmering curtain of light- a 3D illusiondrapes this Baroque masterpiece and its surroundings. Take time to stop, look and reflect at leisure, free from central London noise and traffic thanks to the area’s recent transformation from busy junction to attractive pedestrianised park.

Further information: waddesdon.org.uk mouseholelights.org longleat.co.uk/events/the-festival-of-light canarywharf.com/whats-on

3. Family-Flavoured Fun

This winter, why not share some warm and cosy cultural feelings with the whole family?

Young V&A, Bethnal Green, is Britain’s first museum of art, design and performance created for and by young people. However, you don’t need to be a child to be entranced by its bright, spacious and welcoming galleries of wonderment, 2000+ objects and collectibles old and new and from all over the world. Packed with make-it, try-it and play-with-it choices for serious fun, there’s a well-stocked dressing up area, a theatre and performance space, a self-portrait-making station and a play-friendly café. There’s even a delightful mini-museum for under 3’s, loaded with options for rolling, crawling and toddling, for discovering colours, textures and shapes, all at toddler eye-level height.

Alongside a popular family café and creative fun sessions like MiniMasterpieces, Art Sundays and Wildlife Drawing, Dulwich Picture Gallery presents its ingenious new ArtPlay Pavilion.

Described in glowing reviews as “a dream environment for children” (the Standard) and “a place absolutely dedicated to life, infancy and pleasure” (the FT), it’s an inviting and immersive play space designed for babies, toddlers and children under 8.

Each February, London’s Southbank Centre plays host to the Imagine Children’s Festival, transforming the Centre into a giant cultural playground. You’re guaranteed a ton of piping hot fun for families and children of all ages, with 11 packed days of theatre, music, dance, live book events and more. Festival highlights include a playful re-telling of Hans Christian Anderson’s Princess and the Pea, a wild and wonderful musical version of Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels, and the biggest ever sleepover, with beloved children’s author 22

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The Princess and the Pea, Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre, a Unicorn co-production with New Vic Theatre & Upswing, photo © Foteini Christofilopoulou

(and sleepover afficionado) Jacqueline Wilson. Also at the Southbank, the fabulous LPO FUNharmonics presents two delicious, family-friendly concerts: Peter and the Wolf in January followed by Stan and Mabel and the Race for Space in May. A lively family year at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, starts with the grand opening of its bold, beautiful and free Woodland Playground, continuing through the seasons with nature-inspired activities and events for all.

Over at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London, feel free to let little ones loose to climb, slide, balance, splash and explore the extraordinary Tumbling Bay Playground while you relax in nearby seating areas.

This spacious and adventurous play area is designed to resemble a natural landscape, complete with sandpits, rock pools, treehouses and wobbly bridges galore.

Whatever their age, fans of a certain furry, cuddlesome, red-hatted bear from Peru will be flocking to the Savoy Theatre to enjoy Paddington the Musical, while Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro fills the Gillian Lynne Theatre with spirits, dreams and fantasy creatures. UK touring family shows worth going the extra mile for include Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, a cracking version of the popular pig adventure, and the charming Tiger who Came to Tea, based on Judith Kerr’s much-loved tale.

Further information: vam.ac.uk/young dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk southbankcentre.co.uk/events/imagine peppapiglive.com

4. The Magic Of Music

With hundreds of dedicated live music venues and events, it’s little wonder that music lovers liken Britain to Music Heaven. When it comes to Jazz, Classical, Neo-Folk, Hip Hop or TikTok Phonk, this may be a small island but it’s one with an unrivalled set of musical grooves. The coming year promises a bumper crop of music gigs, concerts and festivals.

Scotland’s Glasgow, is the place to be in late January when Celtic Connections, the annual festival of folk, roots and world music, comes to town, bringing together more than 300 events and over 2,100 Celtic-connected artists from all corners of the Celtic diaspora.

2026, marks the 75th anniversary of London’s Southbank Centre. There’s a fantastic year-long party in store and we’re all invited. Celebrations look to the Southbank’s present and future as much as its vibrant creative past. When the Royal Festival Hall opened in 1951 as part the Festival of Britain, it was a huge, uplifting moment for UK culture, social and political history after the dark, dire years of World War II. Expect a full-on year of concerts, displays and happenings across the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room, including a weekend celebrating British youth culture past and present, cross-art collaborations from the Southbank Centre’s six Resident Orchestras, a live podcast festival, a mass choir event and much, much more. Art, dance, poetry and music events will also travel to 40 British towns and cities, aiming to reach a further one million people.

In 1951, the Trinidad All-Steel Percussion Orchestra gave the UK’s pioneering steel pan performance outside the Royal Festival Hall, as part of the Festival of Britain. Saluting that historic concert, this summer’s Steel Pan Weekender welcomes dozens of steel bands from around the country for a joyous Yuja Wang, Playing with Fire installation (3D sketch) © Graphics with AI, Clément Deneux, image courtesy Southbank Centre press

TAKE FIVE carnival of sound. Classical music fans won’t want to miss the phenomenal Yuja Wang’s groundbreaking, mixed reality experience, Playing with Fire: An Immersive Odyssey, described as a “deeply personal journey through music, memory, and imagination”.

Before leaving the Southbank be sure to have a go on the witty, interactive musical artwork, Stepping Out. Designed by Luke Jerram and recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, it invites you to play an outdoor staircase of the Southbank Centre like a musical instrument.

Few call it beautiful, many call it brutal, but no one can deny that London’s Barbican Centre boasts some brilliant sound spaces.

For those not yet familiar, the Barbican is a 35-acre art, culture and housing complex in the heart of London, built over an area left flattened by World War II bombs. It’s home to the London and BBC Symphony Orchestras, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Academy of Ancient Music and includes concert halls, cinemas, a theatre and a major art gallery, as well as shops, pubs and restaurants, luxury apartments, magical roof gardens and possibly the best public library in the land.

The Barbican greets the new year with a glorious glut of world-class orchestras, bands, choirs and solo artists, including a generous sprinkling of top musical Americans. Amongst melodious treats in store are a salute to influential jazz great Keith Jarrett on his 80th birthday, a powerful night of Americana with singer and songwriter Lucinda Williams, and concerts featuring the timeless music of Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Hollywood’s Golden Age. Dive deep into soundscapes from the far, far North with Total Immersion: Icelandic Chill, a season which includes an evening with Academy Award-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir.

In spring it’s time for La Linea, London’s biggest and longest-running Latin music festival.

Venues across the capital will explode in a vibrant celebration of Latin sound, story and culture.

Festival high notes this year are Portuguese Fado sensation, Sara Correia, the London debut of indigenous Peruvian artist Renata Flores, and Eliane Correa, joined by an all-female salsa band of musicians from across Latin America and the UK, in Las Salseras, a centenary tribute to revered Cuban singer, Celia Cruz. Meanwhile, jazz lovers will await the start of Cheltenham Jazz Festival, showcasing global stars, up-andcoming newbies and lots of sound surprises under its very big jazz umbrella.

Looking ahead to summer, be prepared for a spirited season of sound. Early birds catch the musical worm, so it’s never too early to book tickets for Love Supreme, the best of jazz and blues played out in a Sussex countryside setting, and WOMAD, the world’s greatest festival of Music, Art and Dance debuting at its gorgeous new site. Stay tuned: TAKE FIVE will be back soon to tell you more about these and other unmissable events.

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Further information: southbankcentre.co.uk barbican.org.uk comono.co.uk/la-linea lovesupremefestival.com

5. Cold Hands, Warm Art

If you’re after a simple and pleasurable way to come in from the cold, you can’t beat a visit to one of Britain’s huge range of museums and art galleries. With over 2,500 to choose from, there’s sure to be something for every age, interest or attention span in your household.

You may also be surprised and delighted to find that many can be visited absolutely free.

The four Tates - Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives - are full of temptations for culture lovers, with unparalleled collections of old and new masterpieces set in superb spaces.

From Matisse to Magritte, Picasso to Picabia and Dali to Damien Hirst, Tate Modern offers an ever-changing feast of visual treats, outstanding exhibitions and the best riverside views in London. Upcoming shows celebrate a lifetime of work by Dame Tracey Emin, rule-breaking American expat James McNeill Whistler and Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon.

Tate Britain’s focus is British art, including the world’s largest collection of Turners, plenty of Hogarths, Hockneys, Henry Moores and Blakes (both William and Peter), and ticketed displays like Turner and Constable, exploring the intertwined lives and legacies of Britain’s best-loved landscape artists, and Lee Miller, the largest retrospective of the unique Anglo-American photographer to date. The show traces Miller’s extraordinary life and work as she evolved from fashion model to Vogue’s leading fashion photographer, from Surrealist experimenteer to pioneering war photojournalist.

Tate St Ives is majestically perched on the sands of Cornwall’s loveliest coastal town. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by its stunning beachfront gallery as well as its lesser known house museum nearby - the magical Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Formerly the artist’s home, it’s where she lived, worked, raised triplets and

died, tragically, after her art studio caught fire in 1975. Tate Liverpool is currently undergoing a major transformation, re-opening in 2027.

The eagerly-awaited V&A East Museum opens in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park midApril, bringing together the worlds of art, design, fashion, music, and performance to a jaw-dropping new venue. Its first exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story, looks to be an epic show, telling the story of Black British music from 1900 to the present day.

Not to be outdone by its newborn sibling, V&A South Kensington offers a yearround cornucopia of free tours, activities, festivals and Friday Night Lates as well as 150+ galleries packed with art, design and performance treasures from around the world and across the ages. 2026 special exhibitions include Marie Antoinette Style, American Photographs, and Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, a show devoted to one of the 20th century’s most remarkable fashion designers, Elsa Schiaparelli.

Elsewhere in London and around the UK, 2026 looks to be an exciting creative year. The Royal Academy’s triumphant Kerry James Marshall: The Histories, continues into late January, while the Hayward Gallery presents a landmark exhibition on sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, internationally renowned for his thought and sense-provoking works.

How artists see themselves and others is the theme of People Watching, the Ingram Collection and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery’s joint celebration of 100 years of British portraiture. Newlands House Gallery, set in a beautifully-restored Georgian house in rural Sussex, continues its rich display of photographs, Jane Bown: Play Shadow, while the always innovative Dulwich Picture Gallery showcases exquisite, intimate paintings from Denmark with Anna Ancher: Painting Light.

Further information: newlandshouse.gallery dorsetmuseum.org tate.org.uk vam.ac.uk/southkensington; vam.ac.uk/east Take Five brings the best of British to Americans in Britain. We’d love to hear how you’ve been warming up your winter – you can get in touch with Judith at judith0777@gmail.com.

Lee Miller, Tate Britain: Left, Model Elizabeth Cowell wearing Digby Morton suit, London 1941.

Right, David E. Scherman dressed for war, London 1942, both Lee Miller Archives, courtesy Tate Press Office

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TRAVEL Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain’s lively capital, is a treasure trove where the past and present collide, revealing not just celebrated landmarks, but also hidden gems. Nestled in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, it boasts a rich history that stretches back to the 9th century, evolving from a Moorish fort into the bustling metropolis we see today. As the political, economic, and cultural hub of Spain, Madrid offers a unique blend of historic grandeur and modern energy, peppered with hidden gems waiting to be discovered, all just a few hours from London by air. Madrid is served by MadridBarajas airport which is situated 12 km from Madrid’s city centre, and has great links to the centre via the Metro, buses or taxis.

The city’s streets and squares tell stories of kings and artists, from the grand Royal Palace to the bustling Plaza Mayor and the serene Retiro Park. In addition, Madrid is a global art capital, home to one of the most important art museums in the world, The Prado, with its masterpieces by famous Spanish artists like Valazquez and Goya, which forms part of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, along with the modern Reina Sofía, and the eclectic Thyssen-Bornemisza.

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For those sports enthusiasts a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid, is also a must, as its tour combines all of its history, trophies and behind the scenes areas with the impressive stadium and bright green pitch.

Beyond these famous sights, Madrid is filled with lesser-known wonders, from traditional tapas bars nestled in narrow alleys to secret gardens and artisan markets.

Madrid’s hidden gems provide a glimpse into the everyday life of Madrileños and underscore the city’s charm in its ability to embrace its historical roots while constantly reinventing itself. Whether you’re exploring Madrid for the first time or rediscovering it, the city invites you on an endless journey of fascination, with hidden treasures waiting around every corner.

Madrid’s headline attractions are gorgeous, but the city is full of quieter, stranger, more intimate places that reward wandering and curiosity.

Below are nine under-the-radar sites where you’ll find secret gardens, oddball museums, ghostly palaces, and neighbourhoods with real personality, so bring good shoes and leave your checklist at home!

1. Parque Del Capricho - An Aristocratic “Whim” With Lakes, Follies And A Bunker Tucked away in the Alameda de Osuna district, Parque del Capricho feels like a pocket-sized landscape from another century: landscaped walks, small lakes, a labyrinth, theatrical pavilions and neoclassical follies scattered through 14 hectares. It was created in the late 18th - early 19th century by the Duquesa de Osuna as a pleasure garden - a carefully staged mix of Romantic melancholy and Enlightenment-era taste. The park’s secluded atmosphere (and its limited visiting hours) make a visit feel deliberately private, like you’ve borrowed the ducal garden for the afternoon.

Why go: It’s beautiful in any season (autumn paints the avenues gold; spring flowers scent the paths) and has surprising features - including a little wartime bunker that make it an explorer’s treat.

Insider tip: Check the official opening times before you go (it’s not always open daily); guided visits reveal hidden corners most casual visitors miss.

TRAVEL

5. Cementerio De La Almudena - A City Of Memory And Remarkable Monuments

2. Museo Cerralbo A Time Capsule Of 19Th-Century Collecting

If you like houses that feel frozen in time, go to Museo Cerralbo. This former marquis’s palace in central Madrid preserves the salon-by-salon clutter of a 19th-century collector: Paintings, armour, porcelain, and dozens of objects arranged with the bold taste of a private cabinet of curiosities. The effect is voyeuristic in the best way - walking through rooms that still feel inhabited by a very particular personality. The museum is small, quietly luxurious, and often empty even on weekends.

Why go: For atmosphere more than blockbuster art. It’s a brilliant place to imagine Madrid’s gilded, domestic past, up close.

Insider tip: Keep an eye on the temporaryprogramme listings - the museum sometimes hosts intimate concerts and talks in its richly decorated rooms.

4. Quinta De Los Molinos - Madrid’s Almond-Tree Spectacle

This large park in the east of the city is famous among locals for one spectacular, seasonal reason: Almond trees that explode into white and pink blossoms in late winter/ early spring. When the bloom comes, the whole site becomes a froth of petals and people come to picnic, take photos, and simply breathe the fragrant air. But the Quinta’s appeal isn’t only seasonal - it’s also a pleasing straight-forward green space with paths, a small lake and remnants of a grander estate.

Why go: Time your visit to blossom season for a genuinely magical local spectacle; off-season it’s a peaceful park with fewer crowds than central green spaces.

Insider tip: Midweek mornings in bloom season are the least crowded and best for photographs.

A place to slow down and think: the Cementerio de la Almudena is one of Europe’s largest necropolises and a surprising repository of art, architecture, and history. Massive mausoleums, evocative sculpture and tightly packed rows of tombs tell Madrid’s social story across the 19th and 20th centuries. For fans of architecture, memorial art, or history, a respectful walk here is oddly enriching: you’ll find modernist chapels, monumental family vaults and little details - inscriptions, tiles, carved angels that are as revealing as any museum label.

Why go: It’s one of those quiet civic places where you read the city’s past in stone.

Insider tip: Go with a guide or a wellresearched map if you’re after particular monuments; otherwise, wander slowly and let the paths surprise you.

6. Callejón Del Gato Mirrors, Literature And A Sliver Of Old Madrid

This narrow lane near Plaza del Ángel is small on size but big on stories. It’s famous

3. La Tabacalera (Lavapiés) - An Anarchic Cultural Engine

Behind an austere, industrial façade in Lavapiés stands La Tabacalera, a vast selfmanaged cultural centre that grew from an old tobacco factory. Inside you’ll find collective workshops, street-art galleries, a fab lab, a community garden and rotating installations by emerging artists. The spirit here is hands-on and DIY: you won’t find curated museum polish, but you will find energy, conversations and art in the process of becoming. For anyone who wants the living, breathing cultural Madrid (as opposed to the institutional Madrid), this is the spot.

Why go: To feel the city’s creative pulse - graffiti, pop-up shows, and community projects are constant.

Insider tip: Wander the courtyards and industrial halls instead of looking for a single “exhibition”; the best finds are often improvised.

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in Madrid literary lore - an alley evoked by Valle-Inclán and once home to a pair of distorting mirrors (one concave, one convex) that amused and unnerved passersby. Today the Callejón del Gato sits in the shadow of the Barrio de las Letras (the literary quarter) and is lined with tavernas and spots that preserve the old-city intimacy. It’s a perfect five-minute detour when you’re exploring the area around the Corte Inglés or Puerta del Sol. Why go: To step into the small-scale, literary Madrid that tourists often miss.

Insider tip: Visit just before sunset - the mood of the narrow alley changes dramatically as the light softens and the bars begin to glow.

7. Palacio De Linares/ Casa De América - A Palace With Secrets

At Plaza de Cibeles, the Palacio de Linares looks like one of Madrid’s show-stopper townhouses. Inside it’s now Casa de América, a cultural institution focused on Ibero-American relations, but the building’s backstory is deliciously theatrical: 19th-century opulence, a history of ghost stories and scandals, and a sumptuous interior that still feels like a setting for a period drama. Even if you don’t enter the palace, its façade and the square around it are worth a slow look.

Why go: Architecture, atmosphere, and occasional high-quality talks, screenings and exhibits that are free or inexpensive.

Insider tip: Check Casa de América’s programme for film nights and lectures - you can often see something unique for little or no money.

8. Jardines De Las Vistillas - A Sunset Perch Near The Old City

Not exactly unknown, but a favourite of locals who want a view without the tourist throng: the Jardines de las Vistillas sit above 26

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the Calle Segovia/La Morería area and give one of the nicest low-slung vistas toward the royal precinct and the cathedral. It’s a popular hangout on warm evenings: bring a small picnic or just a bottle of water and watch the city blush as the sun goes down.

Why go: Quick, scenic and accessible from La Latina; a marvellous place to watch Madrileños doing what they do best - meet their friends and linger.

Insider tip: On Sunday evenings the hill is often full of small groups chatting and playing acoustic guitars - it’s perfect people-watching.

9. The Egyptian Temple Of Debod

A gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968, the Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that now graces the Parque del Oeste. This remarkable structure, dating back to the 2nd century BC, was relocated to Madrid to save it from flooding following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Its presence in Madrid is a symbol of international cooperation and cultural preservation.

Why go: You can get a little piece of the magic of Egypt in the heart of Madrid.

Insider tip: Visit at sunset to see the temple at its best and get breathtaking views of the city.

How To Enjoy These Places Without Stress

Slow down. These sites reward lingering.

Don’t try to do all nine in one day.

Check hours. Parks like El Capricho and smaller museums have idiosyncratic opening schedules Mix neighbourhoods. Pair Capricho with a flamenco evening in Hortaleza, or combine the literary quarter (Callejón del Gato) with tapas in La Latina Be respectful. Cemeteries and communityrun cultural spaces deserve quiet and care. Ask before photographing inside La Tabacalera events or private rituals Follow local leads. Small museums often post late openings and special events on their websites or social feeds - worth a quick look before heading out.

Madrid is a city that loves to show off, but it’s happiest when it whispers. The spots above are places where the city’s quieter stories live: The shabby-chic exercise of community art, the aristocratic oddities of a bygone elite, the botanical drama of a spring bloom, and the solemn, careful preservation of the city’s memories. Go with an open mind and a curiosity for detail - Madrid’s unknown places are generous with surprises.

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La Villa Helene CA L L AO S A LVA J E , T E N E R I F E

Welcome to La Villa Helene! A beautiful, serene and spacious 4 bedroom villa in Callao Salvaje, Tenerife.

We invite you to relax and unwind on the huge sun terrace, set within vibrant tropical gardens and majestic palm trees, a truly calm and peaceful setting.

Fancy a dip? At the centre of the outdoor space is a large private heated pool, perfect and large enough for those who love swimming or relaxing pool-side on a sun lounger. The terrace also benefits from being gated for extra child security.

While in Tenerife, making the most of the outdoors and being able to dine outside is a priority. Here, you can enjoy alfresco dining under a shaded pergola with a purpose-built BBQ area - ideal for sunny evenings and spending quality time with your loved ones. Partial mountain views in the background will help you to indulge in the tranquillity.

The interior includes a spacious open plan living and dining area with patio doors leading out to the terrace. Kick back and chill on the comfortable corner suite sofa and watch your favourite TV shows including UK & US channels.

Our kitchen is fully equipped including modern appliances ready for home cooked meals. The villa holds 4 bedrooms where guests can sink into comfort and a total of 4 bathrooms (3 en-suite) which equals a bathroom per bedroom.

L O CAT I O N

Located in the popular resort of Callao Salvaje in the Costa Adeje area, on the south coast of Tenerife (only 25 km from Tenerife South airport). Callao Salvaje has everything to provide pleasure, relaxation and most importantly convenience with an excellent selection of amenities that is within walking distance. Also, not forgetting the reasonably priced accommodation and lots of sunshine which are more reasons tourists love Callao.

This accommodation is 100 meters from the centre of the resort, where you will find many restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets and the beach. There are some admirable restaurants to suit all tastes, plus some late night bars with entertainment and a beautiful man -made black sand beach that was completed in 2012. The resort holds a taxi rank and good transport links to anywhere on the island via several bus stops with regular service. Therefore, car hire is not required.

Callao Salvaje is a 10 minute drive or approximately 20 euros in a taxi to the busier areas such as Los Cristianos and Las Americas. The wonderful golf courses in Costa Adeje and in the Abama are also nearby.

Escape the hustle, soothe your senses and find peace at La Villa Helene.

For further information, prices and availability, please email: helen@theamericanhour.com WWW.THEAMERICANHOUR.COM

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HOTEL REVIEW Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa, Warwickshire As a proud Brummie (that is someone who was born in Birmingham), it is always a bone of contention to me that the majority of people think of the middle of England as somewhere to pass through to either go down to London and the South or up North to one of the well known cities like Liverpool or Newcastle, but by doing this you really miss out on many wonderful places and sites.

The centre of England boasts many historic towns bursting with history and wonder, for example, Birmingham has more canals than Venice! And along with Birmingham, other towns like Stratford Upon Avon, Warwick and Royal Lemington Spa, are well worth a visit.

I am sure I don’t need to elaborate on why Stratford Upon Avon is famous, but, for the other two, you may need some help.

Warwick has one of the most exciting and impressive castles in the UK, which 28

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was originally the home of William the Conqueror, and is now a living museum of the life and times of a number of eras, and Royal Lemington Spa has the Royal Pump Rooms and Baths, as it was a popular place to ‘take the waters’ in the Victorian age.

To be able to visit all these wonderful sights you need a base to stay, and there is nowhere better than Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa, situated on the outskirts of Lemington.

Tucked in the gentle Warwickshire countryside, Mallory Court House Hotel & Spa, although near to Lemington and its new housing developments, manages to retain its rural charm. The hotel is part of the esteemed Eden Hotel Collection and blends historic charm with contemporary luxury. The hotel has 42 distinctly different rooms situated either in the main house, the conference centre or the Spa.

The main house is an elegant example of Lutyens-influenced architecture, and sits in the heart of the 10 acre site surrounded by manicured lawns, an impressive rose garden and a flourishing kitchen garden which provides the majority of the herbs, salad leaves and other fresh produce used in the hotel’s restaurant, and although oozing with old English charm, provides guests with modern mod-cons in oh so comfy and cosy country rooms, as armchairs, patterned cushions and thick curtains and carpets rub shoulders seamlessly with USB ports and coffee machines.

If you prefer something a little more modern, then you may prefer the Elan Spa rooms situated on the first floor of the Spa building rather than the more cosy manor house rooms, as they are more streamlined in design with serene colours and better access to the Elan Spa, but regardless of

HOTEL REVIEW what room you choose you will be treated to sumptuous bedding, high quality toiletries and the small extra touches that elevate a stay, like fresh milk in the fridge, complimentary soft drinks and a turn down service to name just a few.

The Spa at Mallory Court has glass walls and the use of natural materials create a sense of calm that blends with the surrounding gardens. The indoor pool is sleek and peaceful and a good size allowing you to swim a few lengths or equally just play with your children, and the obsidian black surround, along with the opalescent mosaic tiling in the pool, gives it a contemporary feel. In addition to the pool, there is a thermal suite complete with sauna and steam room for extra relaxation.

As well as these inside offerings, there is also an outdoor sauna and vitality pool which is set beneath the open sky and surrounded by greenery, which delivers that luxurious “away-from-everything” feeling. Even on a cool day, and it was very ‘cool’ when we visited, the warm bubbling water makes it easy to stay outside longer than intended.

Along with the rooms and Spa, dining is also a highlight at Mallory Court, with two choices for residents. Sencha is a stylish and modern restaurant offering classic Asian fare, and will delight diners by using local produce with a few Mallory twists, and this restaurant can be found in the Spa block.

The show piece restaurant, The Warwick, is however, situated in the main house and is a homecoming for 2019 Masterchef: The Professionals winner, Stu Deeley, as he returns to Mallory Court as Executive Chef, having worked at the hotel many years previously.

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The menu is quintessentially English and showcases seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, and the dishes are beautifully plated without crossing into unnecessary fussiness. The menu will appeal to everyone, offering a wide range of well-constructed dishes using the freshest of ingredients that Warwickshire can offer, and this is ably supported by an interesting wine list with a number of fruity English options that you should look out for.

The final superlative for Mallory Court must be saved for its staff, as they are very friendly and efficient, and pass that difficult balance of being both polished and personable.

So, when you are next planning a trip either to the North or South, allow a few more days and sample all that the central region of England has to offer, and treat yourself to a stay at Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa.

It will be an experience that will linger long after you have left, with its cosy charm, superlative food and welcoming staff.

Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa, Harbury Lane, Lemington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB www.mallory.co.uk

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The Only Ball Marker for Golfers in Stormy and Inclement Weather Not only can it be used to mark balls in bad weather, it can also be used as a Nearest the Pin Marker, a Longest Drive Marker and a Locker Key Ring Looking for a New, Fun and Innovative Golf Gift for the golfer in your life?

Tired of buying novelty golf presents they won't use?

Why not buy a gift that he/she can use over and over again, but also has that fun factor?

Be the first to buy the golfer in your life Stormarker, the New, Unique, Innovative and Exciting Multi-Purpose Marker, designed and created by Helen Elliott, Founder & CEO of American in Britain!

Stormarker’s main purpose is to mark your ball if you have to leave the course mid-round due to bad weather, but it can also be used as a Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive Marker, and when not being used on the course its striking design make it a fun Locker Keyring.

Stormarker is lightweight and easily portable, and as it is 20cm in height and distinctively shaped as a lightning bolt (with its own name tag attached) will clearly mark the place of golf balls if golfers have to leave the course.

Because it is so visible from a long distance, it can also be used as a Nearest the Pin or Longest Drive marker.

It is available in five bright, attractive, vivid colours - Red, Yellow, Pink, Orange and White.

Golfers love nearest the pin and longest drive challenges, and if groups of friends, societies, charity days etc., want to add a bit of extra fun to the round, then all they need are Stormarkers, rather than the large, unwieldly, heavy metal markers that damage your golf bags when carried.

Stormarker will provide a fun and useful alternative to golf balls, towels and tees for those looking for stocking fillers as well as Birthday, Christmas, Father's Day and Mother's Day presents. They are also great for charity day, golf day and society day gifts and prizes.

Price: £9.99 For further information, or to purchase these markers, please email helen@theamericanhour.com

The recipient of your gift will be delighted with this product, as it has only just been created, so they will be the first to own one and will be the envy of their golf friends.

Great Christmas Stocking Filler For The Golfers In Your Life

AMERICAN CLUBS’ NEWS

AMERICAN CLUBS NEWS

you’ll find a warm welcome here.

Membership for the 2026 club year is now open and we have a full slate of events for January and beyond planned.

More information and new member registration can be found at: https:// awsurrey.org Follow along on IG: @AWSurrey

KCWC

Visit w w w. a w b s . o r g . u k or email membership@awbs.org.uk to learn more and join us at AWBS.

AWBS

Discover a World of Friendships, Culture and Connection with AWBS International Women’s Club.

Looking to build meaningful international friendships, explore new interests, or simply feel more at home in the UK? The AWBS International Women’s Club is a thriving community in Berkshire and Surrey with more than 200 dynamic women from 46 countries, ready to welcome you. Whether you’re new to the UK, a returning British expat, or simply craving global connection.

At AWBS, life is anything but ordinary.

With 20+ monthly activities, there’s truly something for everyone - from Tennis, Golf, and Country Walks to Glorious Gardens, English History, and Art Appreciation.

If you’re ready to connect, explore, and thrive in an extraordinary international community, we’d love to welcome you.

Join us on Monday 12 January, for a truly fascinating guest speaker talk from Internationally renowned speaker Dr David Hamilton, as he shares insights into the science of kindness. David shares some fascinating, and sometimes surprising, science-backed ways to boost your mood, raise your energy, and feel well.

We also have another wonderful guest speaker on 8th March, so please check our website for more details.

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AWSurrey

Since 1974, AWSurrey has been a vibrant, international community for women living in Surrey and the surrounding areas, united by friendship and shared experiences. We offer monthly gatherings with engaging speakers, a variety of interest groups, fun outings, and seasonal celebrations; all organised by our dedicated member volunteers.

Last year, we had 1,8000 event registrations by our members across 100+ events (both in Surrey and in London). Participating in these activities is not only a wonderful way to explore Surrey and beyond, but more importantly, it’s how lasting friendships are made. Whether you’re new to the UK, returning after time abroad, or simply looking to make meaningful connections,

AWC London is a home away from home for American and International women. We are a diverse group who celebrate common bonds, community service and lifetime connections.

In 2025, our club offered over 500 activities and events . There is something for everyone, with day, evening & weekend activities.

Coffee Mornings , Walks & Tours, Mexican Train Dominoes, Mah Jongg, Hikes, Afternoon Tea, Pickleball, Book Clubs, Contemporary Art, Pickleball and so much more...

AWC London Special events in 2025 included Author Talk , July 4th Party, Holiday Party & Quiz Night.

Founders Day, in March 2026, will see us recognise 127 years as a club .

Check out the Social Media links to catch a glimpse of what our club has to offer. awclondon.org www.facebook.com/AWCLondon

Please email ben@theamericanhour.com to share your news and events

We would like to wish all our readers and clients a very Happy, Healthy & Propserous 2026 With very best wishes Helen & Ben WWW.AMERICANINBRITAIN.CO.UK

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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 32

AMERICAN IN BRITAIN

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 Staple Court, 11 Staple Inn, London, WC1Y 7QH Telephone: +44 20 7357 8220 Contact: Joni Trulock Email: j.trulock@ustaxfs.com Website: ustaxfs.com Twitter: @ustaxfs We are the largest boutique tax accounting firm in the UK & Europe specializing in US and US/UK tax. Established over 35 years ago, we have offices in London, Zurich and Geneva with expertise in US tax advice, planning, and compliance for individuals, funds, trusts and corporations affected by the US tax system, wherever they may live or operate in the world.

years, we draw on a heritage of stability, responsibility and long-term thinking.

These values guide everything we do — from building lasting partnerships founded on trust and transparency, to ensuring our clients’ wealth is managed in a way that is both resilient and forward-looking.

LGT US is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the UK and a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC in the US. This unique position makes us one of a select group of firms with dual regulated status, enabling us to provide seamless cross border advice and peace of mind to our US connected families.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK and is a Registered Investment Adviser with the US Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

MASECO LLP The Kodak, 11 Keeley Street, London, WC2B 4BA 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,

WEALTH MANAGEMENT LGT WEALTH MANAGEMENT US LIMITE 14, Cornhill, London, EC3V 3NR Telephone: +44 20 3207 8000 Contact: Paul Nixon, CEO Email: info-us@lgt.com Website: www.lgtwm-us.com LGT Wealth Management US is a specialist wealth manager dedicated to supporting US connected families both domestically and in the UK. We understand the unique challenges of managing wealth across two tax, legal and regulatory systems, and provide fully integrated investment and planning solutions that are recognised on both sides of the Atlantic.

As part of LGT, one of the world’s leading private banks owned by the Princely Family of Liechtenstein for more than 90

please email Helen at helen@theamericanhour.com

If you haven’t signed up to receive our free monthly email newsletters or invitations to the events we organise for Americans living in the UK, please email helen@theamericanhour.com

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