GB Mag Arrival Edition - 2015

READ ONE STUDENTS EXPERIENCE OF

STUDYING IN THE UK

Plus:

BRUSH UP ON BRITISH SLANG

GreatBritishMag.co.uk

T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R E U & I N T E R N AT I O N A L S T U D E N T S

Discover the romantic setting that inspired a masterpiece.

200 years ago Chatsworth inspired Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Today it’s just 2.5 hours from London in the breathtaking Peak District and one of thousands of discoveries to be made in the UK.

visitbritain.com

GreatBritishMag.co.uk Editor’s forward

Hello, A warm welcome to the UK. I imagine everything must seem so different from your home. And you might be thinking how will I ever adjust? Well, you will, and GB Mag is here to help you every step of the way.

GB Mag is the UK’s only magazine for EU & international students and it is our mission to help you make the most of your time here. This magazine is just a taster of the great content you will find on www.greatbritishmag.co.uk.

Join us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter, via our website, to hear about our latest events, competitions and discounts.

You can also subscribe to our discount card which will entitle you to over 42,000 discounts around the world. And it is also proof of ID. Visit www.myisic.co.uk/orders/gbmag

Be part of the largest community of EU & international students.

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David Swift Editor 3

GreatBritishMag.co.uk Contents

contents Student interview with Tze Aik Hui page

10

GB Mag caught up with aspiring chef, Tze Aik Hui, to ask about why she chose the UK to study her craft.

Britain on film page

26

Our pick of the best landmarks and locations from the UK’s globally popular film and TV.

Where to buy what page

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From food ingredients to contact lenses - check out our guide on where to shop for your essentials.

Travel around the UK page 48 Read everything you need to know about train, bus and car travel. Plus info on discounts.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Contents

Cool places to visit page

42

Ten stunning places that help to make Great Britain great! From the lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall to Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, check out our guide on where to visit during your stay in the UK.

Shop ‘til you drop page 38 Shopaholics will be delighted with the range of stores and shops in the UK. Find out where to go.

British cultural calendar page 6 Must have edit page 14 Student survival tips page 18 British currency page 20 British slang and phrases page 22 10 bizarre facts about the UK page 32 British pub culture page 34 What is bonfire night? page 40

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

6

Summer Bank Holiday

25/10/2015

British Summertime (BST) Ends

DECEMBER

OCTOBER AUGUST

31/8/2015

25/12/2015

Christmas Merry Christmas!

26/12/2015

Boxing Day

31/10/2015

Halloween

31/12/2015

Hogmanay & New Year’s Eve 5/11/2015

Guy Fawkes Night

8/11/2015

Remembrance Day (Remembrance Sunday)

30/11/2015

St. Andrew’s Day

JANUARY

NOVEMBER

DIARY DATES

Diary dates

1/1/2016

New Year’s Day Have a wonderful new year!

GreatBritishMag.co.uk

MAY

FEBRUARY

Diary dates

9/2/2016

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)

2/5/2016

May Day (Early May Bank Holiday)

17/3/2016

Ash Wednesday

30/5/2016

Spring Bank Holiday

25/3/2016

Good Friday

JUNE

10/2/2016

APRIL

St. Patrick’s Day

14/2/2016

Valentine’s Day

MARCH

27+28/3/2016

Easter Sunday & Monday

11/6/2016

21/4/2016

14-18/6/2016

Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday

Royal Ascot Races

1/3/2016

Trooping the Colour

St. David’s Day

19/6/2016

Father’s Day

6/3/2016

Mothering Sunday (Mother’s Day)

27/6/2016 - 10/7/2016 23/4/2016

St. George’s Day

Wimbledon Tennis Championships 7

For more great articles visit: www.greatbritishmag.co.uk

GreatBritishMag.co.uk Contents

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Student interview

One student’s culinary journey to the UK GB Mag met with high flying Malaysian student, Tze Aik Hui, to find out what she thinks of British food and why she chose to study in the UK.

It’s 7pm and I’m looking for apartment 150 in a building of flats in West London. From a distance I spot the three numbers and as I approach to knock on the door, a delicious aroma permeates the hallway. It must be here.

I knock softly. I’m quickly greeted by smiley Tze, a 19-yearold Malaysian student studying culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu, a world leading culinary school that has taught some of the world’s most famous chefs.

Tze, who is simply known as ‘Z’ to her friends, offered to cook for me. I jumped at the offer because her sister, who arranged the interview, mentioned Tze regularly gets the highest marks even though she is the youngest trainee chef in her class.

We sit down in the kitchen and Tze enthusiastically begins to explain she has prepared Salmon en croute – a dish she has just mastered.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Student interview

She opens the oven door and a delicate scent of baked fish fills the kitchen. After plating it up to look like a masterpiece, she ceremonially brings it to the table and cuts through the golden, crisp pastry to reveal the perfectly cooked salmon.

She proudly invites me to dig in with “dinner is served!”

“ “

I never leave the house without an umbrella.

I knew the Brits liked tea… but I’ve been surprised at how much tea they drink!

I am keen to know what attracted Tze to study in the UK. She tells me that despite having only moved to London last September, it has been her dream since she was five years old. Her ambition is hard to ignore and she goes on to explain she is chasing her dreams of becoming a world-renowned chef one day.

“I am obsessed with all kinds of food, especially when it comes to sweet things.

When I was in high school I’d come home and head for the kitchen to bake something. My parents encouraged me and have been very supportive of me moving to London so I can get the best training possible.”

“The food scene in London is the best. You can try almost every cuisine from around the world and the authenticity and quality is just great. As a chef I just love being in this environment. It is just so inspiring.”

Tze also loves the Brits. “I think English people are extremely nice which has made the transition of building a new life here much easier. I won’t lie, it was scary at first because I didn’t know anyone. I was nervous and excited at the same time.

I had left all my friends back home. I was starting afresh but I think it has helped me a lot as I am much more confident and outgoing now.”

I ask her what she has found hardest to adapt to and she instantly refers to the colloquialisms and the British sense of humour.

She recalls one time when she was in class and a chef mentioned someone was ‘taking the piss’. “I was shocked as I thought it meant something very bad,” she explains. “That evening when I went home I told my sister, who burst into laughter and explained it was a funny way of telling someone they are not taking something seriously or they haven’t done a good job.”

I’m then curious to know whether she has come across any stereotypes and I see a smile appear from ear to ear. “Well, I knew the British like to drink tea. What surprises me is how much tea they can actually drink,” she laughs.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Student interview

“

I won’t lie.

It was scary at first because I didn’t know anyone. I was nervous and excited at the same time.

There is little doubt that this fearless 19-year-old has made London her home.

So I ask her what’s next? Without any hesitation, Tze shares that it’s her dream to one day open her own restaurant in London and introduce Malay cuisine.

For now, she concedes she has more to learn and is hoping to pursue a course in culinary arts management next year to help her get one step closer to her dream.

With that statement, I finish the last morsel of her delicious food as she offers me a cup of tea!

To read more student interviews head to:

www.greatbritishmag.co.uk

MORE ONLIN E

TZE’S TOP TIPS 1 Always have an umbrella with you, the weather here is very unpredictable.

2 Buy your fruit and vegetables from a market, they’ll be fresher and cheaper.

3 It’s not unusual for people to strike up a conversation with you on a night bus. Go with the flow, you never know, it might lead to a good friendship.

4 Travelling in rush hour can be chaotic.

I always make sure I leave myself plenty of time for my journey and always have a bottle of water with me.

5 When I arrived I wasn’t prepared for the number of accents you hear and the various colloquialisms used, so download an app, it will really help you.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Must have edit

Must Have Edit 1

2

3

1. Apple Watch If you’re the kind of person that likes to keep up to date with your email and social media messages, then the Apple Watch is a must have. Strap it to your wrist and be up to date with the latest news. RRP £479. www.apple.com

2. Hunter Wellies have a mandatory presence in everyone’s shoe collection in the UK. If you don’t own a pair yet, check out the latest collection by Hunter. RRP £49 www.hunterboots.com

3. Lepow If you can’t spend a minute away from your phone, you need a portable power charger by Lepow. The brand designs portable power banks, external batteries and other mobile accessories compatible with most smartphones. www.lepowglobal.com 14

GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Must have edit

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5

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4. Cambridge Satchel The classic satchel couldn’t be more British. Check out the cool collection by Cambridge Satchel’s. RRP £100. www.cambridgesatchel.com

5. Brita Fill & Go Leading a student life is not easy. You’ll be rushing from one place to another and drinking enough water is important. Fill up anywhere with Brita’s Fill & Go and keep hydrated. RRP £40. www.brita.co.uk

6. AroundMe The AroundMe App is really useful as it gives you information about your surroundings – from restaurants, cinemas to nearest library and hospital. You’ll never get lost and will be able to find what you are looking for easily. Plus its FREE! www.aroundmeapp.com 15

B AY S W AT E R B A G

M U L B E R R Y. C O M

GreatBritishMag.co.uk Student survival tips

Student

Survival

Tips

You’re going to be new to the country and to your university, so you’ll probably be feeling many things at the moment – excitement, fear, happiness, confusion – the list goes on!

So to help you settle into your new home we’ve spoken to loads of international & EU students who’ve been in the UK for a while and asked them to contribute some tips and advice.

Have you got an amazing tip that you want to share?

Drop us a line at info@greatbritishmag.co.uk or post it on our Facebook Wall facebook.com/GreatBritishMag

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Student survival tips

Name: Sarah Belabbes Country: Morocco University: Glasgow Caledonian University

Name: Adele Herz Country: Germany University: University of Liverpool

Top tip: Remember British cars have the steering wheel on the right hand side of the car! I came to realise this when I opened the door of my friend’s car and almost hopped in on the right hand side. Would not have been very helpful considering I can’t drive!

Top tip: Go explore! The UK has loads of smaller airports with quick and cheap connections to other parts of Europe and the UK.

Name: Olga Ivanski Country: Russia University: Aston University Top tip: When drinking at the pub, remember you can always go for a half pint if you don’t want to drink too much!

Name: Long Lam Country: The Netherlands University: Imperial College London Top tip 1: When on escalators, stand on the right hand side if you don’t want to walk up or down them. The other side is reserved for people in a rush!

Top tip 2: Always take your student ID when shopping, a lot of stores offer student discounts.

Name: Michelle Yu Country: China University: University of Westminster Top tip: Listen to the train driver’s announcements when you take the London Underground, they can be very amusing! Also try to avoid the carriages at both ends of the train because the doors don’t always open at every station!

OUR FAVOURITE TIP Name: Ivy Zhu Country: China University: University of Leicester Top tip: The Brits have two taps,one for hot water and one for cold, which can get quite annoying.

Either the water is freezing cold or boiling hot! So I did a bit of DIY and created my own tap so the water would be just right.

Name: Ravi Punj Country: India University: Coventry University Top tip: If you live in a shared flat and you do your grocery shopping online, you should all order your stuff together because some supermarkets offer free delivery over £50 it’s a great way to save money.

Name: Junfei Zhang Country: China University: University of Manchester Top tip: If there are no rooms available within your university halls of residence, you can find an agent to help you find a house or a flat outside the campus.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk British currency

British currency Coins 1p – One pence The one pence is commonly referred to as a “penny”. It has the least value and will not buy you anything on its own. An interesting fact is that whilst the one pence is legal tender, you can only use 20 of them at a time.

2p – Two pence The slang for two pence is “shrapnel” because of its low value. An interesting fact is that those minted before 2006 are now worth 3p.

Also those that say ‘New Pence’ on them are now collector’s items.

5p – Five pence The five pence is silver in appearance and is commonly referred to as “five pee”. It is the smallest coin in the British currency and was introduced in 1968 to replace the “shilling”. Legally you can use 100 (up to the value of £5) in one purchase.

10p – Ten pence The 10 pence is commonly referred to as “ten pee”. You can make a call from a public payphone using 10p. It is silver in appearance and slightly smaller than a two pence piece.

20p – Twenty pence The 20 pence is commonly referred to as “twenty pee”. It is only one of two coins that are not circular in shape. An interesting fact is that in 2009 a batch were minted without a date. These have subsequently become collector’s items and one recently sold for £7,100.

50p – Fifty pence The 50 pence piece is commonly referred to as “fifty pee”. This was the first seven sided coin in the world and its value is half a pound sterling.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

British currency

£1 – One pound The one pound is commonly referred to as a “quid”. In 1984 the bank note was replaced with a coin which is thicker than the other coins and is gold in colour.

A £1 is enough to buy you a snack such as a packet of crisps.

£2 – Two pounds Two pounds are commonly referred to as “two quid”. The coin was introduced in 1998 to coincide with the 13th Commonwealth Games and is the first and only ‘bi-metallic’ coin. £2 will get you a soft drink or a pint of beer in some places.

Notes £5 – Five pounds Five pounds are commonly referred to as a “fiver”. It is the lowest denomination note in terms of value and the smallest in size. It has a portrait of Elizabeth Fry, who worked to reform British prisons, on the back.

£10 – Ten pounds A ten pound note is commonly referred to as a “tenner” and people sometimes call them a Paul McKenna (famous hypnotist).

It is the second lowest denomination in value and the second smallest in size. Charles Darwin, the author of the famous book ‘On the Origin of Species’, is on the reverse.

£20 – Twenty pounds A twenty pound note is also known as a “score”. It has the second highest value in England and it has Adam Smith on the reverse. He was one of the founding fathers of modern economics as well as a philosopher and political economist.

£50 – Fifty pounds A fifty pound note is the highest value note in England (Scotland and Northern Ireland have a £100 note) and people sometimes refer to it as a “bullseye”.

Matthew Boulton and James Watt, who were responsible for accelerating the progress of manufacturing steam engines during the 18th and 19th centuries, are on the reverse.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Britain’s most common slang words

A countdown of

Britain’s MOST COMMON

Slang

words and phrases

When you touch down in the UK, it won’t just be the different foods and new experiences that seem strange at first – the way British people speak will seem peculiar too.

That’s because people will be talking in accents you’ve never heard and using slang and colloquialisms.

Don’t fret though, to help we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common slang words and phrases that you’ll hear in Britain, which could save you a lot of ‘aggro’ in the long term.

Check for new words in our ‘Slang of the Day’ section on www.greatbritishmag.co.uk

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MORE ONLIN E

GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Britain’s most common slang words

GB Mag’s guide to the 10 British phrases you won’t find in a textbook:

1

The offie

This is slang for an ‘off-licence’, a convenience store that’s licenced to sell alcohol.

6

Aggro

Abbreviation of aggravated, or a term for trouble.

Example: “I’m just going to the offie to buy some beers.”

Example: “She’s getting aggro from the lecturer because she hasn’t handed her essay in.”

2

7

Okie dokie

Quid

A variant of okay.

One pound sterling.

Example: Person A: “I’m going to my room to study.” Person B: “Okie dokie.”

Example: “I bought some noodles for dinner, they only cost me a quid.”

3

8

Skint

Bang out of order

A phrase that means to have no money.

An expression meaning very unfair or rude.

Example: “I can’t come to watch that film tonight because I’m skint.”

Example: “I can’t believe you used all of my milk without asking, that’s bang out of order!”

4

Blinder

Usually referring to a sporting achievement, a blinder means someone has performed really well.

Example: “He’s played a blinder; he scored five goals this afternoon.”

5

Snog

To kiss someone passionately for an extended period of time.

Example: “I saw her snog him in the nightclub.”

9

You’re having a laugh

Another way to say ‘you must be joking.’

Example: “A chocolate bar for £5!

You’re having a laugh.”

10 Hammered To be very drunk.

Example: “I have the worst hangover ever, I was absolutely hammered last night.”

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APPLY FOR AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD AND SAVE HUNDREDS OF POUNDS

Your ISIC card is accepted in over 133 countries worldwide and you will have access to over 42,000 discounts globally on things like hotels, attractions, restaurants, transportation, entertainment, museums and travel.

The card also acts as a proof of ID. The discount card costs £12 a year and some of the benefits in the UK include: • £20 credit for taxi journey’s through UBER • 12% discount on the cost of your 16-25 railcard, which normally costs £30, and entitles you to 1/3 off train fares around the UK • Half-price entry to many theme parks and attractions including Alton Towers and Thorpe Park To apply for your card visit www.myisic.co.uk/orders/gbmag

GreatBritishMag.co.uk Britain on film

britain on film The landmarks and landscapes of the United Kingdom have been the star of many films and TV drama’s that have been globally popular. And now that you are in the UK you can visit some of the most famous locations. Here is our pick of the best.

SHERLOCK HOLMES Location: London Immerse yourself in the world of Sherlock Holmes and re-step the famous detective’s footsteps with a tour that will take you to the landmarks and locations that appear in the hit BBC TV show starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

Whilst the new Sherlock Holmes is filmed in numerous locations including Wales, many of the memorable locations are located in central London where most of the original stories were set.

The coach tour lasts for 3½ hours and includes a visit to 221b Baker Street and the infamous Speedy’s Café.

To sign up for the tour go to www.britmovietours.com

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Britain on film

GAME OF THRONES Location: Northern Ireland Much of Game of Thrones is filmed in Northern Ireland. And whether you are a fan or not, the locations are worth visiting for the natural beauty and magnificent architecture.

The official Game of Thrones tour includes a ferry ride to Castle Ward, the beautiful 18th century castle that plays a big part in the hit TV show. The trek also includes the chance to practice your archery or dress up in custumes from the show.

Another stunning location used is Downhill Beach in Londonderry. This beach offers nature walks, water sports and has cascading waterfalls, sand dunes, and the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland.

For more information about the locations visit www.visit-belfast.com

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Britain on film

DOWNTON ABBEY Location: Hampshire, The Cotswolds Highclere Castle is a stunning 5,000-acre country house that plays centre stage in Downtown Abbey.

The hit TV show depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the postEdwardian era — with the great events in history having an effect on their lives.

Downtown Abbey is an accurate look at an aristocratic British family and the choice of location shows off British architecture at its best. If you would like to feel regal for a day and walk through the drawing hall, where the Crawley family do most of the entertaining, visit Highclere Castle. The castle is open to the public for only 70 days a year as it is still home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

You can also visit the hospital and church exterior scenes that appear in Downton Abbey in the village of Bampton in the Cotswolds.

For more information visit www.highclerecastle.co.uk and www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Britain on film

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Location: Chatsworth House, Derbyshire You can visit the imposing Chatsworth House, which is rumored to be the inspiration for the Estate Jane Austen writes about in her world famous novel Pride and Prejudice.

And if you are a real Jane Austin fan, make sure you go to the annual festival dedicated to her life.

HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR Location: Leavesden, Hertfordshire Ever wanted to step into the Great Hall? Or enjoy a nice frothy butterbeer? Or wanted to ride a broomstick? You can do all this and more at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden.

The ten-day festival is hosted in the beautiful city of Bath and includes tours to Chawton, the only home where Jane lived and wrote. During the festival, you will be able to immerse yourself in the regency period and join over 500 people that dress in the clothing of the era to officially open the festival with Grand Regency Costumed Promenade through the city.

For more information visit www.janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk

During the filming of Harry Potter the crew saved many of the original sets, props and costumes and opened the iconic studio tour in March 2012.

The tour gives you the opportunity to explore the sophisticated set and immerse yourself in the fictional and magical world of Harry Potter.

As well as taking the tour to the studio, don’t forget to visit Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station. For those of you that have read a Harry Potter book or seen one of the films, Platform 9¾ needs no introduction. For those of you who haven’t, this pseudo-fictional location at King’s Cross station is where the Hogwarts Express begins its long journey to Hogwarts School.

For more information about the tour visit www.wbstudiotour.co.uk 29

GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Where to buy all your essentials

Where to buy all your essentials Food that is prepared, fruit, vegetables and all other ingredients can be purchased from national chains of supermarkets including: Sainsbury’s, Asda, Tesco, Waitrose and Aldi.

Glasses and contact lenses can be bought from SpecSavers, Vision Express, Boots and www.glassesdirect.co.uk

Most universities have a book shop on site. You can also get books from Waterstones, WH Smiths, e.books.com and www.amazon.co.uk

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Where to buy all your essentials

Clothes, shoes, bags, coats, gloves, hats and accessories can be bought from TopShop, Jack Wills, Superdry, Primark, Zara, Gap and you can often find some of these brands under one roof at John Lewis and Debenhams.

Laptops, tablets, mobile phones, cameras and other tech products can be bought from PC World, Carphone Warehouse, Apple Store, John Lewis, Debenhams and Argos.

Everything you will need to furnish your bedroom, living area, kitchen and bathroom can be bought from John Lewis, Ikea, Wilkinsons, Debenhams and www.myunipack.com

Toiletries, medicines and vitamins can be bought from Boots or Superdrug.

Pens, folders, printer paper, writing pads and other stationery can be bought from WH.Smiths, Ryman and Paperchase.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk 10 Bizarre facts about Britain

10 Bizarre facts about

Britain

You’ll soon gather the UK is a weird yet wonderful place and just to demonstrate how quirky we Brits really are, Paul F Cockburn has listed some odd facts about the UK. Like, did you know it’s still legal to kill a Scotsman within the ancient walls of York? That said, it’s only legal if he’s carrying a bow and arrow. Oh and if it’s a Sunday!

Big Ben isn’t a clock!

Mr and Mrs Smith

Contrary to popular belief Big Ben isn’t actually a clock! Big Ben refers to the bell in the tower, and the tower itself is called St. Stephen’s Tower.

‘Smith’ remains the most common surname in the UK, and about one in 16 of them are called, with great originality, ‘John Smith’.

Braveheart in York!

War with Russia!

It’s still legal to kill a Scotsman within the ancient city walls of York, but only if he’s carrying a bow and arrow – and it’s not a Sunday.

The border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed has flipped between being officially in England or Scotland so often that it was frequently referred to as a separate entity in State documents. So, at the start of the Crimean War in 1854, the British Government declared war on Russia on behalf of Britain, Ireland, Berwick-upon-Tweed and all British Dominions. However, the eventual peace treaty later signed in Paris didn’t include Berwick-upon- Tweed, meaning it was still at war with Russia! People were eventually able to sleep peacefully in their beds after a Soviet representative declared peace while officially visiting the town in 1966.

Tech savvy!

The UK has several areas of computing, IT and new media companies in the style of ‘Silicon Valley’ in North California. These have been called ‘Silicon Glen’ (Central Scotland), ‘Silicon Fen’ (Cambridge) and ‘Silicon Beach’ (Brighton) – aren’t we Brits original!

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

10 Bizarre facts about Britain

She sells seashells by the seashore!

It doesn’t matter where you’re standing in mainland Britain; you’ll never be more than 75 miles from the sea. If you fancy a walk along the beach, you have (according to Ordnance Survey) a choice of some 11,073 miles (17,820 km) of coastline to pick from.

From your Valentine It’s believed Queen Victoria loved Valentine’s Day cards! She was so fond of them that during her reign she sent out almost 2,500 cards. We wonder who the lucky guys were!

Brum! Brum!

Golden oldies!

Many of the most popular TV shows in Britain today were actually first broadcast in the 1960s and 1970s: Coronation Street (1960), Doctor Who (1963), Match of the Day (1964), and Emmerdale (1972), to name just four.

By invitation only!

Despite being the person in charge of the UK, and many other countries in the past, the Queen is not actually allowed to enter the House of Commons because she’s not a member! The only time she can enter is when she’s been given an official invitation by members of the House of Commons.

There are 30 towns around the world (and one crater on the Moon) named after the UK’s second biggest city, Birmingham.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Pub etiquette

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Pub etiquette

Pub culture is an integral part of British life, especially student life.

They are a place to go to socialise, relax and have a drink!

However there are certain ‘social rules’ attached to pub culture.

To help you out we have listed a few you should familiarise yourself with.

Crisps Crisps are the perfect companion to a pint and should always be shared. The way to serve them is to rip the bag open so the crisps are piled on the torn foil. The largest crisp is left for the person who bought the bag.

is holding your money in your hand, so that it is visible to the person behind the bar.

What you should order If you’re not a drinker or are the designated driver then you can easily order a soft drink! If you

Rounds If you are with a group of friends and you are drinking then ‘getting your round’ is an essential part of pub culture.

If there’s a large group of you sitting at a table it is customary for two people to go up and get the drinks.

If there’s a designated driver, they normally get their drinks paid for, as they don’t get to drink alcohol or at least not as much as everyone else. And the golden rule is to not leave the pub when it’s your round!

Ordering A pub is unlike a restaurant in that you have to go up to the bar to place your order. The signal to show that you are ready to order

Last orders Last orders are usually around 11.00pm or 10.30pm on a Sunday. A bell is rung to signal that it’s time to place your last orders at the bar. It’s then rung again to signal the bar is closing.

No more orders can be placed after the second bell.

Tipping You don’t normally tip bar staff in an English pub. If you want to show your thanks you can offer to buy them a drink, they can then choose to accept the drink or take the value of the drink in the form of a tip.

Starting a conversation are a drinker then the usual order at a pub consists of lager or ale.

A request for lager, ale or bitter will usually get you a whole pint unless you specify you want half! It’s unlikely pubs will be able to serve you fancy cocktails, this is something that you would normally get in a bar.

It’s quite normal to strike up a conversation with strangers in a pub, you could start off the conversation by mentioning the weather, football score or your beer, etc. It’s also quite common for somebody to buy you a drink, but remember to return the gesture!

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Macbeth FROM 17 august performed in cantonese Two for one tickets.

Use code Pcd241 when booking to get two tickets for the price of one.

#Macbeth #G2G

GreatBritishMag.co.uk Contents

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Shop ’til you drop

Shop ’til you drop Are you a confessed shopaholic? Then the UK is certainly the right place to be! Britain is home to some world-famous markets, beautiful vintage shops and of course department stores. Whether you’re looking to splash out or hunting for the ultimate bargain, there’s something for everyone.

Victoria Quarter, Leeds An upmarket shopping area in Leeds, the Victoria Quarter is known as the UK’s most beautiful shopping centre. Designed by architect Frank Matcham, it was developed in 1900 and originally included the Empire Palace Theatre, later demolished in the 1960s. It is home to 70 world-class brands, including the likes of Harvey Nichols, Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith amongst others.

Trafford Centre, Manchester Being Europe’s second largest indoor shopping mall, Tafford Centre hosts 280 stores, 31 restaurants and a movie theatre. It is situated near Trafford Park, west of Manchester city and has two main areas - Peel Avenue, home to high street shops such as Apple Store and H&M, and Regent Crescent, which hosts high-end designers stores.

Left: Victoria Quater, Leeds Right: Intu Trafford Centre, Manchester 39

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Westfield, London Westfield is at the forefront of London’s Shopping and Leisure Centres. It has over 300 retailers with ‘The Village’ housing boutiques and designer labels. And when you are done with shopping, head to one of the 17 restaurants and choose from one of the 25 styles of cuisine from around the world. You can then work off the calories at the gym, relax at the spa or take in a film at the 14 screen state of the art cinema. Westfield is also the place to see live music as it has a year-long social calendar of events and gigs.

Above and right: Westfield, London 40

GreatBritishMag.co.uk Shop ’til you drop

Queen Street, Cardiff Now completely pedestrianised, Queen Street is the main boulevard in the capital of Wales.

Previously known as Crockherbtown, the name was changed in 1886 in honour of Queen Victoria. Here you can find all sorts of funky shops, selling new and vintage clothing, jewelry and handicrafts, all while strolling down the modern streets of Cardiff.

One, Liverpool Something that you have to do while in the UK is visit Liverpool ONE it’s a must-see.

It’s one of the largest shopping centres in the UK and hosts over 170 stores and services, including the largest Topman and Topshop stores outside London.

Jenners, Edinburgh Jenners is Scotland’s oldest independent department store. It was founded by Charles Jenner and Charles Kennington, more often referred to as “Kennington & Jenner”, and has remained on Edinburgh’s Princes Street since 1838.

Above: Liverpol One Top right: Jenners, Edinburgh Bottom right: Queen’s Street, Cardiff 41

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Places to visit in the UK

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Places to visit in the UK

Overleaf: Harlech Castle Above: Heligan and Beachy Head Right: Portmerion Village

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HARLECH CASTLE, HARLECH, GWYNEDD, WALES

Harlech Castle, a medieval fortress, is located in the north west, near the Irish Sea. It was built in the 13th century by Edward I during his invasion of Wales. A few centuries later, UNESCO has considered it to be one of the “finest examples of late 13th and early 14th century military architecture,” and has been classed as a World Heritage Site.

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THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN, CORNWALL, ENGLAND

These gardens became overgrown and forgotten after the men that looked after them went to fight in World War One. They were rediscovered and have been restored. There are 200 acres of land that include a Victorian kitchen garden, Jungle garden and Woodland where you will find the sculptures of giant heads and bodies that have been carved out of trees and foliage.

For more information visit www.heligan.com

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BEACHY HEAD, EASTBOURNE, ENGLAND

Beachy Head is the highest chalk sea cliff in the UK and the cliff face is pure white. This is a perfect day out for spectacular views and activities such as cycling and hiking.

You can also visit the legendary lighthouse or enjoy a chilled beer at the Beachy Head pub.

For more information visit www.visiteastbourne.com

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PORTMERION VILLAGE, GWYNEDD, WALES

Designed in 1925, by Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmerrion is one of the most unique villages in the UK and looks more Italian than British. It also rose to fame as the beautiful backdrop for 1970’s hit TV show ‘The Prisoner’.

For more information visit www.portmeirion-village.com

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HAY-ON-WYE, POWYS, WALES

If you love books you should definitely go to Hay-on-Wye. It has an annual Literary Festival that attracts some of the world’s most popular writers and authors. The countryside is also stunning and ideal for hiking.

For more information visit www.hay-on-wye.co.uk 44

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk

Places to visit in the UK

Left: Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland Below: Ben Nevis, Scotland ©VisitScotland Right: Tresco Abbey Gardens

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BEN NEVIS, SCOTLAND

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles and snow can be found here all year round. If you are into climbing, skiing or snowboarding this is the place to head to. It’s also a place of outstanding natural beauty that is perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with nature.

For more information visit www.visitscotland.com

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ACHMELVICH BEACH, SUTHERLAND, SCOTLAND

If you want a beach with pure white sand that is so remote it can only be reached by a single track road, then head to Achmelvish beach, which is in the Highland region of Scotland.

For more information visit www.visitscotland.com

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NEOLITHIC SITE, ORKNEY, SCOTLAND

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GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, NORTHERN IRELAND

The large columns, of all sizes, that rise from the sea to form stepping stones are the natural phenomena of a volcanic eruption. The Giant’s Causeway, which has 40,000 interlocking columns, is a World Heritage Site.

For more information visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway

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TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS, ISLES OF SCILLY

If you want to go somewhere warm and exotic without a passport, then head to the Isles of Scilly by air or boat. Isle of Scilly is off the coast of Cornwall and is made up of five inhabited islands, including Tresco. The island is home to the world famous Tresco Abbey Gardens, which thanks to the subtropical climate has over 20,000 plants.

For more information visit www.visitislesofscilly.com

The Neolithic site at Orkney dates back 5,000 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is believed to be the best preserved Stone Age site in Western Europe. A visit here will give you an insight into the skills, society and spiritual beliefs of Stone Age people.

For more information visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk 47

GreatBritishMag.co.uk Travel around the UK

TRAVEL AROUND THE UK We have every transport option you could want in Great Britain.

Here are a few of the options to get you from A to B conveniently, happily and safely.

TRAIN Going by train is one of the fastest routes to travel in the UK and an airport-free route to reach the rest of Europe. Express trains can take you quickly across Britain but local trains are also very useful for shorter distances.

How to buy tickets You can book tickets and check timetables online or you can go into the station directly and talk to someone at the ticket desk. National Rail covers all of the different train companies and has a website, nationalrail.co.uk, which is a great way to check routes and times of train journeys.

It’s cheaper to book train tickets online in advance and can be even cheaper if you book with your student railcard! One good discount rail website is www.thetrainline.com If you book in advance you’ll be able to reserve a seat, which makes life a lot easier. This also means you can reserve a seat near a power-point to plug in your laptop or phone charger. You can

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Travel around the UK

also book first class or standard class along with the time you want to travel. However, this can increase the cost of your ticket, so check out the different options before booking.

return’ or an ‘open single’. That way you can travel whatever time you want and with an open return you can make your return journey back anytime within one month of purchasing the ticket.

If you are booked on a train on a certain date or time, that means you can only travel on that date and time. If you want flexibility buy an ‘open

When on the train make sure you keep your ticket with you at all times to avoid getting fined by ticket inspectors.

THE LONDON UNDERGROUND

trains. If you have an Oyster card remember to tap in and out on an Oyster card reader each time you travel, otherwise you could pay a penalty charge.

And register your card online because if you lose it you can claim the remaining credits or get a refund.

The Tube is the most efficient way to get around the capital city. It’s simple to use once you’ve got used to the different lines, which have a name and a colour to distinguish them. To plan your journey and to find out if there are any delays, go to: tfl.gov.uk You can buy a one day ticket or an Oyster card (a reusable card that allows you to recharge it with money or pay a fixed amount for unlimited travel for a week, month or a year, which works out cheaper) at the underground stations, shops and some train stations.

Your underground ticket or Oyster card allows you to travel on the underground, buses and on some

You can now use your contactless payment card or Apple Pay to tap in and out and move around the Tube even more easily, accommodating you to the fast life of the city.

Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester also have underground rail and tram services. You can usually buy tickets for different lengths of time and distance so check at the station or on board the tram or log onto nationalrail.co.uk for more information.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk Travel around the UK

TAXI Taxis or ‘cabs’ can be expensive but can also be extremely useful. Save a local taxi number on your phone or call 118 118 and they will redirect you. In the London area text ‘cab’ to 60835 and you’ll receive three mini-cab numbers.

In London you also have the choice to use a Black Cab. Black Cab drivers have to pass strict tests of their knowledge of the capital to get their job and are a very reputable company to use. You can also use a smart phone app called Hailo which uses GPS to find the closest black cab to you.

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Your taxi fare will depend on the type of taxi you take, the time of day and whether it’s on a meter or whether it’s based on a fixed price for a destination.

If the yellow TAXI sign at the front is illuminated, the cab is available for hire. Black cabs are legally obliged to take on any job for journeys up to 12 miles.

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Travel around the UK

BUS Different bus companies operate around the UK. Buses are a great way to get around cheaply within a city, whether you’re travelling around your local area or travelling a little further afield. Generally a bus journey will run on a set route and have multiple stops. If you want a direct line of transport between cities or even countries then you need to travel by coach.

you to the whole of Europe. Again, book in advance to get super cheap tickets. Well-known companies include: • National Express • Megabus • EasyBus • Scottish Citylink

Coaches are one of the cheapest ways for long distance travel in Britain and can even connect

Head to greatbritishmag.co.uk for more info on how to get discounts on your travel

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The Gunpowder Plot 52

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The Gunpowder Plot

Remember,remember the fifth of November gunpowder, treason and plot...

OK, you probably have no idea what we’re talking about, but this little rhyme is one that every student in the UK learns when they’re at school and it refers to November 5th 1605 - the day when Guy Fawkes planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament (naughty, naughty). Now every year on this date, popularly known as Bonfire Night, British people light fireworks and bonfires to commemorate the day of the failed plot.

The master plan It all goes back to May 1604, when the Gunpowder Plot was born. The scheme was headed by a man named Robert Catesby. Catesby and a group of men (including Guy Fawkes) planned to use gunpowder to blow up both King James I and the Houses of Parliament (the place where British laws are passed).

The plot was born out of anger. The men believed King James I had gone back on his promise to put a stop to the mistreatment of Catholics who were forced to practice their religion in secrecy. Rather than putting a stop to the mistreatment, King James I passed more laws against them.

To carry out their plan, the men bought the house next to the parliament building, which had a cellar (a basement) that went under the Houses of Parliament. They filled the cellar with barrels of gunpowder.

A total of 36 barrels (nearly two tons) of gunpowder were hidden and Guy Fawkes had the important job of guarding the barrels and lighting the fuse. But the plan failed when Lord Monteagle received a letter on October 26th 1605 from an anonymous sender urging him not to attend the opening of parliament. The letter aroused suspicion and was shown to the King, which ultimately led to the discovery of the barrels of gunpowder.

Guy Fawkes was arrested on the night of November 4th as he entered the cellar.

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GreatBritishMag.co.uk The Gunpowder Plot

Though he would be classed as a ‘terrorist’ in today’s world, some people regard Fawkes as a hero because he tried to fight wrongdoing in the only way he could.

What happened to Guy Fawkes?

Did you know?

• Guy Fawkes’ name was actually ‘Guido’ – he

adopted this name whilst fighting for the Spanish.

• He was actually born a Protestant but converted to Catholicism when he was 16 years old.

Guy Fawkes was the first to be caught and taken • Although an important member of the group, to the Tower of London to be questioned and Guy Fawkes wasn’t the main person behind tortured. He eventually told the truth the plot. and his • There was enough punishment was to be hung, gunpowder to blow up the drawn and quartered (cut entire building and cause into four pieces) – how Events like Guy Fawkes Day considerable damage gruesome! Over are must-do activities while you within a one mile radius. time the other conspiraare livingin the UK. tors were also caught and Use GB Mag’s online calendar • Some people now executed except for one believe that even if Guy to make sure you don’t miss – Francis Tresham.

Fawkes wasn’t caught the a single social event plot would still have been greatbritishmag.co.uk Who sent the letter? unsuccessful because the /tick-list-uk It’s believed Monteagle’s gunpowder was too old to be brother-in-law, Francis Tresham of any use. sent the letter, though this was never proven. Recent historians argue • In 2002 Guy Fawkes was named as the 30th Greatest Briton in a poll conducted by the Lord Monteagle and Robert Cecil (King James I’s BBC. chief minister) were working together with Francis Tresham to set up Guy Fawkes and the other • Another reason Guy Fawkes wanted to kill King conspirators as a way to further people’s hatred James I was because he was a Scotsman and towards Catholics. many English people did not want a Scot to rule the country (back then Scotland and England Why the bonfires? were two separate nations).

In celebration of his survival, King James I ordered that people have a bonfire on the night • An empty island north of Santa Cruz Island is named Isla Guy Fawkes (Guy Fawkes Island) of November 5th. A tradition that continues to this because it’s believed he intended to escape there. day all around the UK, apart from Northern Ireland.

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This is one of the most popular songs sung around the bonfire as people burn Guy’s effigy:

Remember, remember the fifth of November gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder, treason should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes ‘twas his intent to blow up the King and Parliament.

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