Independence Day in London

There’s something about watching Americans celebrate that makes British people ill at ease. It’s the vehemence and the over the top exuberance that turns us into instant prudes, tut-tutting and harumphing into our dandelion and burdock. Maybe it’s because we’re naturally jaded and cynical people or possibly the fact that our national saint, a figure that should inspire, was in fact a Turk who shanked a creature that doesn’t exist. It’s possible that the only time that we actually get excited about something is during the January sales; a time of year when items finally come close to matching their true retail value.

As it is, we’re left with hitching onto the celebrations of other countries. If in doubt, check out how on St Patrick’s Day, everyone suddenly discovers their inner Michael Collins or Sinead O’Connor. The same is true with the upcoming celebration of the American Day of Indepence on Monday. Given how proud Americans are of their fine country, they like to put on quite a party. So in the great British tradition, jump on the festive bandwagon, whilst being fully aware of the irony in celebrating how we were kicked out of another country. Us Brits and our wacky sense of humour, eh?

There are several events going on, most of which involve food and plenty of it. Rather than play down the stereotype of gluttonous gorging, American diners are ramping it up. This can be seen in the two eating contests going on at different parts of London.

The first takes its cue from an event in 1916, when according to legend, four immigrants held a hot-dog eating contest. The tradition continues today with over 40,000 spectators and the event being televised on the sports channel ESPN. And to think that this is the country that gave the world Arrested Development and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The contest in London will take place at the Blues Kitchen in Camden. If you can’t get a space, simply turn up wearing red, white and blue and claim your free hot-dog. Plus if you are American, it might be time to take off that Canadian flag on your rucksack and declare your true place of birth. Because turning up with an American passport will get you a free glass of wine or beer.

The second contest involves ribs and is taking place at the Big Easy down in Chelsea. In addition to seeing how many ribs will not be spared, the restaurant is offering a special one night only menu featuring crispy fried chicken with slaw, corn on the cob, mac’n’cheese as well as hot and spicy chilli dogs. Oh, and of course, good ol’ apple pie.

If you want to take a more measured approach to enjoying all things American, head onto The Dove bar in Hackney. Here, for £15, you will get a chance to sample different American beers whilst under the tutelage of beer sommelier Phil Lowry.

But whatever you do, be sure to have a good time but if you’re trying to make a good impression on Americans, don’t bring out any Bushisms. It really is getting very old.

Blues Kitchen
111-113 Camden High Street
Camden
NW1 7JN

The Big Easy
332-334 Kings Road
Chelsea
SW3 5UR

The Dove
24-28 Broadway Market
Hackney
E8 4QJ