It’s no secret that England and America share a long history, but over time, the two countries have grown closer in more ways than we might realise. While England still maintains its unique character, these surprising influences might make you do a double-take.
Black Friday Shopping
We start with Black Friday, the day after America’s Thanksgiving. This used to be something only Americans experienced, but in recent years, it has become a huge event in England too. Retailers across the country have embraced the shopping frenzy, offering deep discounts on electronics, clothing, and more.
Fast Food Dominance
Fast food has taken England by storm, much like it did in America decades ago. While traditional English meals like fish and chips still hold a place in people’s hearts, burgers, fried chicken, and pizza chains have exploded in popularity, with global fast food giants like McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway now on nearly every high street.
Shopping Malls
For years, England’s shopping experience centred around small local high streets or historic markets. But in recent decades, American-style shopping malls have popped up across the country; large complexes like Westfield in London or the Trafford Centre in Manchester boast massive retail stores, food courts, and entertainment all under one roof.
Halloween Celebrations
Once a low-key event, Halloween in the UK has become a major celebration in recent years, heavily influenced by America’s over-the-top approach. English neighbourhoods are now starting to embrace spooky decorations and themed parties, and supermarkets dedicate entire aisles to Halloween.
Coffee Culture
Tea might still be the traditional drink of choice for many in England, but coffee culture has taken over in a big way, inspired by the American love for coffeehouses. Major chains like Starbucks and Costa Coffee have spread across the country, and the trend of grabbing a morning coffee to-go has become just as common as sitting down for a cup of tea.
Sports Superstars
While the United Kingdom has always had its own sports, like cricket and rugby, American sports culture has started making an impact, such as basketball and American football. More people are tuning into the NBA and NFL, and the introduction of regular NFL games in London has helped draw attention to the sport.
TV Drama Binge-Watching
While British television has always had its own beloved shows, the binge-watching culture of American TV dramas has swept through England. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ have changed how people consume their favourite shows, and instead of waiting for weekly episodes, viewers now binge entire seasons of American series in one go.
Celebrity Culture
Celebrity culture has crept into everyday life in England, with tabloids and gossip columns now following the lives of A-list Hollywood stars as closely as British royalty. Red carpets, reality TV stars, and influencer culture have become global phenomena, with English audiences glued to the latest scandals.
Car Culture
Public transport has long been the backbone of English cities, but car culture is starting to dominate more parts of everyday life. In the past, many city-dwellers relied on buses, trains, or walking, but now more people are opting to drive.
Reality TV Shows
While the UK had its own early hits like “Big Brother,” the American influence has been undeniable, especially with shows like “The X Factor” and “Love Island” becoming cultural phenomena. These programmes, full of drama, competitions, and larger-than-life personalities, are similar to American hits like “The Bachelor” or “Survivor.”
Convenience Stores
The rise of 24/7 convenience stores is another clear American influence in England, and while corner shops have always been part of English neighbourhoods, American-style convenience stores like Tesco Express or Sainsbury’s Local are now everywhere. These stores offer extended hours, more products, and the ability to pop in for quick essentials.
Super-Sized Portions
Food portions in England have grown significantly larger, reflecting the U.S.’s love for big meals. Restaurants and takeaways have followed the trend of supersizing everything, from burgers to pizzas, and even snacks at the cinema.
American Chains on the High Street
Walk down any high street in the UK, and you’re likely to see several American retail giants; brands like Gap, Apple, and Nike are now fixtures in English cities, offering the same shopping experiences found in malls across the United States. These stores, with their sleek designs and focus on branding, have introduced a distinctly American shopping style.
Social Media Influence
Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, all born in the U.S., have changed how English people communicate and share their lives. These platforms dominate everyday conversations, with influencers and content creators shaping trends, fashion, and even political discourse.
Hollywood Film Culture
While England has its own rich history of film and theatre, Hollywood blockbusters dominate the box office. Big-budget American films like superhero movies, action franchises, and animated features tend to outshine British productions in terms of marketing and global reach.
Americanisms in Language
The English language has slowly absorbed a number of Americanisms, with phrases like “awesome,” “guys,” and “cookies” becoming more common in everyday speech. Whether it’s from the influence of American TV shows, movies, or social media, English speakers are increasingly using American slang without realising it.
Work-Life Balance
American work culture, which tends to prioritise long hours and productivity, has started to influence working life in England. While the traditional English attitude was more relaxed with an emphasis on work-life balance, many industries are seeing a shift towards longer hours and more competitive working environments.
Personal Fitness Trends
England has seen a massive growth in personal fitness trends, much like the U.S. in previous decades, including gym memberships, yoga studios and spinning classes—the health and wellness industry has boomed. The popularity of American fitness trends like CrossFit, SoulCycle, and even juice cleanses has shaped how English people approach exercise and well-being.
Influencer Culture
The rise of influencer culture, pioneered largely in the U.S., has firmly taken root in the UK; social media personalities, vloggers, and Instagram stars now have huge followings, shaping trends and consumer behaviour. English influencers, like their American counterparts, collaborate with brands, attend exclusive events, and live lives that are often aspirational to their audiences.
Larger Homes and Suburban Living
While England’s cities have always been known for their compact homes and flats, the desire for larger houses and suburban living has grown. More people are moving to suburban areas, trading in city life for detached houses with gardens, much like American families have done for decades.
Consumer Credit Culture
Lastly, the use of credit cards and consumer credit has become more widespread in England, following the American approach to spending. In the past, English people were more cautious with their finances, preferring to save before making big purchases; however, the availability of credit cards, loans, and buy-now-pay-later schemes has increased significantly.
