Proving the sun still never sets on the British Empire, BBC America has managed to seek out "10 British Things" from one of the world's most un-English, un-Welsh and un-Scottish cities . . . San Antonio, home of the Alamo.
Unlike most of North America, the long arm of British colonialism never reached Texas — which was claimed by Spain in 1519, then France, then Spain again, then Mexico and eventually by the United States. But thanks to some savvy reporting work at the BBC, it's been uncovered that the U.K made its mark all over San Antone. Davy Crockett and General Santa Anna be damned.
Having spent seven years in the Lone Star State, I honestly can say the list proves a noble feat, although it begins to stretch thin with the inclusion of a Hooter's-style English pub that would prove cringeworthy for Jane Austen and Queen Victoria. (Pride and Prejudice this is not.)
Topping the Beeb's rundown is the Lion & Rose, a regional restaurant chain serving up everything from Scotch eggs to bangers and mash. A massively popular Doctor Who meetup group comes in at no. 2, followed by San Antonio's newly-founded and highly-acclaimed Classic Theatre, which treads heavily in U.K. playwrights.
While the San Antonio Shakespeare Company and a museum exhibition of work by English-born painter Thomas Sully are fairly obvious picks, the BBC digs deep to find a cricket league, an MG auto club and a Scottish heritage society.
The funky Madhatters Tea House earns itself a spot on the list thanks not only to its titular Lewis Carroll nod, but also for its afternoon tea menu.
One glaring omission? Legendary English musician Phil Collins, whose obsession with the Alamo regularly brings him to San Antonio for research and the occasional archaeological dig. The iconic drummer has even published a book on his findings.
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