The misnomer is that the UK wants their beer warm. They want it at ambient temperature which in their cellars is around 50 degrees. While I, like you, want it closer to 30 degrees, it isn't bad at cellar temp. I learned this on rugby tours and also that the guys that wanted to get juiced ordered Bud Ice and other high content beer. Their quality beers just aren't high in ABV and are filling.
I can appreciate a person that may enjoy that swill, it is an acquired taste, but I lived in Germany for 6 years. I don't even like German Pilsner and I still prefer it over anything English. I do have an affinity for Mexican beers, but they are always, ice bucket cold...or simply take it away. No amount of beer can can wash away a hearty taste of bangers and mash. Add some cabbage and I want to start a war all on my own. I can't spend 2 days in London without wanting to brush my teeth 6 times a day. Nothing worse than a hot chick with a fucked up grill.
Their food sucks but the beer doesn't. British women have great big hooters. And they speak American. Sort of.
Lived there 4 years. Beer OK, but kind got hung up during EC Wine glut going to the grape. Way too much. And Champers, way to much. You can find great food in London, but you had to pay. Or on the other end of the spectrum, really cheap food at the 10 million Indian food places. The best. The guys we worked with at the Ministry of Defence, to the man, thought the best steak in London was at the American Embassy. That may well sum it up. Other two favorites of my wife were the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory and Cafe Pacifico, both shamelessly American joints. Always full, by the way! So much for diversity. The Chicago place had "elton" and "olivia newton" on the rooms to the heads. Over time, I wonder if they reconsidered?
It is interesting that the favorite dish in Britain is Chicken Tiki Marsala. It passed fish and chips years ago. a serving of kidney pie, haggis, bubble and squeek, or spotted dick pudding will make you proud to be an American.
Our local Harris Teeter (upscale grocery store) sells Spotted Dick....I point it out with regularity.
I could have gone the rest of my life without ever knowing that there is such a thing as spotted dick pudding.
