7 Ways to Go ‘Murican this 4th of July

Written by: Violet Myers

For some weird reason us Brits have never really taken to celebrating American Independence Day. Anyone with a Pinterest board and an undying love for Saved by the Bell will know it’s the day to commemorate an old historical event which freed the US from some sort of overarching tyrannical force – AND it looks like a right barrel of laughs. On the 4th of July the states bring out the fireworks, have parades that last for days, eat more fried food than even Dr Nick would recommend and put little flags on everything, we can’t help but feel we’re missing out.

Why should the Yanks get all the fun? Roll out the old red white and blue – which is conveniently the colours of our flag anyway, we’ve tracked down the best places in North London to unleash your inner-Americana!

…wait, they’re celebrating what?!

*Warning some of the items on this list may raise your cholesterol or accidentally shoot you.*

Have a hot dog
Hungerdog, NW1 7JE

Often overlooked in favour for their more successful cousin the beef burger – and their reputation for being made from nothing but toenails and pig nipples, the humble hot dog has had a makeover at Hungerdog, boasting prime cuts of meat, tempting toppings and no pig nipples guaranteed! For the true ‘merica vibe it’s gotta be The Liberty with sauerkraut, mayo and pickles. Hungerdog.

String up the banjo
Green Note, NW1 7AN

As well as gracing the world with Little Richard, Billy Joel and er, Taylor Swift, our friends across the pond are also the proud parents of bluegrass, jazz, blues and country and western, genres that are always popular at Camden’s Green Note, who have live musical performances every night. The Jazz Cafe and The Blue’s Kitchen are also less than a moon dance away. Green Note.

Breakfast like an American pre-teen
Cereal Killer Cafe, NW1 8AH

Now, the Cereal Killer Cafe has had a lot of bad press recently – £6 for a bowl of cereal!? But where else can you feast upon cereal so packed with sugar that it has been literally banned from old Blighty? It’s almost like being in an old-fashioned speakeasy, but with less bathtub whisky and more organic almond milk. Go for an old classic like Lucky Charms or tread into even sweeter territories with Count Chocula. Cereal Killer Cafe.

Get on the Soul Train
Q-Grill, NW1 8AJ

What better way to celebrate being an American than eating quantities of meat some countries would consider a feat of showmanship and calling it lunch? Today is not a day for eating el-desko, pop into Q-Grill in Camden and experience the true meaning of Southern comfort food. We just can’t stop thinking about their buttermilk chicken and waffles, hallelujah y’all! Q-Grill.

Sweat like a Yank

Cross Fit Evolving, N7 8HS

Proving that there are two sides to every coin and that the great US of A isn’t all about ribs and syrup, why not get involved in one of the toughest sports America has to offer. Combining gymnastics, Olympic weight training, and exercise induced nausea, Crossfit has taken over the world – transforming bodies into fighting machines. An innocent fitness craze? Or a secret army recruitment process? You decide.

Get real drunk, USA style
Blue’s Kitchen, NW1 7JN

As well as packing a range of American beers and cocktails, The Blue’s Kitchen stocks 100 different types of Bourbon for your sipping pleasure – now if that ain’t a challenge I don’t know what is. Roll up your flannel shirt and stub out that Marlboro, you’ve got a long night of drinking ahead of you cowboy.

See some SPORTS!
Finsbury Park (the actual park) 

Now let’s not start that age old argument about Americans calling football soccer and their pumped up version of rugby (which has very little ball to foot contact) being called football… let’s not even go there. If you fancy getting into some SPORTS Yankee style American football has really taken off over here, our very own Finsbury Park has a team called the London Blitz. Or, if you prefer watching people hit a ball with a stick and you have a thing for trousers tucked into socks (grrrr), why not check out the London Mets, our local American baseball team.