Chips Off the Ol' Block

Across the pond, hungry Brits find savory fish and chips vendors the way New Yorkers do Starbucks shops or pretzel carts—practically around every corner. “That’s what you do,” says Sarah Wright. “You go to your chippy.

In July 2008, Wright and her husband, Kevin, opened Lil’ Britain in Bennington, Vermont, to pay tribute to their native roots and bring “home” some of their favorite authentic UK foods. The couple outfitted the small café with simple decorations—a hallmark red telephone booth, for example—and a pair of tall shelves that bear the British goods they know and love: Marmite, chocolate HobNobs, Mars bars, and Tizer.

But most importantly, the Wrights cook up authentic British cuisine, including meat pies, bangers and mash, and, of course, their own hand-battered, crisp-fried haddock filets, served with what we Americans call “fries” and Sarson’s malt vinegar. Even though they chased the American Dream across the Atlantic to New England, their hearts—and stomachs—are loyal to Old England. [MAR/APR 2010]

THE GOODS

Lil’ Britain
116 North St./Route 7
Bennington, Vt.
802.442.2447