News Feature

Poms in Paradise

For many disillusioned Brits, migrating down under represents the perfect escape from their humdrum lives in the UK. Why struggle through another freezing cold winter, stuck in the same boring old job, when you could be on the other side of the world living the dream lifestyle as one of many so called "Poms in Paradise"?

Australia is unrivalled as the number one destination for British Expats, with over a million Brits now living there.

The attractions are obvious: the weather is warm and sunny, the people are friendly and laid-back, the language spoken is English, the beaches are stunning, the cities are vibrant, the national parks and natural wonders provide a lifetime of exploration, property isn't extortionately priced, and job opportunities are plentiful.

Ultimately, it offers the chance for wholesale change and a completely fresh start, far away from Britain. If you are looking for a clean break from your life in the UK then where better to go than the opposite side of the planet?

There are obviously downsides to emigrating to Australia - making the move itself involves lots of unavoidable paperwork and visa-related issues, and the recent floods in Queensland demonstrate how paradise doesn't necessarily come without its troubles.

A far less significant downside - but a downside nonetheless - is the problem that arises when a pom in Australia begins to crave some traditional British food. It might be a favourite condiment, a particular packet of biscuits, maybe a type of tea. Thankfully, this is one problem that we at British Corner Shop are able to address!

Ben Mather, a recent addition to the ever-expanding contingent of Poms in Paradise following his move to Adelaide, explains how he made the switch and soon became a Corner Shop convert:

"I initially moved to Australia on a year's working visa as my circumstances had changed for the worse in the UK. It didn't take me long after arriving to realise that I wanted to spend the rest of my life in Australia. The pace of life is much more relaxed, everyone has the time to speak to you, the weather is just that little bit better. Oh, and I got to watch us win the cricket without a 24 hour flight in each direction!"

"There are a few things that I've missed, food-wise, since being over here - and it's not the items you'd obviously think of. Pork Pies, Branston Pickle, REAL mint sauce (not mint jelly!) and decent gravy are nowhere to be seen, and good bar snacks are also a problem - it's impossible to find a packet of Bacon Scampi Fries, Hula Hoops or a nice pack of chilli nuts in Australia!"

Thankfully, through the wonders of the internet, Ben soon found British Corner Shop and ordered a shipment of familiar food to satisfy his homesick stomach.

"British Corner Shop came to my rescue. Simply finding the site made me feel better, and before I knew it I'd filled a box with everything from Bisto Gravy Powder to Marmite Cashew Nuts. The order arrived 5 days later and I've been a regular customer ever since!"

Ben is one of many Brits down under who regularly shop with British Corner Shop. The number of Poms in Paradise continues to rise by the year, and BCS is fully committed to ensuring that these adventurous expats are able to enjoy all the benefits of a new life down under - without having to give up their favourite British foods!

Article Date: 11th March 2011