/r/AskUK

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The #1 subreddit for Brits and non-Brits to ask questions about life and culture in the United Kingdom.

We invite users to post interesting questions about the UK that create informative, good to read, insightful, helpful, or light-hearted discussions.

The #1 subreddit for Brits and non-Brits to ask questions about the United Kingdoms life and culture, and we invite users to post interesting questions about the UK that create informative, good to read, insightful, helpful, or light-hearted discussions.

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2

Why do cars need LEDs?

So it's that time of year again, it gets dark earlier and cars (mostly) have their lights on. Why, WHY do they have to be LED lights, I have a fiesta so fairly low and I'm literally blinded by every car šŸ˜­ is there anything that can help this? I have to drive down a lot of country lanes with no other light source.

1 Comment
2024/10/30
08:19 UTC

2

What is your top 5 favourite British movies of all time ?

What are your favourite 5 British movies

Most people would define a 'British' film with reference to obvious cultural elements such as: a setting in the UK or a focus on British people abroad; a predominantly British cast; a storyline about some aspect of British life ā€” past, present or future ā€” or notably by, or based on a work by, a British author.

2 Comments
2024/10/30
08:14 UTC

5

What villain in a movie did you want to win?

Iā€™d say William Stranix in Under Siege (1992). Portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones he was a resourceful and cunning villain, who was actually believable.

Stranix was let go from the CIA who then also attempted to kill him. Feeling rightly aggrieved he takes over US Battleship and manufactures his own railing system in order to off-load the tomahawks onto a submarine.

It is a shame that the film stars the talentless Steven Seagal as the main lead as I would much rather watch a film about Lee Jones blackmailing the US government than Seagal doing his normal tedious canā€™t be touched in a fight nonsense.

15 Comments
2024/10/30
07:05 UTC

0

What are your favourite British heritage brands not focused exclusively on formal menswear?

The ones that come to mind immediately are Barbour, sunspel, Hackett, and Belstaff. Any others along these lines that make high-quality apparel with a somewhat understated style?

10 Comments
2024/10/30
06:43 UTC

0

Where to move as a young couple coming over from Aus?

Hello! My partner (24) and I (23) are looking at moving from Brisbane Australia to the UK in 2026. We want to use the UK as a base to travel since Aus is so far away from everything. We will likely be finding a house/flat share and using public transport (no car). My partner is a boilermaker and I work in admin but we're open to any jobs we can get. We love music, the outdoors, history, old architecture etc etc. We want to live somewhere relatively affordable with good public transport, close to an airport and nice areas around to go for day trips. We don't care about having a 'big city' vibe but need to consider job prospects. I know uk weather is generally miserable but I know some areas are warmer/sunnier than others. Where would you recommend??

(My Mum is from Portsmouth and I've been to the UK twice)

39 Comments
2024/10/30
06:19 UTC

0

Landlord wants to do a ā€œmeet and greetā€ visit despite me and my partner having COVID ā€“ need advice on dealing with this?

So, hereā€™s the situation: my landlord lives in Europe and messaged last week saying he wants to come over to do a ā€œmeet and greetā€ (1 week notice) while he's in the UK. Heā€™s also keen to ā€œhave a look aroundā€ the flat. I totally get he might want to check up on things since he lives abroad, but hereā€™s the catch ā€“ both my partner and I have COVID. I told him this last week and said if we are better it would be ok. However he is still insisting on coming.

Iā€™ve now let him know that Iā€™m recovering but still have a terrible cough, and my partner currently has the flu on top of everything. I was expecting him to understand and postpone, but heā€™s still insisting on coming by to visit.

Honestly, Iā€™m not comfortable with him coming over while weā€™re both unwell. Plus, Iā€™m not exactly keen on the whole ā€œmeet and greetā€ concept ā€“ heā€™s my landlord, not my friend. Iā€™d be fine with a virtual call or rescheduling to a healthier time, but he seems set on the in-person visit.

Has anyone else dealt with a landlord like this? I want to handle it politely but donā€™t feel itā€™s fair for him to push the visit right now. Any advice on setting boundaries, or on what my rights might be in this case?

Thanks for any input!

7 Comments
2024/10/30
00:44 UTC

0

What are your thoughts on the ā€˜social credit score ā€˜ system ?

A few years ago a similar system being used (or tested? ) in China was all over the news. It had stories about people who did ā€˜minor infractionsā€™ such as being under influence , not making debt payments or even jay walking. These individuals were subsequently not able to make train/flight bookings for years, select schools for their kids or even sometimes were unable to order using food delivery apps.

Is it conceivable to think of a future where something like this is implemented in the UK to ensure safety and wellbeing of the ā€˜massesā€™ ? Would the threat of such sanctions , I mean thinking about the simple ability to pay using electronic means , deter huge swathes of folks to not partake in all sorts of things? I am just thinking about whatā€™s around the corner with camera surveillance and AI everywhere. What are the pros and cons of such a future ? How would it even be implemented?

13 Comments
2024/10/30
02:14 UTC

7

Is it illegal to not let someone enter your business based on what they think your sexual orientation is?

This happened a few years ago but I totally forgot and it had me thinking.

I (gay male) went out with a 3 other friends in which 1 other guy was gay and the other 2 were a hetro couple. We wanted to go to G-A-Y (nightclub) in Manchester but the bouncer said that me and my gay friend can go in but the straight couple were denied because they werenā€™t gay.

I understand they may want to ensure a safe space for LGBTQ+ but they were allyā€™s and just wanted to have a good night in an awesome club.

We went to another club no problem but I just remembered about this and thought that if a cafe opened down the street and the owner denied a gay couple from entering because they wanted a safe space for straight people - perhaps this would have been seen as discrimination?

I could be completely wrong and really, this and is just a random late night thought.

44 Comments
2024/10/30
02:04 UTC

2

Where can I find old episodes?

Anyone know where I can stream old episodes of the sky panel show, ā€˜A league of their ownā€™

1 Comment
2024/10/30
01:16 UTC

0

Is it possible to send wine to UK from overseas?

Hello mates.

I have a friend in UK (London) and I live in Turkiye. She just got married and I want to send her a gift from here. Problem is I want to send her a wine (Assyrian Wine, to be specific) and I have no clue how custom works in UK.

Obviously I don't want her to pay any fee for a gift and I don't want such a great wine to be lost in border. So I need help.

Thanks a lot.

1 Comment
2024/10/30
01:12 UTC

5

Does anyone have any ideas for stupid, 'meaningful' gifts?

I started a little tradition with my friends where they all come over for a festive party, we eat, drink & be merry, play games and all the rest of it. One part that I really enjoy is gifting everyone a little bag of presents with very tongue-in-cheek 'meanings', as a bit of a play on normal traditions.

The problem now is that I'm running out of clever ideas. They need to be super cheap, easy to source in the UK (from Poundland and previously Wilko - RIP, Amazon and the like), or handmade by me.

Here's the previous lists so you can get an idea of what I mean (you can see how the quality of ideas declined massively from year 1 to 2!):

Prosperity in the new year - chocolate coin
Reflection on the year gone - compact mirror
Protection - condom
Breaking through adversity - Miley Cyrus wrecking ball bauble
Comfort & joy - Poundland bullet vibrator

A duck to have and none to give - tiny duck (play on the frequent typo)
Be independent and sassy - a little sassy cat
Be a rockstar - metal guitar spoon
To light your way - candle
A helping hand - one of those little gesturing hands
Things could be worse - a croc keyring (the terrible shoes)

Any ideas, people of the internet? Dumb, cheap things I can get on the highstreet, Amazon, or make myself, that I can assign vaguely relevant meaning to, preferably humourous?

11 Comments
2024/10/30
00:01 UTC

1

What is the best way of tackling dog mess on our streets?

The threat of a find doesnt seem to have much impact. I am not even aware of the practicality of issuing such a fine. Would the perpetrators need to be caught "in the act" on CCTV or in person by the police?

7 Comments
2024/10/29
23:18 UTC

0

HELP AND ADVICE with what to do with a wheely bin full of water waste ?

Please can anyone help šŸ„¹šŸ„¹

TLDR how to remove a swamp filled garden waste wheely bin that wonā€™t move, also stinks so canā€™t pour on grassā€¦.

Just editing to say itā€™s also filled with garden waste mostly cut grass which is weighing it down even more.

We have a garden waste bin that has been left for 12 months (whilst we have been renovating) with the lid open.

The bin is now filled to the brim with what can only be described as swamp water ā€¦. The smell is VILE !!!

We live in a mid terraced and we need to remove the water and then wheel it through the house as currently it wonā€™t move with the sheer weight.

We canā€™t pour it onto the grass coz I do think it would stink the estate out.

Does anyone have any suggestions of the best way we can get rid of the water šŸ„¹šŸ„¹

The best idea I have come up with is drill a hole in the bottom and have a pipe guide the water to the drain but I donā€™t know if anyone has a better idea ??

27 Comments
2024/10/29
22:56 UTC

1

How do you apply for things with a Chinese name?

For context, my girlfriend is Malaysian, and because of their naming conventions being different, on her passport her name is listed as [English forename] [Chinese surname] [Chinese forename].

The problem sheā€™s encountered several times now since moving here is that, when applying for something like a bank account or a DBS check, the workers/system get themselves all confused with it, and itā€™s meant that her accounts have her Chinese first name where her family name should be - which she hates.

Just wondering if anybody else has encountered this issue here, and if so, how do you get around it?

5 Comments
2024/10/29
22:53 UTC

9

Say you break your legs and live by yourself in a hmo on the third floor, what would happen to you if you have no friends/family and cant get in and out of your home?

Would it make a difference if you are on benefits as well?

35 Comments
2024/10/29
22:42 UTC

38

Is Clive Myrie the last true british broadcasting national treasure?

Just been watching the news on BBC1 and I realise that Clive is positively magisterial. The only thing I can find fault with about him is, as a Manchester United supporter, he is a lifetime Manchester City supporter

58 Comments
2024/10/29
22:26 UTC

63

Assaulted trying to prevent shoplifting - what should I do?

Hey all,

Iā€™ll keep this simple, I own a convenience store in South England, and itā€™s the sole provider of income for me and my family. Today late night, two young kids came in and tried to steal an entire lighter display off the counter, with other misc stuff, valuing around Ā£300 I think.

I ran up to him and tried to get the stand off him, where his friend came in to try drag him out, where he punched me in the face then ran. He looked very young, maybe under 13.

People will say itā€™s not worth going after shoplifting, but Ā£300 of stock lost is a massive chunk of money for me. Of course, if I knew about the assault I wouldnā€™t have bothered anyways, but this is a first for me, they usually try escape.

What are the best actions to take now? Iā€™ve contacted police and posted (without his direct face) on the local facebook, what else? Also, they came in today morning and stole low value stuff, so I feel like they could be in again, and I donā€™t want harassment for me or my staff.

49 Comments
2024/10/29
21:50 UTC

2

Will I be evicted?

Hey, so the property I'm currently in is possibly in need of serious repairs (structural and foundation problems). If the landlord need us out of the property during the repairs will they need to find us an alternative property during that time? Anything here helps, cheers

For context I'm from scotland

4 Comments
2024/10/29
21:49 UTC

0

Is it common for employment contracts to be given last-minute?

Iā€™m working my first job in the UK and was recently offered to renew my annual contract, but it was only given to me a day before my current contract expired. I felt rushed and I didnā€™t feel like I had the opportunity to negotiate because my new contract was given to me so late. I feel like this was exploitative/manipulative. Is this practice typical in the UK?

4 Comments
2024/10/29
21:44 UTC

30

Can you recommend a nice men's aftershave?

I know this is a tricky one as it's personal preference but can anyone recommend some nice men's aftershave for someone in their 30s?

I absolutely hate shopping for it, after sniffing a few they are all start to blend into one and it's a bit headache inducing.

At least with a few suggestions here I can narrow it down a little.

Thanks!

232 Comments
2024/10/29
21:43 UTC

3

Whatā€™s everyoneā€™s thoughts on this and is it risking employment?

Hi All,

I just came back from a holiday, so have had a week off work. Yesterday, I fell down the stairs (foolish I know) and subsequently was diagnosed with a concussion, and soft tissue damage in my back and elbow.

Obviously having a week off and then being off due to this, isnā€™t a good look. My elbow and back are still in agony. Just curious regarding other peoples thoughts (probably for ease of mind) Iā€™m a temp anyway, contracts up in January.

Thank you!

4 Comments
2024/10/29
21:36 UTC

201

What are your thoughts on an increasing number of businesses being "dog friendly"?

Now, don't get me wrong, I love my dog, and it's great to be able to take him to the pub, he just lays under the table eating his chew while we have a pint.

Similarly with a cafƩ, but with coffee. Although that one's pushing it if they serve food.

But, today, I saw a furniture shop that allows dogs in so the owners can test the sofas with their dogs.

That's just bonkers, right?

468 Comments
2024/10/29
21:22 UTC

0

Can former subscribers recommend alternative refills to FFS subscription handle?

Iā€™ve used FFS subscription for a few years but Iā€™ve noticed the quality of the blades has gone downhill ridiculously. I love the engraved handle and would prefer to keep it, so does anyone know if other refill blades fit the FFS handle at all?

1 Comment
2024/10/29
21:13 UTC

0

Where to find the best tree?

It's the most Wonderful Timeā€¦ of the Yeeear

Well, just asking where you guys bought your Christmas tree and if you had good/bad experiences.

Iā€™m currently looking at Argos, Amazon, Wilkoā€¦

Any Christmas decorations are welcomeā€¦ in a budget!

Thank you

4 Comments
2024/10/29
21:12 UTC

0

To all women, how many male friends/colleagues in your life do you trust is platonic?

I know this may sound like a weird question to some. Maybe even narcissistic? But honestly, this is absolutely not meant as some sort of humble brag.

But I just get the feeling that so many men in my life, no matter how close, would have no problem having sex or a relationship, if I just offered it.

I honestly hate this because I feel like I can never be sure what theyā€™re really after. I just want friends that truly see me in a platonic way.

But is this even really possible with the opposite sex?

Am I wrong for seeing this as a problem?

Is this just how life is, and Iā€™m naive to think otherwise?

What are your experiences?

Any advice?

39 Comments
2024/10/29
21:12 UTC

2

What's your evening routine?

I've come to the conclusion that my households evening routine is basically a bit disjointed/chaotic. I also find it hard to relax in the evening. So, UK, what do you do in the evening? From like 5pm onwards. And feel free to talk me through step by step

33 Comments
2024/10/29
21:09 UTC

2

Do you play quiz type games with your family at Xmas?

When I was growing up and had Christmas with grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc, we used to always play quiz games - usually team based.

Do you play quiz or any fun games at Xmas with the family? If so, which do you play?

6 Comments
2024/10/29
21:07 UTC

1

Will I be a nuisance by running a 60db air compressor at night?

I work nights, typically 7pm to 7am on a 4on/4off pattern. I've been working these hours for 2 years, and I typically don't change my sleep pattern when it comes to my days off, as its easier to jump back into my workdays.

I've picked up 3d resin printing, and recently bought myself an air compressor/ airbrush and would love to use it as much as I can, but the problem I've got, is I will usually wake up around 5pm, and by the time I start painting in my shed, its 7/8pm.

I would love to sit in my shed past midnight and do some painting, but I'm concerned if It will annoy my neighbours. At the same time, its the only hobby I've got, and I don't want to necessary change my sleep pattern, which will affect my work, if I don't have to.

The technical: I bought the quietest compressor I could find, its called Hyundai silent compressor on amazon, up to 60 decibels. Its located in a small (insulated) shed, in the garden, not attached to any building. I had a couple conversations on loud speaker whilst it was running next to my legs, and I could still talk and hear people normally on my phone, so you get the idea how loud it is. The compressor has a 6 litre tank, so it only turns on for about 30 seconds every 5 to 15 minutes.

My neighbourhood mostly consists of bungalows.

12 Comments
2024/10/29
20:57 UTC

2

Do you take any vitamins/minerals or supplements?

My partner thinks they work. I donā€™t think so really but my friend convinced me to try magnesium, evening primrose and b12. No idea if they help as the antidepressants kicked in at the same time. Iā€™m aware you get better nutrition from foods, but how many of you take vitamins etc? šŸ’Š

39 Comments
2024/10/29
20:56 UTC

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