Brits abroad - Jennie and David

October 28, 2025

Brits Abroad: British Expats Share Their Stories from California and Dubai

Meet Jennie McGuirk: Creative Consultant in Topanga Canyon

Creative Consultant, Global Citizen, Manc. Topanga Canyon. California

jenniecreative.com

What British Design Object Do You Most Desire?

Anything by Stella McCartney; not only do I love her aesthetic, but I have always admired her quest to design as sustainably as possible. I was lucky to hear her speak at the game-changing Copenhagen Fashion Summit last year.

Who Is Your British Cult Hero?

British Sailor, Tracy Edwards. I was recently invited to a screening of Maiden, the documentary about how she successfully skippered the first ever all-female crew in the Whitbread round the world yacht race, in 1989. She faced adversity from so many different directions, yet triumphed in spite of it all.

What Is Your Favourite British Band?

I've always loved Massive Attack and will soon be seeing them for the second time in LA..

What British Album Is on Your Playlist Right Now?

The Stone Roses - you can take the girl out of Manchester...

What Is Your Favourite Place in Britain?

The Lake District, especially the Northern part. It's heaven on earth.

Where Do You Call Home in Britain?

Manchester. I've always been a proud Mancunian, but the longer I am away, the more I love it and appreciate that it's not just a city but a culture in its own right.

What Do You Miss Most About Britain?

My family and friends, although the communications technology boom over the last decade was perfectly timed. Other than my peeps, I miss the NHS (what's left of it) and really, really miss our sense of humour. The struggle is real! I regularly watch British telly to keep my levels topped up.

What Is Your Favourite British Pub or Restaurant?

In the North, it's The Old Hall, an Elizabethan treasure in the Peak District. In the South, it's central London's Sketch, which is a treat for the eyes as well as the palette. Incidentally, Sketch was an early supporter of a magazine I was Development Manager for, back in the early 2000's. I never forget good creative partnerships.

What Do You Take Back from Britain to California?

Certain skincare products, proper chocolate, our sense of humour....

How Often Do You Get Back Home?

I try to get back twice a year. I have reverse culture shock when I come home these days and I have certainly never appreciated Britain as much as I do now.

What Would You Self-Gift from Sir Gordon Bennett?

I have fallen in love with the Risdon & Risdon Full-Length Denim Apron.

What Gift Would You Give Someone from Sir Gordon Bennett?

One of the With Love Project's books. They were put on my radar several years ago and I absolutely love their work.

Meet David Spours: Designer and Traveller in Dubai

Designer, Traveller, Toon Fan. Dubai. U.A.E

cucumberdesign.ae

What British Design Object Do You Most Desire?

What I would give for a classic, antique Chesterfield sofa.

Who Is Your British Cult Hero?

Kevin Keegan. A hero for England and Newcastle United and I still remember as a starry eyed 11 year old watching him play his last game for Newcastle before a helicopter landed and whizzed him away. Who does that?

What Is Your Favourite British Brand?

Paul Smith, quintessentially British.

What British Album Is on Your Playlist Right Now?

I've had the last Liam Gallagher album on since it came out, I love it. And it's so much better than his brothers last album.

What Is Your Favourite Place in Britain?

As a kid I always wanted my parents to take me to Saltwell Park in Gateshead, a sprawling park with a maze, pond, boats and for some strange reason they had a small aeroplane you could go in. The plane has gone now but I always go for walks there when I'm back with my friends and family.

Where Do You Call Home in Britain?

I'm from Gateshead, just across the river from Newcastle.

What Do You Miss Most About Britain?

Friends and family firstly, but mainly lovely, chatty people who will talk to you for no reason at all in pubs, taxis, supermarkets etc. I don't think this applies down south though.

What Is Your Favourite British Pub or Restaurant?

Back in 90s Newcastle, about a mile away from St James' Park there was a pub called The Greyhound, owned by some of the local gangsters and not a place you'd like to visit. About 5 years ago it was bought by a local restauranteur who spent quite a bit doing it and it's not a total hidden gem. It's beautiful inside, quirky and comfy and upstairs they do fantastic food. It's my new favourite hideout.

What Do You Take Back from Britain to Dubai?

Radox, Bisto chicken gravy and Starburst. Don't judge me.

How Often Do You Get Back Home?

As I work for myself these days, and as long as I have my laptop and wifi I can work form anywhere, so I have started going home more often, and more importantly for longer. I'm currently doing a month in summer and pretty much all of December, and may even add a few more weeks in in the coming years.