With a red phone booth, a classic full English breakfast and a retro style M&S, it feels like you've come back in time to the British High Street of the 1970s. However, this is not a quaint village in the UK. It's Gibraltar.
Perched on the southern coast of Spain, this British overseas territory boasts the comforts of every British home. I'm proud of some clues like fiery sunlight and the monkey population.
Gibraltar has familiar names like Morrison, Costa Coffee and Card Factory, but locals push it into hearty roasts, afternoon tea and other British favorites, MailOnline reports.
Earlier this week, the UK attacked a breakthrough agreement with the EU, securing a “fluid” border with Spain. This means that travelers can cross land borders without checking, paving the way for the much-anticipated post-Brexit deal.
However, while those entering via the land enjoy a frictionless trip, anyone flying from the UK to Gibraltar faces two checks. One faces a second check by local Gibraltarian authorities and one faces a second check by Spaniards acting on behalf of the EU.
Despite the updated arrangements, the UK and Gibraltar are quick to highlight and have no impact on territorial sovereignty. Locals use British pounds and hold British passports, despite being closer to Morocco than Manchester.
Airlines are reportedly looking at new routes from countries outside the UK to Gibraltar, which could also boost tourism. And, as seen in countless Tiktok videos by foreigners and locals, anyone visiting can expect British hospitality with a Mediterranean twist.
Meg Lee, who swapped Yorkshire for Gibraltar four years ago, regularly shares tanned glimpses of her new life, including scenic beach strolls and meeting famous monkeys in the area.
“I will not return to the UK. Four years later, I will own my own home and improve my work and quality of life for life. Three years later, I will miss my family and friends, so I love my life with the Give,” she said in one Tiktok clip, but advised anyone considering moving to secure a job first.
According to RightMove, Gibraltar home prices are rising sharply, with the average property currently costing £491,867, driven by high demand and import costs of goods.
Still, tourists don't feel much trouble. There is no need to exchange currency, and stores that sell jewelry and perfume are tax-free.
Tiktok user Hannah (@libetterlibetter), from the southern England, has built up millions of perspectives on what life is like in a sunny British enclave.
“It's like the UK, but it's actually under the sun,” she devoured in one viral video. This included marching bands, traditional phone booths, familiar high street names, sandy beaches, dolphin spotting trips and Gibraltar's infamous monkey residents.
“I'm welcome to live in the UK, but in the sun,” she said in another clip.
She noted that while finding McDonald's, Burger King and Costa, the menu may vary, and that most locals are bilingual and mix English and Spanish in their daily conversations.
“It's small! But there's a real sense of community and a great school and health system,” she added.
Perhaps the most unusual habit? airport.
Hannah filmed the moment she waited for the car to cross the runway. It oddly intersects the main road. Traffic will halt until the aircraft takes off or lands before the vehicle is fully clear to drive.
“One of Gibraltar's crazy things is probably the entire runway, the airport scenario. Honestly, it's very strange,” she said.
