In recent years, an influx of wealthy Americans has migrated to the picturesque Cotswolds region in England, seeking refuge from the political climate in the United States. Artist Jesse d’Ambrosi is one such expatriate. He runs an Italian deli, is chef-patron of his own restaurant and has developed a fantastic business in the pretty Cotswold town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
D’Ambrosi opened her specialty food shop right before the pandemic in late 2019. Since then, she’s attracted a passionate and loyal customer base with her flavor-rich, healthy cuisine. Her shop features all manner of beautiful creations. You’ll get to see a one-of-a-kind “hillbilly section” stocked with American favorites such as grape jelly, pancake mix, and pickled vegetables.
D’Ambrosi’s offerings have proven to be especially successful around American holidays. Her Thanksgiving and Fourth of July food hampers are highly sought after, reflecting the demand for traditional American cuisine in this rural English setting. She is able to move such iconic American products as Hershey bars. This decision adds to her shop’s exotic allure for expatriates yearning for a bit of home.
Having lived in France and Amsterdam, d’Amobrosi finds her new situation “bizarre. Unfortunately, she’s taken this positive change under her wing. These days, she’s happiest when she’s serving customers in her shop, making healthy eating fun and exciting.
“We have a tremendous number of American clients who are based between the Cotswolds and London,” – Jesse d’Ambrosi
The Cotswolds have been a popular refuge for Americans, in large part, due to their pastoral landscapes and picturesque villages. D’Ambrosi perfectly dubs the region “the Hamptons of England.” It’s been highly praised for its extensive range of gastropubs, quality choice of high-end shopping and being just an hour-and-a-half from London.
It’s not only political unrest, as US political tensions skyrocket, millions of Americans are upending their lives to avoid or escape violent conflict. Armand Arton notes that “The Democrats are fleeing. The higher the profile, the higher the anti-Trump rhetoric they expressed, the more serious they are about taking those steps.” This feeling hits home for most of us who have tried to run away from what seems like a crazy, chaotic national politics.
These changing tides have led to increased discussions about the tax bite Americans abroad may face. Sean Cockburn points out that “while some are concerned about the potential tax exposure resulting from the abolition of the non-dom regime, others will welcome the new exemptions that have been introduced for those coming to live in the UK for a shorter period.”
For students interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the UK and other foreign markets present attractive prospects. Doug Winter remarks that “the UK and other international markets are dangling a carrot that US tech workers may be tempted to bite.” As confidence in the US tech ecosystem wavers, skilled workers are increasingly open to relocating.
D’Ambrosi’s story is emblematic of this trend. She’s successfully merged her kitchen talents with a keen sense of her clients’ likes and dislikes. As a result, she’s managed to dominate a highly specialized market.
“Obviously it’s political. Why wouldn’t you want to leave where that guy is in action? It is very scary times, especially for women,” – Jesse D’Ambrosi
The Cotswolds enchants travelers with its hilly vistas. It creates a deep sense of belonging, appealing to those who crave community in a fragmented world. D’Ambrosi’s shop serves as more than just a business. It has become a gathering place for expatriates navigating their new lives in England.
Local shop owner Daniel Holder notes that the American invasion has introduced new fashion styles to the island. It’s mostly tweed sports jackets, flat caps and knitwear. They binge Peaky Blinders. Then they come in and say, “We want a cap,” he says, demonstrating the ways that cultural exchanges are reshaping the local landscape.
As more individuals like D’Ambrosi establish roots in the Cotswolds, their contributions enrich the region’s cultural tapestry. Expatriates open themselves to sharing their traditions and lifestyles with their new neighbors. This sort of exchange illustrates the distinctive mix of American and British influences that characterizes the Asbury Park community.
Sir John Bell’s points are well worth pondering by people thinking of moving here. He urges potential emigrants to “do the thought experiment: you are an outstanding scientist, you are sitting in an American institution, and things are not looking good.” He cautions that too many already sense they have no choice but to move. Job security and political stability are the key factors fueling this uncertainty.
“You know for sure that they are going to be bad for four years, they are probably going to be bad for eight years, and it will take another four years to get the thing back on its feet again,” – Sir John Bell
D’Ambrosi and activists like her have fearlessly made the leap across the Atlantic. Now, the Cotswolds provide them a sanctuary—a place where colonies can successfully flourish in an entirely different ecosystem.