From TV to Tea: How Poles in the UK Spend Their Evenings

Unwinding with Television and Streaming

Television remains one of the most common ways to relax after a long day. Many Polish households in the UK still tune in to Polish TV channels via satellite or online streaming services, watching familiar news programmes, soap operas, and variety shows. These not only provide entertainment but also help people stay up to date with events back home.

At the same time, streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer have become part of the evening routine. For many, a mix of Polish and British content keeps entertainment varied, whether it’s catching the latest British drama series or re-watching beloved Polish films. The combination of both cultures’ television adds comfort and variety to evenings indoors.

Leisure Activities and Hobbies

Many Polish people in the UK use their evenings to enjoy hobbies, whether that’s playing a musical instrument, knitting, gaming, or engaging in creative arts like painting. Online gaming, including both video games and online casino games, has become increasingly popular among the Polish community as a way to relax and socialise from home. In particular, online casinos, which have advanced rapidly in recent years, are becoming a go-to option for many. Bettors in the UK can visit local sites that follow GamStop rules, or they can wager on international platforms that skip these rules. A growing number of bettors are playing at casinos not on GamStop in 2025 to take advantage of the convenience and easy access to large game libraries that these sites offer. 

For others, evening walks or attending local Polish community events offer a chance to unwind and connect with their heritage. These activities help balance relaxation with a sense of personal fulfilment while living abroad.

Sharing Meals and Conversations

Food plays a central role in many Polish evening routines. After work or school, dinner is often a chance to slow down and enjoy a home-cooked meal, sometimes prepared with traditional recipes like pierogi, bigos, or żurek. Cooking together can be a way for families to connect, while for those living alone, preparing a familiar dish can feel like a link to home.

Conversations over dinner — whether in person, over the phone, or via video call — often help people relax and catch up on each other’s days. Many Polish families also make an effort to eat together when possible, even if work schedules don’t always align perfectly. It’s a comforting ritual that blends the warmth of home life with the pace of living abroad.

The Comfort of Tea and Warm Drinks

While Poland is known for its love of tea, living in the UK often deepens that habit. Evening tea drinking is almost universal, whether it’s a classic black tea, herbal blends, or fruit infusions. Many prefer to pair it with a small sweet snack, like homemade cake or biscuits, which turns the drink into a cosy evening treat.

Some also enjoy Polish-style drinks like hot milk with honey or herbal brews with chamomile or mint, which bring a sense of calm before bed. This simple pleasure is often enjoyed while reading, watching TV, or catching up online, making it a key part of winding down for the night.

Staying Connected with Family and Friends

For many Poles in the UK, staying connected to loved ones back in Poland is a vital part of evening life. Video calls, messaging apps, and social media make it easy to share updates, photos, and everyday moments, no matter the distance.

Evenings are often the most convenient time for these conversations, especially with the one-hour time difference between the UK and Poland. Some families schedule regular video chats, while others connect spontaneously after work. This digital closeness helps reduce homesickness and keeps family bonds strong.

Blending Cultures in Evening Routines

Living in the UK often means combining Polish traditions with British customs. For example, some might enjoy an early evening meal in line with British habits, followed by a late-night snack in keeping with Polish culture. Television schedules, tea breaks, and weekend outings may all reflect this cultural mix.

This blend extends to socialising as well. Polish people living in the UK may spend evenings with friends from both communities, celebrating shared occasions and introducing each other to cultural favourites — whether that’s British pub evenings or Polish holiday baking sessions.

Finding Comfort in the Familiar

At the heart of these routines is a sense of comfort. Whether it’s the taste of a familiar dish, the sound of a Polish TV presenter’s voice, or the ritual of brewing tea before bed, these habits help create a sense of stability in a different country. They offer a way to end the day with something familiar, even when life abroad feels busy or unpredictable.

For many Poles in the UK, evenings are not just about relaxation but also about identity. They are a time to recharge, reconnect, and maintain traditions while embracing new ones. In the quiet hours between work and sleep, the mix of Polish warmth and British influence shapes a unique and personal way of life — one where comfort can be found in something as simple as turning on the TV and making a cup of tea.