Hiya back Dave from a Limey.
The important bit, if you want a good nuclear supper (fission chips) you'll need to try a few 'chippies' to get a really good one. I prefer haddock and chips as it's a tastier fish but its not always available and most go for cod and chips. When they say 'salt and vinegar?' just nod or say yes.
Bass prices here will all be higher than the US I suspect, including Warwicks. The US is a much bigger customer and prices are usually adjusted to disadvantage us poor Euro peons. Your best bet as already said would be to keep an eye on the forums. A Brit luthiers custom bass often comes up at a reasonable price 2nd hand and would be a really nice 'special' bass to take back to the US.
Luthiers to watch out for, ACG, Bernie Goodfellow (GB), Shuker, Sei, RJM and I know others will add to the list. I have an ACG and can't rate it too highly.
Brighton is a hoot, a centre of depravity! If you bring a JetGlo 4001 over I'll gladly pay your bus fare to take it off your hands.
Oh and I'm sure you'll get used to our 'sense of humour'.
Peter