Weez's approach is the right one. There is no need for an account in the US. Just open an US-$ account at HSBC or any other major UK bank.
However, I would recommend HSBC - they are very eager to expand into the USA and other markets. They want to become a global player.

If and when you have a US-Soc.-Sec.# you should give it to the US bank when you open an account. Otherwise ask for a for W-8 and the bank fills 888-88-8888 or so in the soc.-sec.-field and they don't withhold! However, they will send this information to IRS in Philadelphia/Bensalem and they may inform your home country (UK, Italy, Germany); your home address is on this W-8 form.

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Information regarding SSN:

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began
assigning Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to
noncitizens who need to report income for tax purposes but who are
not eligible for Social Security numbers.

To apply for an ITIN, you need to contact the IRS and ask for Form
W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

You can contact IRS by:

· Calling the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040; or
· Accessing the IRS web site at: http://www.irs.gov; or
· Calling or visiting any local IRS office; or
· Writing them at:

IRS
ITIN Unit
P.O. Box 447
Bensalem, PA 19020