Go to the US and don't go to a JAA/UK run school. The FAA/US owned ones generally have much nicer and better equipped aircraft and are significantly cheaper.
Once you have flown in the US though, you will be so disappointed with flying in the UK. Better attitudes, better aircraft, better flying....you still here???
In regards to the IR though, you wont have same Wx restrictions so you shouldn't have the same delays. Besides, IR skills are best learnt in real IMC.