Why we love Britain: our ‘Best of Blighty’

Whether whether you were born in the country, or just a keen Anglophile, there’s something about the UK – its music, food, culture and history – that is enjoyed by many. Indeed, the British Isles are, despite their relatively small size, still a global giant in many ways.

Together with British corner shop – an online supermarket that delivers British food around the world – let’s sit down with a nice cup of tea and celebrate what is (more than) good in the UK.

Music: from music hall to acid house

Music has always been the pulse of Britain. From bardic songs to bawdy music hall ballads, Britons have always enjoyed exploring the world (and themselves) through song.

For the rest of the world, it was the ‘British Invasion’ of the 1960s that was the first real exposure to UK sound. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Queen – each of these groups redefined popular music, as well as the rhythm and blues sound imported from the United States. Then came the raucous sound of punk – The Sex Pistols and The Buzzcocks defying social convention in their unforgettable ways.

Over time, new waves of bands came to rewrite the songbook with regards to their specific style. In the 80s, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Motörhead forged a new metal sound, while The Smiths, The Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays pioneered the alternative indie sound.

During the 90s, the ‘Battle of Britpop’ between Oasis and Blur established the idea of ​​’Cool Britannia’. Elsewhere, in warehouses and fields across the country, artists like The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim and Underworld played raves and club nights that shaped the ever-changing world of dance music.

To this day, the UK music scene is a massive export, with new artists constantly hitting the global charts – from Adele to Harry Styles, Dua Lipa to the King of Grime himself, Stormzy! – the British are a constant power when it comes to music.

What’s your favorite British export? If you’re short on tea and sweets, British Corner Shop has you covered

The Rolling Stones, along with other “British Invasion” bands, redefined popular music. Photos: Getty Images

Movie: Reel Britannia

While most of us automatically think of Hollywood when the film is mentioned, the British film industry has captivated audiences for over a century.

Charlie Chaplin was truly one of the world’s first real movie stars and made the crowds laugh in the 1920s, while in the 1930s Cary Grant and Errol Flynn were brooding – when they weren’t doing a bit of cape and sword.

We cannot talk long about cinema without mentioning Pinewood and Elstree Studios, so legendary are their reputations as centers of cinematic magic. From Alfred Hitchcock’s thrillers to the show of star warswithout those classic sound stages and the movie professionals who work there, we’d be without some of our favorite films.

Today, James Bond continues to break box office records with his Walther PPK, while Harry Potter (and the Fantastic Beasts team) enchants new generations of children.

Comedy: Are you kidding?

Ask people what shaped their sense of humor and Monty Python will be a very common answer. From a bunch of pals laughing in college journals, they would take on the world with their brand of absurdist, surreal yet insightful comedy. They’re not messiahs, they’re just very mean boys!

The British are known for their wit, dry sense of humor and keen sense of satire. Later generations would have their sides split by TV shows such as Jyoung people, I am Alan Partridgepolitical satire show Spitting imagethe marvelous comic duo of French and Saundersand of course the various iterations of Britain’s most cunning schemer, black viper.

Recently we’ve seen another revival of British comedy, with shows like The Mighty Boosh, Peep Show, Friday Night Dinner and Flea bag brilliantly depicting various aspects of British life.

Comedy of all kinds remains one of Britain’s strongest cultural exports. Fringe festivals like the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe (now in its 75th year!) and small venue stand-up parties are fertile ground for new talent, and many of today’s biggest bands thus find their place. Today, stand-up giants like Bill Bailey, Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard and Sarah Millican are loved by audiences around the world.

Inheritance: A real Game of Thrones

When George RR Martin was looking for inspiration for his series A song of ice and fireit borrowed heavily from the real “War of the Roses” that raged across England in the 15th century.

This is because British history is cool. It’s full of heroic battles, vicious plots, awe-inspiring castles, and inspiring moments. It’s a story of family feuds and the fight for greater freedoms – and often stranger than fiction!

Of course, much of Britain’s heritage is still there to be enjoyed. From the Tower of London to Stonehenge or Hampton Court Palace, millions flock to historic attractions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to immerse themselves in adventure .

Fancy a real British crumpet? We have what you need! Photo: Getty Images

Food: No, really, the food is pretty good!

Honestly, despite all the jokes people make about its blandness and heaviness, British cuisine has a lot to offer.

The UK produces superb cheeses, meats and beer, with farmers markets selling farm-fresh ingredients for the table every week. Who doesn’t love a good roast beef, accompanied by a crispy Yorkshire pudding?

It’s not just fresh produce that Brits love. Whether it’s a toasted buttery crumpet, shortbread biscuits or a sandwich with a spread of Branston Pickle, British snacks and baked goods make the world go round for Brits and UK lovers alike. United.

When it comes to indulging, for example, Cadbury chocolates are a classic that’s been satisfying sweet tooths since 1831. For a wide range of delicious, high-quality meals, snacks, sauces and must-haves, every Brit knows and love Marks & Spencer – it’s been a long time the place to turn.

The good news is that for those who don’t feel like home, British Corner Shop can deliver thousands of the UK’s best-loved food and drink brands straight to your door in the UK. EU.

Additionally, in 2018, British Corner Shop partnered with M&S Food, enabling them to deliver over 600 quality M&S products worldwide, including their famous Percy Pig sweets, delicious crumpets and hot bread rolls from quality in their bakery range, and beautifully unique seasonal produce. .

The best part is that you can order all these delicious treats in the EU without having to worry about paying any additional VAT or customs charges, thanks to British Corner Shop’s new European warehouse.

So whether you fancy a warm slice of buttery toast covered in Marmite, or a McVitie’s Hobnob dunked in a steaming cup of M&S Luxury Gold tea, British Corner Shop has you covered!

Taste the UK delivered to your door with British Corner Shop

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