The Royal Mail is releasing a series of stamps in honor of Roald Dahl book characters – as a lover of stamps and Roald Dahl – this couldn’t get more awesome.

Each stamp features illustrations by Quentin Blake, whose drawings are synonymous with the children’s classics.

Here’s a gallery of the stamps released:

They’ll be available to purchase from January 10th.

You can buy them direct from the Royal Mail, click here.

Royal Mail Releases Roald Dahl Themed Stamps – Images Inside is a post from: Anglotopia.net

You can make your own Christmas decorations this year with John Lewis craft kits. Christmas is the perfect time to use your creative skills and imagination, and involve the whole family in making fun and festive decorations for the home. Craft kits are a simple way of making your own stockings, advent calendars, cards and bunting, to decorate a room using Christmas fabric. Children love sticking and gluing so making crackers is a great little weekend or holiday project!

In this video, John Lewis have tried to create a really festive, cosy scene using all the decorations we’ve made ourselves, from the tree decorations to the wreath on the front door. The fabric, kits and trims are all available online and in our shops so why not get inspired and have a go at creating your own magical, Christmas scene?

Guide to a Crafty Christmas from John Lewis is a post from: Anglotopia.net

In this video Julia, one of our Partners, shows how to wrap a selection of presents using fabric. Fabric is a great alternative to paper gift wrap, and with various ribbons and trims from the Haberdashery department in our shops, you can give your presents a lovely personal touch. It’s easy to work with, and because it’s re-usable, it means no more bags of discarded Christmas paper, making it a cost effective, eco-friendly option too.

How to Wrap Presents British Style with Fabric – Guide by John Lewis is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The following is a guest post on the best Christmas gift from The Bee’s Knees British Imports – one of our fabulous advertisers.

1. The Bee’s Knees own signature mug

A whimsical touch of Britain for every kitchen.

Buy now

2. I’d Rather Mugs . . . from Stubbs Mugs of Norfolk.

Where would you “rather be”? What would you “rather be” doing? Great gifts for friends and family. You can pick a specific mug that matches the different personalities of all the people on your list.

Buy now

3. Keep Calm Poster Mugs

Pick the perfect slogan from our fun range of mugs based on the popular Keep Calm and Carry On Poster.

Buy now

4. The Burleigh Etruscan Jug

These make beautiful gifts. They can be used as a jug for water or milk, but are equally stunning displaying an arrangement of flowers.

Buy now

5. Emma Bridgewater Union Jack Mugs

Whether you are British or just love all things British, these mugs are so cheerful they are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Each flag is individually hand-stamped making each piece a on-of-a-kind creation.

Buy now

6. Emma Bridgewater Tea Towels

These tea towels are witty and cheerful and can be mixed up and matched with your favorite Emma Bridgewater pottery for a really individual look. They will brighten your kitchen or a friend’s and are durable and very practical too.

Buy now

7. Emma Bridgewater Mug Candles

The Joy and Holly 1/2 Pint Mug Candle would make really lovely gifts. But one or two would also look magical scattered about the Christmas table. Hand decorated in Stoke on Trent, because we know that to buy British is to buy the best.

Buy now

8. Kenneth Turner Scented Candles

Let your senses inspire you with Kenneth Turner home fragrances. Choose from a selection of luxury Scented Candles, all hand poured in the UK. All of our candles are made of fragranced mineral (paraffin) wax that is not hazardous to your health, and our wax does not pose any adverse effects to the environment. The timeless fragrances are certain to create a welcoming, intimate atmosphere. 40 hour burning time.

Buy now

9. Jan Constantine Tea Cosies

Nothing more British than a cup of tea! Our Jan Constantine wool tea cosies are beautifully handcrafted to keep your teapot warm while your cuppa brews.

Buy now

10. Jan Constantine Fab Love Cushions

With these heirloom quality cushions you can put your British or American spirit on show. Whichever you choose these cushions will make a beautiful accent in any room.

Buy now

Top 10 Christmas Gifts from The Bee’s Knees British Imports is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Simple steps to decorate a Christmas tree, from adding the lights through to putting the presents around the base. The Christmas tree is without a doubt, the key focal point of the home during the festive season and decorating it forms part of many people’s annual Christmas traditions.

Last year, John Lewis came up with 5 Christmas themes that’ll help you create the desired look for your tree. There’s cool, crisp Frosty Morning, contemporary Geometry, bright Winter Festival and more traditional colour schemes such as Classic and Nordic. So whether you’re changing the whole look of your tree, or just refreshing it with new lights and a few baubles, there’s lots to choose from.

Video: How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree British Style from John Lewis is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Triumph – one of the last original British motorcycle manufacturers - has reported a rise in profits as well as a rise in sales and people seek out the latest models of the classic British bike.

According to the Telegraph:

Triumph is famous for producing motorcycles such as the Thunderbird, which was used by Marlon Brando in films, the Daytona 675 and the Speed Triple.

It is now Britain’s biggest motorcycle maker, competing with global rivals such as Honda and BMW, and employs 1,600 people. Triumph is chaired by Lord Digby Jones, the former trade minister, and owned by British tycoon John Bloor.

“Triumph remains cautious in terms of the general market outlook for 2012 due to the continued global economic turmoil and the impact upon consumer confidence and in particular spending on discretionary consumer goods,” the company said in its results.

Classic British Motorcycle Maker Triumph sees boost in Sales is a post from: Anglotopia.net

These will definitely be going on our Christmas tree this year!

Doctor Who: TARDIS Ornament What luck! The TARDIS materializes on Planet Earth just in time for the holidays! Its classic TARDIS blue color and instantly recognizable chassis give your tree an intergalactic touch, from far beyond the brightest star the human eye can see.

Doctor Who: Dalek Ornament Forget everything you ever knew about Daleks and imagine that this one comes in peace for the holidays, dressed all in red and rendered temporarily harmless.

Doctor Who Christmas Tree Ornaments – Dalek and TARDIS is a post from: Anglotopia.net

John Lewis Christmas 2007 advert, “Shadows”

60 second version of the 2007 John Lewis Christmas TV advert, called “Shadows”. The soundtrack is Aubade/Morning Serenade from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

John Lewis Christmas Advert – November 2008

They used the Beatles in this one to moving affect.

John Lewis 2009 Christmas Advert

The 2009 Christmas advert from UK retailer John Lewis featuring ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ covered by Taken By Trees

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2010

For those who care about showing they care. It’s said that when giving, it’s really the thought that counts, so this year our Christmas campaign focuses on the joy of giving the perfect gift.

Our TV ad shows a variety of people going that extra mile to make gift-giving special, and we see how a little inspiration can turn any product into the most personal present.

It was filmed on location in Scotland, including various places in Edinburgh. You’ll probably recognise that the lyrics accompanying the ad are from Elton John’s ‘Your Song’, and Brit Award winner Ellie Goulding has recorded this special cover version. We hope you will enjoy the campaign.

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2011

“For gifts you can’t wait to give” There is something even more wonderful than receiving the perfect gift, and that is knowing you have found the perfect gift for someone you love. This year we have brought to life the feeling of excitement and anticipation you get when you have found that perfect gift for someone and cannot wait for Christmas day to arrive.

The advert follows one little boy who is impatiently counting down to Christmas. We see him tapping his fingers, gazing out of the window, even trying to cast a spell on a clock to make time go faster, but to no avail. The track ‘Please, Please, Please let me get what I want’, was originally recorded by the Smiths, and has been rerecorded by emerging artist Slow Moving Millie.

5 Years of John Lewis Christmas Adverts – Including the 2011 Commercial is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Just about everyone has heard of luxury skin care brands for women but did you know that men’s skincare products are quickly growing?  Bulldog Natural Skincare, is one of those brands. From lush shaving products to moisturizers, this line carries it all. This brand has been an huge hit with men on both sides of the Atlantic. Skincare isn’t just for girls anymore.

What makes this line so appealing is that it is made 100% of natural ingredients, you’ll never find synthetic chemicals in this skincare line. They also  have a wonderful transparency policy, so you know exactly what goes into making this awesome product. Most importantly, they do not test any of their products on animals.  It just goes to show how social and environmental responsibly can help produce an amazing product.

The Bulldog Skincare line includes; an after shave balm, shave gel, moisturizer, face wash and a face scrub. For a man who has never used a skin care regiment before this can sound like a bit much, however there are directions on the back of every package telling you how to use them. As a man, I was a little skeptical about using skincare but my lovely wife encouraged me to try it.

One of the first things I noticed about the products is the smell. They have very light and masculine scent, that is really pleasing. My wife commented how nice I smelled after using the products. I used the moisturizer first. I followed the directions and used it in the morning and the evening. I soon noticed, as did my wife, how much smoother and softer my skin was. Again, I was skeptical about using skincare, but seeing how much my wife and I enjoyed the results, I continued to use it.

One of the real stars of this product line is the shave gel. It works up into a rich luxurious lather. After shaving with the shave gel, I felt like I had gotten a shave at my local barber. My skin felt soft and moisturized afterward, not the normal dried out feeling.  I followed up with the after shave balm.  It did not burn like most aftershave products. My wife went nuts for the scent.

Bulldog Skincare also includes a face wash and a face scrub. They aren’t the same thing. The facial wash is for daily use, to remove excess oil and dirt from your face. It recommends using it in the morning and night and to follow it up with the moisturizer.  The facial scrub is used to get a deeper clean and take off dead skin and clean the pores. The scrub should only  be used 2-3 times a week at most. Both products were awesome, I noticed less outbreaks and less oil on my skin within days of use.

I am not the type of guy who would normally use a skincare line, but I guess it’s time for me to get with the program because, Bulldog Natural Skincare is awesome. I really liked the luxurious products and the wife noticed the difference in my skin too. I tried the product out and now I am a believer. If you are looking for good product line to get the man in your life, this is the one to choose. It was easy to use and would make a wonderful gift for the man in your life.

Brit Review: Bull Dog Natural Skin Care – British Skin Care Products for Men is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Anglophile Black Friday Deals!

As promised in our weekly newsletter this is a special edition of the Anglotopia Newsletter that features great Black Friday deals for my fellow Anglophiles. We've got great discounts on travel, merchandise and some great gift guides. Happy Holidays!!!

British Airways Black Friday Sale

Our friends at British Airways are providing us an exclusive deal for our readers – save up to $100 discount per adult on flight + hotel packages to the UK. This is a great deal on already low airfares to Britain. The deal is only good from Friday Nov 25th to Sunday Nov 28th so you need to act fast to take advantage of this. British Airways probably won't have another sales until after the holidays. They're also offering 20% off UK car rentals – which is another great deal! Book them all together and save a ton.

Click here for details and to book

Virgin Atlantic Black Friday Sale

Take advantage of an Economy fare sale from Virgin Atlantic – Flights to London from the USA starting at $214 (one way)! The offer is valid until November 30th.

Click here for more information

Looking for a great place to get your authentic British Christmas Crackers this year? Then check out Tom Smith Christmas Crackers – it's where we get ours every year. They're offering 10% for Black Friday weekend and FREE ground shipping.

Tom Smith Christmas Crackers

Amazon.com British Movie Deals

Amazon.com has a great selection of British Bluray DVD's on sale – including every Harry Potter movie on Blu-ray for $9.99 each and Lord of the Rings set for $49.99.

See more here

Anglophile Alert: Great Deals for Anglophiles on Black Friday is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Do you remember this classic Office moment?

It’s finally happened The Office Special Edition is now available. The show that started the  world wide comedy phenomenon can be yours to watch whenever you want, you can own it on DVD. The entire UK series is included in this edition. The New York Times wasn’t lying when they called The Office, “pretty much the funniest show ever.”

All 12 episodes are included in this fantastic edition, with all of the hilarious moments once again brought the small screen.  The beloved two-part holiday special is also included, which is particularly fun to watch during this festive time of year.  The set also includes the pilot episode, which is really fun to watch. Every season one episode has a special recorded introduction by Ricky Gervais and Stphen Merchant. Another special feature of this edition is the awesome and super funny documentrary called, Comedy Connections: The Office, which traces the history and production of the show.There are also wonderful interviews with the cast.

I loved all of the extras included in this set. I was able to laugh even more watching the behind the scenes extras, making the episodes new again to me. I adore the dry humor of Ricky Gervais. I can totally see why this series won  two Golden Globes. My favorite part of this set was the holiday episodes, they are too funny.

You can own this awesomely hilarious set yourself on November 22. The Office Special Edition would make a wonderful holiday gift for that special person in your life. Make sure to pick one up for yourself, or win a copy here! That’s right, we are giving away a copy of The Office Special Edition to one luck winner. All you have to do, is tell us your favorite scene from the show and why. One winner will be picked at random to win this special set.

This contest is only open to those in the USA. November 29,2011 is the last day entries will be put into the drawing. Good luck!

Brit DVD Review and Contest: The Office Special Editon is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Are words like Dalek, TARDIS and The Doctor, common vocabulary in your home? Chances are that you have a major Doctor Who, fan  in your house! So with the holidays right around the corner, what are you going to get that very special Doctor Who, fan? Well if you aren’t sure, take a look at our ultimate Doctor Who, guide. There is sure to be something that is just perfect for that special person in your life. Happy Holidays!

Doctor Who Levitating TARDISWe imagine that if The Doctor were stranded on Earth for a long period of time without his real TARDIS, he’d appreciate having a smaller model to play with and admire. It’s like being a kid (of any age!) and having a collection of matchbox cars. You may not have a real Maserati, but this miniature one sure is sweet! Zoom zoom! Oh wait, that’s the sound a Mazda makes. We’re obviously not experts in such things. Anyhoo, we think a TARDISless Doctor would really love this matchbox model of his time-traveling ride. The Levitating TARDIS uses the magic of magnets (how do they work?) to make the blue police box hover inside the black base unit. With a little practice, you can gently flick the TARDIS and set it spinning. The best part? We were so excited about this… go to the nearest vending machine and purchase a bag of Skittles. Use the Skittles to create an epic battle between the Doctor and the new Daleks! As each Dalek dies, toss it in your mouth and taste the rainbow. Delicious. Product Specifications TARDIS floats like magic in mid-air with the power of magnets Spin it around and it might travel through time Hack it to fix the chameleon circuit (hey, you can TRY…) Dimensions: approx. five inches tall Requires 6AA batteries (not included)

Doctor Who Dalek Projection ClockThere you are, cozy in your PJs dreaming about a new season of The Doctor, when it hits you – you are not alone. Looming out of the dark and nebulous reaches of reality you can hear them as they float towards you, giant toilet plunger manipulator appendages at the ready, gunsticks aimed for you. It’s them. They’re here. You run, but you can’t escape. Just as fear and panic put an icy grip on you, you sit bolt upright in bed, eyes glued to the ceiling, awake. You can still hear them. You can hear their hovering bodies approach, the sound of their gunsticks firing, that dreaded cry of “Exterminate!” Etched in glowing blue above your head is the time. Your alarm clock has done its job. Maybe the Red Shiny Robots of Vortis are a myth too. But for some of us, the constant threat of death by alien robots is what keeps us going from day to day. Start your day the Dalek way – because nothing wakes you like the threat of extermination! The Dalek Alarm Clock projects the time onto your ceiling and cycles through three sound effects – hover, exterminate, and gunstick – to try to wake you from your slumber. It’s the alarm clock Davros would use if he required an alarm clock. Product Specifications Cycles through three sound effects (hover, exterminate, and gunstick) Projects time onto your ceiling! Snoozes for ten minutes when depressed Speech indicators on head flash white Requires four AA batteries (included) Approximately 9.8″ x 5.1″

Doctor Who Ride-in DalekWhen we were kids, we wanted nothing more than Power Wheels. Or an ATV. But our moms said no because they are meanies. (Hi Moms. We really don’t mean this. Okay, we did mean it when we were five, but what did we know?) Once we get our hands on the TARDIS, we’re going to have The Doctor go back to the 80s, buy a Power Wheels car, and drop it off on our front doorstep with a bow and a little gift card. Then everything will be right with the world. Until then, we’ve found the ultimate thing for the wee geeks we love in the present time: the Doctor Who Ride-In Dalek. This Red Dalek is made from a mixture of ballistic nylon and laminated rubberized polyvinyl, which is soft to the touch but extremely durable and tear resistant. While it is inflatable, this is more the quality of a snow tube, not a beach ball. A 6v battery powered motor gives 360 degree steering and a maximum speed of nearly 2 mph! It won’t hover or fly up stairs, but hey, we’ll put in that suggestion for version 2.0. A soft bumper around the edge of the Dalek will protect your walls and furniture. The steering wheel has buttons which trigger ten authentic Dalek phrases so your wee geek can let people know that their extermination is at hand. And because we know you’ll ask, no, we haven’t found one in adult sizes yet. We’ll keep looking. NOTE: Because this is imported from the UK, it will require a UK outlet adapter (not included) to be able to charge in an outlet in the USA. Product Specifications For Ages 3 – 6 years old or small older kids Maximum weight: 65 lbs Ride-in Dalek lets your wee geek exterminate their foes Red Dalek body made of extremely durable and tear resistant nylon/polyvinyl 6v rechargeable battery powered motor 360 degree steering and a maximum speed of nearly 2 mph Flashing lights give an eerie Dalek technology glow 10 authentic Dalek phrases can be triggered on the steering wheel Soft bumper on the edges protects your walls and furniture Comes in 2 parts: motorized base and inflatable body section Easy to assemble, just over 4 feet tall when fully assemble. Unfortunately, it does not hover. We hope v. 2.0 does. We checked and no, it does not come in adult sizes. Sorry! NOTE: Because this is imported from the UK, it will require a UK outlet adapter (not included) to be able to charge in an outlet in the USA.

Doctor Who TARDIS 4 Port USB HubI seek audience with the ThinkGeek Consciousness under peaceful contract, according to Convention Fifteen of the Shadow Proclamation. This is the vehicle of the Time Lord. TARDIS, or Time And Relative Dimension In Space has its chameleon circuit broken, so it’s stuck looking like an old British Police box from Earth year zero-point-five-slash-apple-slash-five-zero, or 1950 by local reckoning. That, and it’s become a 4 port USB hub a mere 11 centimeters tall. This little blue box, really an immense multi-dimensional starship capable of ludicrous speeds, sits benignly on your desk, acting as a mere conduit of digital information for your computer. 480 megabits per second of data are shared amongst its four USB 2.0 ports along the base. Press the panel on the face, and the blue-glowing light pulsates and the Tardis’ engine fires up. Don’t worry, while the engine grinds away, we’ve time-locked the Tardis so it stays put – we don’t want any accidental paradoxes, thank you. It’s not every day you can have your own piece of the Untempered Schism right there on your desktop, so be careful how you use it. The Bad Wolf is watching. Features The official Doctor Who TARDIS Hub. A 4 port USB hub replicating the 1950s Police phonebox TARDIS from the show. A flashing lantern on the TARDIS’ roof. A time-travelling sound effect. The light and sound effects are triggered when a USB device is plugged into the port. Sound effects are optional and are controlled via an on/off switch. No software required. Suitable for both PCs and Mac. Suitable for ages 8 years+. TARDIS: 11 x 6 x 6cm USB Cable: 140cm.

Doctor Who: Stone Dalek Figure Set with Exclusive Underhenge Drone DalekIncluding Stone Dalek, Roman Auton, Stone Roman Auton, Amy Pond, Sontaran and a Drone Dalek.

The Brilliant Book of Doctor Who 2011Find out everything you need to know about the Eleventh Doctor’s first year in this lavish book.

Doctor Who: TARDIS Talking Cookie JarThe TARDIS Cookie Jar stands just under 11″ tall. This TARDIS features light and sound effects activated by either pushing down on the lamp or closing the lid.

Doctor Who Insider MagazineSatisfy your thirst for fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes stories about the phenomenally popular British sciencefiction series, from first Doctor William Hartnell in 1963, through 11th Doctor Matt Smith and beyond! In each issue: star interviews, character and monster guides, news, photographs, in-depth looks at the latest Doctor Who episodes, fold-out poster and more!

Doctor WHo: TARDIS iPhone4 CaseThis stylish and cool TARDIS hard cover is designed for the new iPhone 4.

Doctor Who: Pandorica Figure and CD CollectionThe Eleventh Doctor, trapped by an alliance of his greatest foes, was imprisoned with the mysterious artifact known as the Pandorica in the penultimate episode of the fifth season of Doctor Who . The Pandorica Action Figure and CD Collection brings fans detailed 5″ action figures from the fifth season, and comes with a special Doctor Who audio CD and interlocking CD tray. The figures include the fez-wearing Eleventh Doctor, Roman Auton, Angel Bob, Cyberman Pandorica Guard, Amy Pond and the Silurian Warrior .

Doctor Who: TARDIS PlaysetThis TARDIS Play set is a reproduction of the console room of the new Eleventh Doctor’s time machine. This will make any adventure with your 5″ action figures come to life!

Doctor Who: The Masters Fob WatchBased on the Masters Fob Watch from popular BBC TV show Doctor Who. Gallifreyan engraving covers the outside of the zinc alloy case which opens to display the polished face of this iconic time-piece which again is engraved with Gallifreyan symbols. The watch also has a built-in light, which illuminates the face with a blue glow.

Doctor Who: TARDIS HoodieFeel warm and look cool while you travel through time and space in intergalactic style. Zip-up grey sweatshirt with deep kangaroo pockets, drawstring hood and levitating TARDIS design.

Doctor Who: Series 1-4 plus Specials Collection Savings SetBuy all Four Series and the Specials Collection and save!

Doctor Who 2012 Wall CalendarTake daily delight in fabulous color photos of the eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and his companions Amy, Rory and River Song. Scenes from their most exciting adventures in Series 5 and 6 will inspire and energize your new year.

Gift Guide: The Ultimate Doctor Who Holiday Gift Guide is a post from: Anglotopia.net

In this short video, John Lewis shares a few ideas so you can create your own, stunning seasonal table. We’ve updated a classic Christmas look, using Robin & Laurel tableware, with matching embroidered linen. The look is brought together with Christmas tree napkin rings, candles, red glasses and of course, the essential Christmas table accessory – crackers!

How to set a British Christmas Dinner – Guide from John Lewis is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The British Motor Industry by Jonathan Wood is a wonderful look into the history of the motor industry of Britain and how it shaped a country an a culture. Mr. Wood’s book is broken down by time frame covering ever big name brand car maker in the UK. The book starts with the beginning of the motor industry in 1896 and chronicles the amazing history of it until it’s decline, and into today’s market. It was a very interesting read to hear about how some of the most famous motor brands in the world go their start.

As I said earlier the book is broken down by time period. It starts from the birth of the automobile industry in the UK. The book not only discusses the history of each motor company but it tells the stories of the live the industry touched. Whole cities became known for the auto they produced. The richly written history is fantastically accompanied with excellent photos and illustrations. I particularly loved tall of the auto advertisements

I loved learning what went into making some of  the most infamous brands in auto history. It was also amazing to read about how the lives of an entire nation change with the rise and fall of the auto industry in England. My favorite part of this book was the advertisements for the motors, particularly the older ones. It is so unique to see how a lifestyle was sold along with the automobile.

I would highly recommend this book to any British car enthusiast. It was so interesting to learn the history of some of the most successful auto companies of all time. Next time I see a British brand I will know a bit about the history of that particular car. While I am not a car fanatic by any stretch, it will be nice to know what I am talking about if this topic ever comes up in conversation. This book would make a lovely present for anyone who is in love with the history and charm of the UK auto industry.

Brit Book Review: The British Motor Industry by Jonathan Wood is a post from: Anglotopia.net

John Lewis is known for their touching and inspiring commercials they put together for the holiday season and this year’s is no exception.

From the video description:

“For gifts you can’t wait to give” There is something even more wonderful than receiving the perfect gift, and that is knowing you have found the perfect gift for someone you love. This year we have brought to life the feeling of excitement and anticipation you get when you have found that perfect gift for someone and cannot wait for Christmas day to arrive.

Our advert follows one little boy who is impatiently counting down to Christmas. We see him tapping his fingers, gazing out of the window, even trying to cast a spell on a clock to make time go faster, but to no avail. The track ‘Please, Please, Please let me get what I want’, was originally recorded by the Smiths, and has been rerecorded by emerging artist Slow Moving Millie.

Watch it below – we warned – you will need tissues!

Video: John Lewis 2011 Christmas Advert – Prepare to Break out the Tissues! is a post from: Anglotopia.net

When the time of year arrives to dust off the knitwear and turn on the radiators, it means Christmas is around the corner. There is no better time than a snowy December to be British, from the Sunday roasts that gather families around the dinner tables to the sneaky fish and chips treat our transatlantic neighbours fail to see the charm in.

There are some brands that are so ingrained in British culture that it becomes hard to imagine them not springing to mind at the site of  a Union Jack:

John Lewis

The department store is renowned for its polite staff and ethical business model, which allows staff to spend Christmas with their families, as opposed to most retail companies, which open their doors for 364 days each year.

Every November John Lewis releases an advertising campaign in the run-up to Christmas that tugs at the heartstrings of even the most cynical of buyers, making it the first port of call for gift shopping and mince pie stock-up.

Cadbury’s

Although the brand was sold to an American confectioner two years ago, it was founded in 1824 by John Cadbury in Birmingham. To this day, the Dairy Milk bar in its shiny purple wrapper is the quintessentially British treat – simple, tasty and reliable.

Barbour

Camping is not just for the British any more. The festival tradition attracts thousands of teenagers from other European countries, who buy their Hunter wellies and set up their tents in Glastonbury and Reading. These experiences are a way for young people to be submerged in British culture and improve their English, perhaps while attending an English summer camp on a programme offered by organisations such as ESL schools. The traditional waxed jacket is the Barbour staple and remains a popular garment in British fashion.

Savoy Hotel

The first luxury hotel in Britain, the Savoy opened its doors in 1889, and although a stay in one of its rooms is out of the price range of many, it remains a popular destination for tourists and Brits to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.

PG Tips

Few beverages can be linked to a culture in the way that the ‘cup of tea’ is. PG Tips is the most popular brand in the UK thanks to its trademark pyramid-shaped teabags.

The electric kettle is an appliance rarely seen in a continental kitchen, and yet the British hold it dearer than possibly any other commodity. The UK Tea Council estimates that the nation drinks 165 million cups of tea daily – over double the amount of coffee consumed.

PG Tips is a brand so familiar to the British people that it has come to symbolise not only a product, or even a custom, but a country’s identity.

Guest Post: Cool Britannia – 5 Distinct Brands of Britishness is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Marks & Spencer has released a star studded video for their yearly Christmas commercial. Check it out below:

Christmas 2011: Marks & Spencer Christmas Commercial – Video is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Jamie Oliver has released a new iPhone app that features the best restaurants in Britain.

From the app description:

Explore your way around Britain with my guide to over 1000 places to eat, visit and shop.

* Find recommended places near you with the GPS function
* Upload and tag photos of your own favourite foodspots
* Check out the events calendar and find out what’s going on when, then import it into your iCal so you don’t miss out
* Share and recommend your favourite food destinations with friends and
family
* Check out a few of my videos and a gallery of brand new photos

This new app I’ve developed with the guys at Penguin is all about celebrating brilliant places to eat, buy and enjoy food aroundBritain. I’ve stumbled across so many cute or clever places over the years, and am always hearing about incredible restaurants and shops from friends who love good food. I wanted to pool all of those recommendations together in a way that was really useful, fun and accessible for everyone. So in this app, you’ll find everything from great cheese shops, fishmongers, pubs and restaurants to cafes and food festivals.

I’ve included spots I’ve been eating at for years as well as places I’ve just discovered on my recent travels around Great Britain. My trusty food team and the gang at Jamie’s Italian have also shared some of their favourites, as have the brilliant team at Rough Guides. Now that we’ve got everything in one place we’ll be updating it with more recommendations on a regular basis, and I really want you guys to do the same. So anytime you find something that rocks your world – whether it’s a country pub that puts on a great Sunday roast or a brilliant curry house tucked down a side street in your town – snap a picture, upload it and share it with the rest of us. We’ve got so much to be proud of, let’s get out there and enjoy it.

The app costs just $4.99 is a great deal if you’re heading to Britain and want to find somewhere to eat.

Click the button below to download:

Jamie Oliver Releases iPhone App Guide to Britain’s Restuarants is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Guest Post: Great British Medical Breakthroughs is a post from: Anglotopia.net

Only a third of family businesses survive more than one generation, and of those that do, most don’t survive the next generation. However some businesses not only survive but thrive as the generations pass. Not only do these businesses suffer the challenges shared by all entrepreneurs, but the dynamics of the family relations can make things even more stressful. However there are some very successful family enterprises out there and the British have a tradition of forming these dynasties.

Harmsworths/Viscounts Rothmere

Alfred and Harold Harmsworth founded several papers including the (in)famous Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror as they built up a publishing empire that in its current form, The Daily Mail and General Trust forms the largest media conglomerate in Europe. Although from poor backgrounds both Alfred and Harold were ennobled, becoming the Viscounts Northcliffe and Rothmere respectively.

When Alfred died with no issue the empire passed onto the Rothmeres who have owned the Daily Mail and General Trust ever since.

Stannah

Probably the best known manufacturers of home stairlifts as well as industrial lifts; Stannah Lifts has run since 1867 through five generations of the family. It is currently owned by six members of the family and is run by Jon Stannah.

The company started as a lift manufacturer based in London, but 1975 they took advantage of developments in technology to start producing stairlifts. This change in focus has proved very profitable for them with over 500,000 units sold and royal endorsement.

Warburtons

Founded by Ellen and Thomas Warburton in 1876, Warburtons is now Britain’s most popular baker. Originally a small local company, Warburton’s only started expanding nationally in the 1990s from where it expanded to its current popularity. Though Americans might be surprised by the lack of sugar!

JCB

The ubiquitous yellow diggers were not the first products of the JCB Company. Originally founded by Joseph Cyril Bamford in a garage, JCB used a welding kit brought for £1 and scrap metal from the war to make trailers. As the company developed it has expanded to 7000 employees and 18 Factories in the UK, China, India, Germany and both North and South America.

JCB also hold the world Diesel powered Land Speed Record, with the JCB DieselMax reaching 350mph in 2006. Speaking afterwards the driver, Andy Green a RAF pilot, said that he believed the car could have gone even faster where it not for problems with the tires.

Goring

The Goring hotel is probably most famous for hosting Kate Middleton and her family before the Royal Wedding, though it is also famous for its English Breakfasts and Puddings.  In fact the closeness of the Goring hotel to Buckingham palace means that it gets more than its fair share of royal visitors. It was founded in 1910 by Otto Goring, and is currently run by his great grandson Jeremy Goring.

These dynasties may not have the excitement and dazzle of their American counterparts, but in their own way they definitely reflect a very British approach to business.

Guest Post: 5 British Business Dynasties that Have Survived and Thrived is a post from: Anglotopia.net

British Design 1948–2012 will showcase 60 years of British creative talent and document the transformation of design in Britain since the post-war ‘Austerity Games’ of 1948.
The exhibits will come from the museum’s unrivalled collections and include product design, fashion and textiles, furniture, ceramics and glass, theatre design, graphics, photography, architecture, fine art and sculpture. This will be the first exhibition to look at how, over the last 60 years, artists and designers who were born, trained or worked in the UK have produced innovative and internationally acclaimed works.

There will be more than 300 exhibits and they will include the designs of a 1961 E-type Jaguar car, fine art by David Hockney, textiles by Laura Ashley and an Alexander McQueen evening gown.

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is open daily 10am–5.45pm (10pm Friday), admission free. British Design 1948–2012 runs from 31 March to 12 August, admission £12.

Victoria and Albert Museum,
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Tel: +44 20 7907 7073 (ticket bookings)
Website: www.vam.ac.uk
Facebook: Victoria and Albert Museum
Twitter: @V_and_A
YouTube: V&A – The Victoria and Albert Museum
Flickr: Victoria and Albert Museum

A Celebration of British design in Olympics year at V&A Museum is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Orient Express British Pullman train will leave from London’s Victoria station for a non-stop day-trip through the Kent countryside. Passengers will travel in vintage carriages that were first used in the 1920s, a period considered by many as the ‘golden age of travel’.

The day-trip includes the opportunity to see and buy the latest collections from 10 top British brands: Harrods, Brora, Cath Kidston, Royal Warrant-holding Ettinger, Miller Harris, Liberty, Holland & Holland, Astley Clarke, Daniel Sandler and the Collection Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Award-winning jewellery expert Bill Foreman, whose career includes working for the Crown Jewellers Garrard, will be on hand to offer passengers professional help and advice.

The British Pullman is the sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Some of the carriages were used by the British royal family. Others carried passengers who included President de Gaulle and Nikita Khrushchev. Two of the carriages were part of Winston Churchill’s funeral train.

Many of the carriages were withdrawn from service in the 1960s and ’70s. They feature Art Deco marquetry and brass fittings and all have been fully restored. The Shopping on the Rails trip takes place between 11.45am and 4.30pm on Thursday 1 December. A second trip is planned for 6 December 2012. Tickets cost £300 (£350 in 2012) per person and include a four-course Christmas lunch with champagne and half a bottle of wine per person.

Orient-Express, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PF
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 845 077 2222
Websites: www.orient-express.com/uktrains
www.orient-expressboutique.com
www.harrods.com
www.brora.co.uk
www.cathkidston.co.uk
www.ettinger.co.uk
www.millerharris.com
www.liberty.co.uk
www.hollandandholland.com
www.astleyclarke.com
www.danielsandler.com
Facebook: British Pullman & Northern Belle
Twitter: @oedaytrains

Luxury shopping on a luxury train – The Orient Express is a post from: Anglotopia.net

An artist over on Etsy is selling beautiful handmade ceramic TARDIS Teapot!

Here are some pictures:

They only costs $95 – which is a pretty good price when you consider they’re all hand made and everyone will be different.

If you’re interested – check out the Etsy page here.

Doctor Who: Check out this Made to Order TARDIS Teapot! is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Sweet History of York (working title) will celebrate the heritage of the chocolates and sweets made in the city. The attraction will tell the story of York’s confectionery trading and manufacturing past and take a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of the men and women who made the chocolates and sweets from the 19th to the 21st century. Favourite sweets expected to feature in the attraction will include Kit Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange.

The attraction will open in a three-storey building at the end of York’s famous Shambles, the street that in 2010 won Google’s Most Picturesque Street in Britain award.

Juliana Delaney, chief executive of Continuum who are developing the attraction, says: ‘York has had chocolate and confectionery at its heart for over 150 years. This is a tale as important as any to that of York and the UK’s industrial and cultural heritage, yet it remains untold until now. We are very much looking forward to bringing the story to life and have already received fantastic support for the project from Nestlé, the owners of Rowntree Mackintosh, and Terry’s owners Kraft.’

Sweet History of York is due to open in spring or early summer 2012, and will include a shop and a cafe. Daytime and early-evening tours and activities will be available for groups seven days a week.

York House, King’s Square, York
Tel: +44 845 498 9411
Website: www.sweethistoryofyork.com
Blog: sweethistoryofyork.blogspot.com

York’s sweet attraction – Classic British Candy is a post from: Anglotopia.net

The Palace has released details of the commemorative Diamond Jubilee China.

From Buckingham Palace:

The official range of commemorative china to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee goes on sale today (Monday, 10 October). The Royal Collection range was inspired by the Rockingham Service, first used in 1838 at the coronation banquet of Queen Victoria, the only other monarch to celebrate 60 years on the throne. Commissioned by William IV in 1830, the service was produced in Yorkshire by the Rockingham Works and is possibly the most elaborate service ever made by an English factory, taking eight years to complete. At the centre of the design is William IV’s coat of arms, which has been specially redrawn for the Diamond Jubilee.

The Rockingham Service is still used at State Banquets and was last in use for the State Visit of President Barack Obama and Mrs Obama in May. Pieces from the service can be seen in the China Museum at Windsor Castle.

Nuala McGourty, Retail Director at the Royal Collection, said, ‘We are delighted with this design and believe that we have developed a truly exceptional range of products that will serve as a fitting celebration of this momentous occasion. We wanted to create a design that was decorative and feminine, and that would provide the right provenance for the Diamond Jubilee.’

The official Diamond Jubilee china is handmade exclusively for the Royal Collection in Stoke-on-Trent, by the potteries that made the official range of commemorative china for the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Their methods have remained unchanged for 250 years. Each item is individually cast and hand decorated, then embellished with several layers of raised, burnished gold, before a final layer of gilding in 22-carat gold is applied, again by hand.

The border decoration includes raised and gilded oak leaves, acorns and the national symbols of the daffodil, rose and thistle, entwined over a blue base. On selected pieces in the range there is an inscription of a passage from The Queen’s Accession speech. It reads, ‘I shall always work to advance the happiness and prosperity of my peoples, spread as they are all over the world.’

Nuala McGourty explained, ‘Following the tremendous success of the Royal Wedding china, we have used the same skilled craftspeople, at the same six potteries, to create our Diamond Jubilee range, giving the factories a vital, consistent stream of work. We have always been committed to supporting the incredible talent of those who work in the potteries. This range is even more labour-intensive in production than the Royal Wedding china. Some of the pieces go though nine different processes, several firings – and require highly skilled craftspeople at each stage.’

A tankard (£39), teacup and saucer (£49), domed pill box (£30), 7-inch plate (£35), 10-inch plate (£95), coffee mug (£25), pill-box clock (£65) and lionhead beaker (£75), form the central range. Two limited-edition pieces of 1,000, a loving cup (£175) and charger plate (£145) will also be available. All pieces come in a presentation box and are wrapped in Royal Collection tissue paper. Further products in the Diamond Jubilee range will be added at a later date.

The official Diamond Jubilee commemorative range can be purchased online from Monday, 10 October at www.royalcollection.org.uk/shop. It is also available from the Royal Collection shops in London at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, at Windsor Castle and in Edinburgh at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, telephone 0845 330 2898.

All profits from the sale of the Diamond Jubilee china range are dedicated to the Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of the Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection and the promotion of public access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.

If you’d like to purchase the china – you can do so from the Royal Collection shop.

Diamond Jubilee: Official Diamond Jubilee china launches today is a post from: Anglotopia.net