How has the sound of Royal Wedding bells affected perceptions of Britishness? Alex Gordon deconstructs the signifiers behind Wills and Kate's special day – and what they might mean for brands.

Are Britons still as proud of their nation? And what’s the latest food craze? In our 2014 / 15 cultural snapshot of the United Kingdom, we demystify cultural myths, shed light on the country’s economic outlook, and explore the emerging and established trends across eleven sectors.

While it may be increasingly difficult to define what 'being British' means, the country’s core eating habits have stood the test of time. Exporting this abroad, Londoner Harry Spencer has opened what he claims is China’s first authentic British restaurant.

Britain chose ‘collaboration’ as its theme for the 2012 Olympics. While the message jarred with London's brand exclusion zones, it demonstrates the increasing importance of a progressive national identity in an age of globalisation.