With rolling hills and ‘chocolate box’ homes, the British countryside is often idealised. Yet alongside the numerous benefits of living beyond towns and cities, there are many drawbacks. Canvas8 spoke with Michael Woods, editor ofThe Journal of Rural Studies, to shed light on rural realities.

While public funding bodies often invest more into London’s cultural landscape than the rest of the country’s, the Yorkshire-based Hepworth Wakefield gallery is proving that regional areas are just as worthy. Having drawn 210,000 visitors in 2016, it’s helping to democratise the arts in the UK.

London might be the UK's capital, but the majority of Britons live in other regions. Despite this, research suggests that the 'London bubble' has left those living outside of London feeling ignored and misunderstood by brands that have failed to connect with their locale.

Our/Vodka is a spirits brand from Pernod Ricard that's distilled in select cities and made by local producers. But how can the same company that produces 11.3 million cases of Absolut sit alongside indie distilleries? And are people willing to buy ‘local’ from a global giant?