From pop culture icons to everyday classics

It’s a funny old time to be British. While faith in politics continues to waver, Harry Kane has led England into the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, reigniting a sense of national pride that’s sweeping the country.

This sense of patriotism is unfamiliar to many Brits, who are bombarded with glum news on the daily courtesy of our BBC News apps. Yet, football fever has prompted us to look back at the best of British pop culture history, from the globally-lambasted dishes to the controversial TV show moments and musicians who provided the soundtrack. 

Think about it. Not only did we (note the royal ‘we’) produce musical giants including The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie and, of course, the Spice Girls, but Britain birthed a pop culture lore like no other.

From cult TV moments that still dominate group chats to internet clips that became part of our collective vocabulary, Britain has an uncanny ability to turn the ordinary into cultural legend. We gave the world Del Boy falling through the bar, Nessa’s “oh, what’s occurring,” Rylan’s unforgettable tears on The X Factor, Top Gear’s infamous Alabama road trip and the most cancelable catchphrases known to man courtesy of Jay Cartwright.

Then, the everyday icons that instantly transport us back to childhood: Calippo Shots, Jelly Tots, Mini Rolls, Freddos (can you believe the price today?), school discos soundtracked by S Club 7, Take That, McFly and Peter Andre and Saturday night TV that had the whole country watching George Sampson winning BGT at once. 

Undoubtedly, Britain’s greatest export is our irreverence. It’s found in the eccentricity of a mud-clad Glastonbury, the whip-ya-shirt-off hooliganism of die-hard football fans, the outspokenness of the Gallagher brothers, the wild celebrity tales told on The Graham Norton Show, Dave the Laugh’s ever-quotable “nunga-nungas” and Maryam Moshiri’s hilarious on-air middle finger mishap. 

We may love to complain about the weather, the trains and the state of the nation, but few countries have produced such a rich tapestry of style, humour and cultural moments that continue to resonate far beyond our shores. So, as England chases World Cup glory, we’re celebrating the wonderfully weird, endlessly influential and unmistakably British touchstones that make us proud to call this weird and wonderful island home.

Clare Pennington, Editor

Clare’s Best of British: Greggs, Pot Noodle, toad in the hole, Ab Fab, The Spice Girls, The Big Breakfast, the OG Topshop on Oxford Circus, Bob Mortimer on that fishing show, queueing properly, taking the mickey.

Molly Saunders, Creative Lead

Molly’s Best of British: Scampi fries, Coronation Street, EastEnders, Heather Trott, Love of Huns, “save water drink prosecco” mums, a cold pint, Harry Hill, Total Wipeout, desperation for the £250 prize on You’ve Been Framed, Take Me Out, X-Factor c. 2004.

Tania Leslau, Fashion Features Editor

Tania’s Best of British: British rock (The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Bowie, Rolling Stones etc), Calippo Shots, Charlie Bit My Finger, beer gardens, Marmite, Julie Andrews, Paul’s Boutique, Helena Bonham Carter, Wild Child, Rylan crying on The X Factor, Top Gear’s Alabama special, Mini Rolls.

Lauren Ramsay, Deputy Digital Editor

Lauren’s Best of British: Fish and chips, “Nah it’s not funny., I’ve got school”, M&S picky bits, Gavin & Stacey, Pimms, 99p Flakes, Jude Bellingham, Natasha Bedingfield, Sunday roasts, “Dear lord, what a sad little life, Jane.”

Sue Amos, Digital Growth Manager

Sue’s Best of British: “It’s coming home,” summer drinking in the park, apple crumble, complaining about the weather, Ant and Seb’s X Factor audition, “You can’t park there mate”, Love Island, Alison Hammond, 2006 WAGs, sunday roast, Big Brother’s “David is dead” moment, full English breakfast.

Jo Bounds, Assistant Editor

Jo’s Best of British: Frazzles, The Office, Jammie Dodgers, Take That, Fawlty Towers, bacon butties, seaside rock, Rod Stewart, Wimpy, Pearly Kings and Queens.

Jade O’Rourke, Social Media Manager

Jade’s Best of British: Tea and biscuits, jacket potatoes, sarcasm, EastEnders, Ed Sheeran, Adele, ice cream vans, the seaside, school cake, Princess Diana, Paddington Bear, Harry Kane.