The Country Life office runs on cake. Not a day goes by without baked goods appearing on the treat shelf (or ‘Cholesterol Corner', to give it its proper name). Staff birthdays are traditionally marked with a caterpillar-shaped confection from the local Marks & Spencer and commissions are firmed up with contributors over slices of homemade Victoria sponge. Unsurprisingly, we all subscribe to our parent company's dental-care scheme. Sometimes, we're sent new products to try.
And this past week, following the huge success of our Best of Britain issue, we've taken delivery of goodies that echo its theme. As I type, the Architectural Editor is munching on the Wimbledon Centre Court scoreboard-icing wizards Biscuiteers have just launched a tennis-themed tin. On the other side of the room, a crowd has gathered around a box of chocolate cupcakes filled with Marmite from chic London bakery LOLA's.
It sounds three stops short of Dagenham (Barking), but, strangely, it works.
This isn't the first time the world's most controversial condiment has had a whimsical moment during the Diamond Jubilee year, a limited-edition spread fit for a Queen was released: Ma'amite.
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A country house that's 'the finest-looking estate between the Humber and the Tweed' (at least according to Queen Victoria)Burn Hall is a treasure-trove of architectural features, from its sweeping staircase to its grand snooker room.
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Liverpool and literature: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 18, 2025Which river runs through Liverpool and how much do you remember from the 'Harry Potter' book series?
