It is Her Royal Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday and she’ll be partying in Windsor today. As one of the most iconic figures in the world, a much loved individual at home and the embodiment of stereotypical British culture, we thought we’d celebrate her reign by identifying some of our favourite quintessentially British start ups.
The Cambridge Satchel Company
In my mind, you cannot get more British than the iconic Cambridge Satchel. It originates from a mother trying to find a way to raise money to move her daughter into private education when she started being bullied. The design was inspired by the Harry Potter books and were, what she imagined, the Hogwarts students would be carrying their spellbooks in. Originally focused on children, the bags quickly became one of the most wanted adult fashion accessories that gave off that cool Cambridge geek chic vibe.
Julie Deane, founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company, started up with only £600. Personally, this is quintessentially British because it was based on one of the most well-known British books of our time – the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – and is now a style that is associated with the UK fashionable brainiacs.
Liquiproof
A Brit’s favourite topic of small talk conversation is the weather which 90% of the time varies from a slight drizzle to torrential rain. Liquiproof was founded thanks to Caner Veli being tired of his shoes being ruined by the weather and accidental spills. He set out to develop a hydrophobic product that did not leave residue or contain toxic substances.
Liquiproof is the perfect product for any UK resident. We are in a constant battle in whether to be practical with our clothing or looking sharp. It rains most of the time and Liquiproof gives us an opportunity to look good without wrestling with umbrellas and oversized raincoats.
Smith & Sinclair
Another quintessentially British trait is our love for a drink in a pub or bar with our mates. We also have a bit of a sweet tooth. Smith & Sinclair has combined these two qualities and created cocktail confectionery. Originally used at innovative dating nights, retail giants such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols jumped on the bandwagon and started selling their Pastilles.
Particularly in London, we are constantly on the lookout for new experiences whether that is eating in the dark or blindfolded drinking. High alcohol content sweets is a lucrative way to get any conversation off the ground. Just roll with Smith & Sinclair’s tagline: Eat. Drink. Be Merry.
Deliveroo
You might be wondering why Deliveroo could be quintessentially British, but my logic is this: I have never been in a country where people so often sit down to the delights of international food in their homes aka the takeaway. That is exactly what Deliveroo do. By delivering gourmet food to your door, you can enjoy high quality takeaway with your friends or at the office.
The cosmopolitan blend of the UK makes all kinds of cuisines accessible. It is so normal to get a curry or a Chinese takeaway and Deliveroo facilitate that by bringing it to the comfort of your home.
Bluebird Tea Co.
Tea for two? Nothing is more British than a good cuppa tea. Bluebird Tea Co are a duo of tea mixologists that aim to spread happiness one cup of tea at a time. They specialise in innovative blends, share their recipes and even teach you the art of mixology at one of their Brighton based workshops.
It is almost sacrilege to dislike tea in the UK. For all you tea-lovers, take a step further and learn about new and exciting blends with Bluebird Tea Co.
So there you have it. 5 quintessentially British start ups to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th.
Happy birthday!
