Abu Dhabi is trying to present itself as a more cultured, less congested alternative to neighbouring Dubai, and is building a huge Guggenheim museum.

ECONOMIST: A bouquet of desert flowers | The

Eating pancakes with meat, mushroom or sweet fillings and watching folk dances and games in Pirohovo museum in Kiev on this occasion is a more authentic alternative to dressing up for Mardi Gras.

BBC: Pagan holidays in modern Ukraine

Until that changes, alternative cars, however attractive, are more likely to be seen in museum galleries than on the street.

ECONOMIST: Car design

Arlingtons, the restaurant and cafe in the former Ipswich Museum building on Museum Street, lived up to its aim of providing a successful alternative to the coffee chains.

BBC: By Richard Haugh