There has been much talk of late about Gessler we Francuskim, too, run by TV chef Adam Gessler since 2011, where bare plaster walls give an urban edge to an otherwise grand, high-ceilinged setting, with dark wood wainscotting, crisp white linen tablecloths and brass light fittings.

BBC: A taste of Krakow

Japanese school uniforms bear an uncanny resemblance to the military outfits of 19th-century Europe -- high-collared Prussian-style tunics with brass buttons for boys and pleated navy blue skirts, white blouses with matching scarves and short white socks for girls.

CNN: A SOCK TO THE SYSTEM

Brass bands and bunting, anthems and ermine - Britain will be garlanded in red, white and (this year at least) blue as the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee coincide to celebrate our sovereignty in extravagant and ostentatious style.

BBC: Is brand Britain losing its lustre?