It isn't very English to boast and sing our own praises, but St George's Day comes only once a year and it seems the perfect chance to celebrate our home-grown idols - Shakespeare, cricket, morris dancing and Marmite.
St George's Day falls this Sunday (23 April), coincidentally also Shakespeare's birthday, and seems like a great reason to scrap the latest foreign food fads and sit down to some hearty English grub.
Cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and the obligatory cuppa, all make up one of the best bits of English tradition - afternoon tea. Not only is it a deeply satisfying meal, but also terribly in vogue these days.
Moreover, the great English cup of tea is now even more English, as Camellia sinensis (that's tea plants to you and me) is now being cultivated at Cornwall's Tregothnan Estate. Sip on their properly English tea (classic or green) at London's Landmark hotel and Olga Polizzi's Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall, among other places.
Those looking for something a bit more substantial should head for Butlers Wharf Chop House in Shad Thames. You don't get more English than a pie, and head chef Craig James is offering a special St George's pie menu from 22-30 April, including the traditional shepherd's, cottage and pork varieties.
Roast in Borough Market is also offering some truly native English dishes this week, including jellied eels, pea and ham soup, steak and kidney pudding and spotted dick.
Alcoholic accompaniment is, of course, highly recommended to really pay homage to our patron saint. Beer would be the first choice for most true Brits, and Chiswick-based Fuller's London Pride is definitely top of the hops. It uses only English malt and English hops, and is guaranteed to prepare you for any dragons you may encounter on the trip home.
Cider is another favourite, and with brews including Crippledick from Kent, Wobblygob from the West Midlands and Swamp Donkey from Hampshire, it seems the perfect drink to celebrate England's eccentricities.
And for those wishing something a little more refined, English wines are now widely available and admired. Choose from celebrated English vineyards Nyetimber or Chapel Down and say cheers to St George.
Alix Young