With the above reference made about instant coffee, The Brits love the stuff.
But, we have only ourselves (Americans) to blame. It seems we got them hooked on the stuff during the war.
I lived in London on and off for over 20 years beginning in the late sixties.
In the beginning, I found the food to be absolutely horrible. Breakfast and tea time excluded. I can tell you that, now their food is worlds better.
After all, they had no place to go but up.