There is no bigger representation to me, of a still-very-much-alive class system than the proliferation of the bakery chain, Gails. Always packed with linen-clad parents and their families and dead eyed dads saying nothing whatsoever and being frankly embarrassed that this is now the highlight of their weekend. 

If you know the chain, and I suspect you do, then you will probably know that it is not a place to go for cheap eats. Croissants are upwards of five pounds and things life sandwiches are almost a tenner. It’s so expensive, that you would think it would put everybody living in this economy off ever going there. 

But then you look around and realise its exactly the opposite. You will probably have noticed that it is always full of exactly the same person. On every table. Always called Olivia or Charlie with a young baby or toddler being babied. 

And then you realise the price is exactly the appeal. Because it keeps people who have to worry about the cost of their pastries outside. It is only for those who are happy to spend money on thesen