UK supermarket baguettes are a poor approximation of continental Europe's (I suppose most of my experience is of France's).

Actually, Waitrose's baguette - as opposed to its 'flute' or 'French stick' - is not bad. Not as good, but not bad. The cheaper flutes and sticks (which seem to be all that other places sell) are just.. completely different.

I've never had a baguette with a nice crispy outside that results in flakes all over the breakfast table, and a soft, fluffy, inside like those so prevalent in France though.

While I'm at it - tomatoes! Tomatoes are so much nicer in France too.