An explanation of British quirks.
The Left Side
According to our taxi driver, this originated from the use of horses - it is proper for people to mount horses from the left side. In the middle ages, there were steps at various points along common roads to aide mount and dismount. People would mount, using the step on the left side, then ride off, continuing on the left side of the road. After the French Revolution, France and all its conquered territories switched to driving on the right side of the road. After stagecoaches and carts became more popular the mounting steps on the sides of the road disappeared. Since the United States was founded during this era, we drive on the right side. However, going by its history of horses, the British maintain that their side is correct.
Tea
Tea leaves were originally used to purify water and make it safe to drink. Of course, now we know that it was the boiling of the water that made it safe, rather than the tea itself. However, as unbelievable as it may seem, the stereotype of the British drinking tea all the time is completely true, even today. With the cold damp climate, everyone enjoys a hot drink.
