I was just thinking the same thing!  I have vague memories of being on flights to london and it was like a high end hotel in the sky- exactly as yu descibe, and the clotted cream and scones- awwh.  The good ole days.  The last time I headed to Nottingham, the person behind me had his knees in my back and I'm sure mine was in the person in front of me (no leg room), and I'm not THAT tall.  And top that off with the fact that people dont seem to understand that if they want to put their seats back (yep, tons of room for that) at least have to courtesy to give the person behind them a heads up so one doesnt end up being thonked in the chest with a tray.