On February 24, 2014 London hosted the opening ceremony of the Cross-Year of Culture of Great Britain and Russia. The ceremony was led by Lord Speaker of the House of Lords Baroness Frances D'Souza and Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets.

      According to Potanin Charity Fund, at the ceremony were presented traditional Russian delicacy: Kolomna pastila made of historical variety of English Bramley apples and officially recognized as the sweet of the Russian-British Year of Culture 2014. The product will accompany all the events of the year, including events at the Russian Embassy in London with the participation of members of the royal family, prominent political and business circles of Great Britain. Pastila is a traditional favorite delicacy beloved all around Russia, made from apple sauce, sometimes with adding of sugar and whipped egg whites. The sauce dries out in the stove, for what it is laid (in Russian "postilat") over a fabric or paper – hence the name "pastila" or in old-fashioned manner "postila".