The Sunday roast is still the number one meal for people dining out in pubs, according to research commissioned by Unilever Food Solutions.
Of 1,000 consumers surveyed by OnePoll, just over a quarter (27%) said they choose it above any other dish, and almost half (4 out of 10) said they’d like to see it on the menu every day of the week.
Favourite pub food
When asked to name their favourite pub food, respondents chose the following five meals:
- Roast dinners (27%)
- Steak (25%)
- Burgers (18%)
- Fish and chips (17%)
- Pies (8%)
The ultimate roast
Respondents were also asked what makes the ultimate roast, describing the ideal combination as:
- 3 slices of meat
- 3 roast potatoes
- 2 Yorkshire puddings
And it should be served with carrots, peas and thick gravy poured over the whole plate.
Beef is the meat of choice among a third of respondents, and carrots top the poll with 7 out of 10 consumers choosing them as their favourite veg.
Traditions are changing
When it comes to what’s served on the plate, however, traditions are changing. Gone are the days of having Yorkshire pudding only with roast beef – 8 out of 10 consumers said they like to eat them whatever the meat.
Chris Brown, channel category manager, Unilever Food Solutions, said: “Pub food has undergone a revolution over the last couple of years. But, despite changing tastes and a trend towards world cuisine, our research shows pubs can’t go wrong with a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Food nearly as important as the beer menu
“Affectionately known as pub grub, these days the food is nearly as important as the beer menu. Today, pubs serve a variety of excellent freshly cooked meals that rival some of the best restaurants.”
Research was conducted as part of British Roast Dinner Week, which takes place between 29 September and 5 October 2014. Launched in 2012, the week-long event is sponsored by KNORR in association with COLMAN’S.
British Roast Dinner Week
British Roast Dinner Week, now in its third year, is an annual event that celebrates the nation’s favourite meal by encouraging pubs, restaurants, hotels and staff canteens to serve roasts every day.
For more information on British Roast Dinner Week click here