Us Brits can be extremely particular when it comes to our favourite meal of the week. Long Eaton restaurant The Butchers at Westgate surveyed 91 diners to find out just where they stand on some of the biggest Sunday roast debates, and the results have revealed some strong opinions.
When it comes to Yorkshires, diners were almost universally in agreement: 92% said they should always feature on a Sunday roast. But opinions became more divided when they were asked how many Yorkshires is just the right amount. Two Yorkshires came out on top, with 45% calling that the perfect number, 26% said they wanted an unlimited supply. A further 23% were happy with just one and only 2% thought three was the right amount.
Yet, when faced with the tough decision of choosing between Yorkshires and roast potatoes, 60% of diners quickly changed their minds and said they’d happily sacrifice their Yorkies for roasties.
The love for the humble potato doesn’t end there. 65% of diners said the perfect Sunday roast should include both roast potatoes and mash, while 33% would happily stick to roasties alone. Just 2% would choose mash over roasties.
And when it comes to the roasties themselves, 84% want them crispy rather than fluffy.
45% of diners chose them as the most overrated part of the meal - that’s over double those that selected parsnips (18%). Stuffing and cauliflower cheese split the remaining votes.
When it came to what would ruin a good Sunday roast, diners were quick to state their deal-breakers with “general sogginess” appearing to be public enemy number one.
Soggy roast potatoes, limp veg, watery gravy, dry meat and cold Yorkies were among the complaints, but some diners were much more specific.
For one diner, the ultimate roast dinner crime was simply: “ketchup”. Others pointed the finger at “cheap frozen veg”, “watery gravy” and “cold Yorkshire puddings”.
Another summed up their ultimate roast nightmare as “general sogginess. Soggy potatoes, limp wet veg…”
In a surprise twist though, even gravy wasn’t safe. While 84% of diners said they're happy for gravy to be poured over everything on their plate, one respondent said too much gravy was enough to ruin their entire roast.
Head chef Aaron commented “People are passionate about their Sunday roasts, and everyone has their own idea of what makes it perfect. Some want extra Yorkshire puddings, and others insist on their roasties being extra crispy. Diners tend to know exactly what they do and don’t want on a Sunday roast”
He added “It’s a big part of why we created the mega roast and offer unlimited trimmings at The Butchers. We know that no two people want their roast exactly the same, so we want guests to be able to have the things they love - and plenty of them.”
