Londoners hungry to explore UK’s regional dishes, revealing a surprising top 10

LNER has today revealed that 69 per cent of Southerners have never tried haggis or a chicken parmo (83 per cent), whilst 41 per cent of Northerners have never tried English muffins or a Ploughman’s lunch. This research comes as 1 in 5 (22 per cent) Southerners claim their food is the best in the UK, while 51 per cent of Northerners believe that ‘Up North’ boasts the best British grub.
Dishing up a further ‘regional divide’, 58 per cent of Southerners have never had the pleasure of tasting a Lancashire hotpot or a stottie cake (96 per cent), while 97 per cent of Northerners have not tucked into a Sussex pond pudding, a Kentish cherry pie (98 per cent), or a traditional Southern pie (98 per cent).

And while 42 per cent of Brits admit they haven’t branched out in the past with their culinary choices, over half (61 per cent) claim they’d like to try more British classics when it comes to their cuisine. In fact, 68 per cent of Brits agreed that discovering new foods and flavours is one of the most enjoyable things about a getaway.

The top 10 traditional UK dishes Brits would most like to try:
Kentish cherry pie (38 per cent)
Chicken parmo (24 per cent)
Southern pie (22 per cent)
Sussex pond pudding (19 per cent)
Stottie cake (19 per cent)
Barm cake (17 per cent)
Singing hinny (15 per cent)
Mash & liquor Sauce (14 per cent)
Lardy cake (13 per cent)
Pease pudding (12 per cent)

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Feeding the age-old ‘North-South divide’, a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits admit they rarely travel in the UK, and 39 per cent say they know more about international flavours and cuisines than foods sourced and made on home soil. In fact, 17 per cent of Southerners have revealed they have never journeyed ‘up North’ while the same percentage of Northerners have never travelled ‘down South’, with London being the furthest South that most (32 per cent) have journeyed to.

There is no North-South divide when it comes to LNER however, who offer a rich tapestry of British classics sourced from local suppliers across the country – from the vibrant streets of London to breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. Featuring specialist butchers in Yorkshire to baristas in London, its latest menu is carefully curated by dedicated suppliers who work together to produce an incredible menu you wouldn’t expect on a train journey – all sourced locally.

Richard Judge, Head of Customer Experience at LNER said: “We know there is an age old ‘rivalry’ between the north and south when it comes to cuisines, however, we’re all united on what it is that we’re looking for when it comes to our food – high quality deliciousness.”

“LNER is committed to providing an unparalleled dining experience, offering the finest foods that reflect the rich culinary traditions from across our route. Our latest menus celebrate the diversity and quality of British cuisine through locally sourced produce from suppliers and small businesses on our route. Whether it’s our famous freshly cooked breakfast or our bespoke Homity Pie served in First Class, or our specially prepared range of sandwiches, salads and oats served in both First Class and Standard – you can be assured of top-quality taste.Customers in Standard can head to our Café Bar or have their order served directly to them without leaving their seat through our ‘Let’s Eat At Your Seat’ service.”