Tag: food and drink

Shut Down Rogue Operators to Save Scotland’s Bars and Restaurants

New industry group issues appeal as Scottish Government enforces further limits on gatherings

A new body representing many of Scotland’s most successful restaurant and bar owners has called on the Scottish Government to immediately shut down licensed premises which flout social distancing regulations.

The newly-formed Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) comprises many of the country’s largest and best-known restaurant and bar businesses, including The DRG Group, Buzzworks Holdings, Signature Pubs, Montpeliers, Manorview Group, Lisini Pub Co, Caledonia Inns, G1 Group, Siberia Bar & Hotel, Mor-Rioghain Group, and Caledonian Heritable.

The businesses are founded and based in Scotland and collectively contribute a significant investment to the Scottish economy, employing close to 6,000 staff across the country. The well-known venues have a combined turnover of over £275 million.

Yesterday the organisation demanded that ‘rogue licensees’ who fail to enforce social distancing regulations, in light of the revised Scottish Government guidance limiting gatherings to six people from two households, should be shut down immediately to safeguard the wider industry.

Award-winning hotelier Stephen Montgomery, spokesman for the SHG, who runs two hotels in Dumfries and Galloway, said: “We have been forced to act because our industry is facing an existential crisis.

“The vast majority of bars and restaurants in Scotland have been adhering religiously to every regulation that has been introduced because we realise the very future of our industry is at stake.

“The Scottish Government simply must not take a blanket approach if a few rogue licensees fail to do the right thing.

“All members of the SHG are united in calling on the Scottish Government to immediately shut down the operators of bars and restaurants who don’t adhere to the very highest standards of social distancing, PPE and other essential hygiene measures.

“Targeting the few bars and restaurants which are breaking the rules is the proper and proportionate way to proceed, particularly in light of the revised Scottish Government guidance limiting gatherings to six people from two households. 

“Responsible bar and restaurant owners across Scotland are also essential to the effective use of the track and trace system. If you shut down restaurants and bars, you are massively increasing the risk of more house parties and irresponsible gatherings, where track and trace is almost impossible.” 

The SHG founding members are:

The DRG Group – Mario Gizzi

The Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group (The DRG) is Scotland’s largest independently owned restaurant operator. Founded by Joe Conetta and his nephew, Mario Gizzi, in 1983 with the creation of the Glasgow institution, Di Maggio’s. Thirty years later, Mario is still at the helm, co-managing the business with Joe’s son, Tony Conetta. DRG now has 25 restaurants in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Brands within the DRG include Di Maggio’s, Café Andaluz, Amarone, Barolo, The Anchor Line, Atlantic and Cadiz. Gizzi is also co-owner of another successful restaurant business. Turnover £40m – 1,200 plus employees.

Buzzworks Holdings – Kenny Blair

Buzzworks Holdings is one of Scotland’s fastest growing independent restaurant and bar operators, managing twelve prestigious venues across Ayrshire and beyond with over 500 staff. The award-winning company offers an aspirational dining and entertainment experience through four stylish brands – Scotts, House, Lido & Vic’s & The Vine – bringing in an annual turnover of over £18m. It is currently ranked within The Sunday Times Best 100 Best Companies to work for in the UK.

Signature Pubs – Nic Wood

Signature Pubs formed in 2003 with a current t/o £35m Scottish hospitality business of 22 non branded venues – independently owned, operated and financed. We employ +700 staff to operate these bars, restaurants and hotels. Representations of all aspects of the sector eg Kyloe Restaurant & Grill – premium steakhouse within The Rutland Hotel in Edinburgh’s West End, The Spiritualist – cocktail bar in Merchant  City, Glasgow, Cold Town House – restaurant, bar, entertainment venue and microbrewery offering tours and experiences in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

Montpeliers – Innes Bolt

Launched in 1992, Montpeliers is a forward thinking bar/restaurant, nightclub and hotel group. It turns over more than £15m and has seven venues employing just over 250 staff. These include Tigerlily, Rabble, Montpeliers, Indigo Yard, Eastside and Candy Bar. David Wither and Ruth Wither (Partners) also founded one of the most successful online hospitality training businesses – Flow.

Manorview Group – Steve Graham

Established in 2007, The Manorview Group boasts eight luxury boutique hotels across the central belt of Scotland and more than 500 employees.  They specialise in the restoration of old and tired properties, transforming them into luxury boutique hotels. These include The Busby Hotel, Busby; The Torrance Hotel, East Kilbride; Boclair House, Bearsden and Cornhill Castle in Biggar. The business turnsover in the region of £16m.

Lisini Pub Co – Lisa Wishart

Lisini Pub Company is one of the most successful, independent, family run hospitality businesses in Scotland. With almost 50 years’ experience its portfolio of hotels, bars and restaurants in Lanarkshire include: Angels Hotel in Uddingston, Dalziel Park Hotel in Motherwell, The Parkville Hotel in Blantyre and The Castle Rooms in Uddingston. The company turns over in the region of £8m and has 240+ employees.

Caledonia Inns – Billy Lowe

Formed in 2017 by Billy Lowe who formerly owned Saltire Taverns (sold in 2015) has owned 36 bars over the course of the last 25 years. His current venues include Black Ivy and MacSorley’s in Edinburgh. The business turns over £8m and has 100 employees.

Caledonian Heritable – Graeme Arnott

Caledonian Heritable turns over in excess of £45 million and employees some 800 plus people. It is one of Scotland’s biggest bar and pub owners and operators.

G1 Group – Lesley Welsh 
G1 Group was founded in Glasgow in 1990 and is Scotland’s largest independently owned hospitality group. With a diverse collection of over 50 venues, they specialise in the restoration and refurbishment of buildings with listed status. G1 operate a handful of hotels in Edinburgh, as well as a range of restaurants, bars and pubs all over the country. They also operate 3 cinemas, including the only independently owned IMAX in the UK. G1 has a turnover of £85m with 930 staff.

Siberia Bar & Hotel – Stuart McPhee 
With a turnover of £1.5m and employing 28 staff, Siberia Bar & Hotel, is an award winning independently owned bar, restaurant and hotel on a site that has been operated and developed by the company in Aberdeen city centre for over 40 years. 

Mor-Rioghain Group – Gavin Stevenson

Mior-Rioghain Group venues offer fine Scottish hospitality and a range of local food and drink that showcase the very best Scotland has to offer. The business employs 125 people across its three sites in Aberdeen and Inverness and turns over £3.5m.

Pubs and bars ‘on the brink’, says trade organisation

Scotland’s pubs and bars face unprecedented challenges with fears up to 12.5k jobs could be lost

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has released a snapshot survey of the challenges facing Scotland’s pubs and bars, sponsored by KPMG UK.   The survey contains key insights into the significant impacts of the COVID crisis on Scotland’s pubs and bars.

The survey which represents over 10% of Scotland’s On-trade premises, highlights that 45% of business owners do not expect a return to any sort of normal trading until a vaccine is found.   

The survey also revealed that up to 25% of the 50,000 jobs in the sector could be lost and coupled with the introduction of reduced opening hours for many businesses and a subsequent reduction in working hours for staff, all jobs in the sector are effectively under threat. 

Colin Wilkinson, Managing Director of the SLTA, said: “Our snapshot survey covers all types of licensed premises and is an indicator of the key issues facing the wide range of small to large businesses which trade within the wider hospitality sector.

“Our survey is based upon quantitative research from over 600 outlets covering the length and breadth of the country and is supported by major food and drink chains, independent pubs, bars and hotels in Scotland’s hospitality sector.

“The impact of COVID has been more severe for Scotland’s pubs and bars than virtually any other sector, and we now face the stark reality that up to 12,500 jobs could be lost as nearly 90% of premises report that their revenue is down versus last year, with 38% reporting revenue decreases of over 50%.  

“Our own survey reinforces a recent survey by the University of Edinburgh on behalf of the tourism industry, which shows the devastating impact on employment in pubs, bars and the wider hospitality sector.

He went on: “Our sector has worked very hard to prepare for reopening and to ensure customers enjoy a safe environment. The average pub or bar spent £2,500 on training and social distancing measures, and this equates to a £15m investment across the entire sector.

“Also, many pubs and bars have adapted by making increased use of digital technology and offering restaurant quality food and cocktails for home delivery.  However, with many people working from home, and local restrictions, one of Scotland’s major employment sectors faces unparalleled difficulties and the current business climate is leading to a real threat of permanent business closures and job losses.’’

The sector welcomed the support from both the UK and Scottish Governments, but notably support from Banks and UK Government had a higher rating than Scottish or Local Government.

Alistair McAlinden, head of hospitality and leisure for KPMG in Scotland, said: “It’s incredibly concerning, but not entirely surprising, to hear that so many licensed trade operators across Scotland are worried about largescale job losses and possible business failures over the next twelve months. The industry is facing a battle for survival and there will inevitably be some casualties.

“KPMG’s Economic Outlook research gives some cause for cautious optimism, forecasting that Scotland’s economy should regain lost ground in 2021, provided a vaccine programme is successful and rolled out quickly.   But, for many pubs and bars, the crisis is happening right now and time is running out.

“The sector has worked tirelessly to reopen and rebuild consumer confidence. A collaborative effort and increased support from political leaders will be essential to ensure the industry survives an incredibly challenging few months ahead. 

“As part of this, KPMG’s multidisciplinary team are already supporting a number of licensed trade operators as they seek to navigate their way through these financial headwinds.”

Colin Wilkinson concluded: “The SLTA, is currently celebrating our 140thanniversary, and has been the voice of the independent licensed On-trade in Scotland since 1880. Right now, our industry is fighting for its survival with many businesses on the precipice of business failure.

“The sector is a critical part of Scotland’s tourism and food and drink economies and we urge UK, Scottish and Local Governments to provide continuing support for our pubs and bars and protect the jobs that they provide directly, and the associated jobs in the wholesaling, brewing/distilling and food producing sectors.”

Key Findings

  • 63% of businesses are employing less people now than in January (a traditional quiet month), and it is forecast this will increase to 70% less employees by Christmas.
  • 45% of businesses do not expect a return to normal trading until a COVID vaccine is found.
  • 85% of outlets are seeing a downturn in footfall and 89% in revenue.
  • 38% have seen revenue drop by over 50% versus same period last year. 
  • There is evidence that venues in rural and tourist locations are faring slightly better than in urban areas with 77% showing a revenue decline versus 89% nationally.
  • Retailers have spent significant sums on preparing to meet social distancing standards, with an average investment of £2,500 per outlet, which equates to £15m across Scotland’s pubs and bars.
  • There are major implications for employment.
  • Most respondents felt positive about government support provided, but notably support from Banks and UK Government had a higher rating than Scottish or Local Government.
  • The Eat Out to Help Out scheme was well received amongst those serving food with an enthusiasm to extend.
  • Retailers have adapted to new ways of working and serving their customers with 43% increasing their use of digital technology and 35% offering food for takeaway.

Morrisons slashes prices of grocery essentials

Morrisons has cut and will hold down the price of over 400 of the most popular items to make good food affordable for families this autumn.

With the UK now in recession and some family budgets under pressure, Morrisons yesterday reduced the prices of the 400 essentials by an average of 23 per cent.

Morrisons has already cut the price of over 800 customer favourites across its stores since last year.

This week’s cuts will span Morrisons fresh food, store cupboard staples and cleaning. Products will include fruit and veg, meat and poultry, bread and cornflakes, rice and pasta, plus bleach, cleaning fluid and toilet rolls.

The lower prices are intended to help families returning to work and school. For example, the cost of a family lunch box will be coming down as will the cost of the nation’s most often cooked meal spaghetti bolognese with beef mince, ragu sauce and own-brand spaghetti all coming down in price.[1]

David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive said: “It’s been a tough year for many families who find themselves stretched. To play our full part in feeding the nation, we’re cutting prices and holding them low to make our food more affordable for everyone. These are not short term promotions these are price cuts that are here to stay.”

Morrisons has been listening carefully to customers who have said that budgeting and value for money have become more important since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Many are worried about its effect on the British economy[2].

Morrisons price cuts include:

Example BasketOld PriceNew Price
Warburton Sliced Rolls, 8pk£1.35£0.99
Morrisons Bran Flakes, 1kg£1.50£0.99
PG Tips Original Pyramid Teabags, 240s, 696g£4.50£3.49
Morrisons Olive Oil, 1l£3.70£2.49
John West Tuna Chunks in Brine, 4 x 145g£5.00£2.99
Dolmio Original, 750g£2.00£1.45
Morrisons Orange Juice, 3x200ml£0.80£0.55
Morrisons Halloumi, 225g£2.00£1.59
Morrisons Lean Beef Mince 5% Fat, 500g£3.30£2.69
Morrisons Chicken Thigh Fillets, 1kg£4.80£3.99
Morrisons Round Lettuce£0.65£0.45
Morrisons Baking Potatoes, 2.5kg£1.45£1.39
Morrisons Granny Smith Apples, 6pk£1.60£1.19
Morrisons Original Bleach, 750ml£0.60£0.39
Morrisons Toilet Tissue White, 2pk£1.00£0.69

Feeding the Nation: #ItsMoreThanOurJob

Morrisons DOUBLES number of professional florists in-store as flowers sales surge

– 300 professional florists to offer handmade bouquet service across the UK this Autumn –

– Research shows flowers are the country’s most popular lockdown purchase, with online searches up 277% –

Morrisons is doubling the number of fully-qualified, expert florists in its stores to 300 this Autumn – to provide fresh, bespoke bouquets for its customers.

The supermarket is expanding its instore florist shops, which will see a further 60 florist stations installed across the UK – to take the total to over 100. 

The new florist shops will provide 180 additional roles for qualified professional florists, who may be out of work following the impact that the pandemic has had on the high street.

Recent Google data has found that flowers have been one of the country’s most popular online purchases during lockdown, with online searches up 277 per cent. Morrisons is currently selling over four million flower stems every week.

Morrisons is doubling the number of fully-qualified, expert florists in its stores to 300 this Autumn – to provide fresh, bespoke bouquets for its customers. The supermarket is expanding its instore florist shops, which will see a further 60 florist stations installed across the UK – to take the total to over 100. The new florist shops will provide 180 additional roles for qualified professional florists, who may be out of work following the impact that the pandemic has had on the high street. Recent Google data has found that flowers have been one of the country’s most popular online purchases during lockdown, with online searches up 277 per cent. Morrisons is currently selling over four million flower stems every week. All Morrisons florists will offer a handmade-to-order bouquet service, with customers able to choose from 75 different stem varieties. Bouquets can be crafted for any occasion and to any budget. They are prepared whilst customers do their weekly shop. For more information, please contact the Morrisons press office at The Academy morrisons@theacademypr.com

All Morrisons florists will offer a handmade-to-order bouquet service, with customers able to choose from 75 different stem varieties. Bouquets can be crafted for any occasion and to any budget. They are prepared whilst customers do their weekly shop.

Morrisons offers a five day freshness guarantee for all of its flowers in the home. The supermarket works closely with growers to plant their fields and has one of the quickest ‘field to store’ transit times. Stems are delivered fresh to stores each day, sourced from FlowerWorld – a 17.5 acre flower site, wholly owned by the supermarket. 

The prices of Morrison’s bouquets are up to a third lower than those from well-known national online florists as it has direct relationships with growers rather than working with wholesalers.

Jane Watson, Flowers Manager at Morrisons said: “Flowers make people feel happier – with their beautiful shapes, bright colours and scents. We work with some of the best growers in the world and have some of the best stems.

“So we wanted to have the best florists in store to make bouquets for our customers. It’s been a difficult year for the flower industry, and we hope this also provides good job prospects for florists looking for work.” 

To place an order or find the nearest Morrisons florist, visit www.morrisons.co.uk.

Same Again?

Sober Scots’ drinking habits since lockdown

Scots are the most likely in the UK to be drinking same or less since before lockdown was imposed

Lockdown was predicted to cause a sharp rise in alcohol consumption and binge-drinking but most UK drinkers (65%) actually drank the same, less or stopped drinking altogether during lockdown compared to previously.

In the weeks following the reopening of the hospitality sector, this trend has continued. Brits are continuing to drink in moderation, but more and more are choosing to do so at the pub.

Scotland is no exception to this trend and, though Scottish pubs only recently reopened their doors, close to a third (30%) of Scots have returned to the pub at least once.

Scots continue to drink in moderation despite the reopening of pubs

The latest YouGov survey commissioned by the Portman Group (2,296 UK adults, 12-13 August) shows that the moderate majority continues to prevail in the UK, even with the much-celebrated reopening of pubs. 

In fact, of those who drink alcohol, even more people are drinking the same, less, or have cut out alcohol altogether, than during lockdown. These figures have now increased from 65% in May 2020 to 88% in August. This shows an ongoing trend of people drinking less during this unprecedented time and supports data by Nielsen which showed that in the 17-week period covering lockdown to 11 July 2020 Brits consumed almost 1.3bn litres of alcohol during the UK’s lockdown period, almost half the 2bn litres consumed in the same period last year.

The survey data for Scotland shows that:

  • 92% of Scottish drinkers are drinking the same (59%), less (27.5%) or have cut alcohol out altogether (6%) since the hospitality sector reopened compared to before lockdown.
  • Scots are the most likely in the UK to be drinking the same, less or have stopped compared to drinkers in England (85%), Wales (88%) and Northern Ireland (89%).
  • Concerningly 5% of Scottish drinkers said they were drinking more since the hospitality sector reopened than before lockdown. We encourage anyone concerned about their own, or another persons’, drinking to visit Drinkaware or the NHS online for free advice and guidance.
  • The moderate majority of Scottish drinkers (69%) continue to drink responsibly, within the Chief Medical Officer guidelines of 14 units per week. Weekly intakes remain similar to before lockdown.
  • Scottish drinkers are also slightly more moderate than their English (66%) and Welsh (68%) counterparts in terms of remaining within the guidelines.

More than a quarter of Scottish pubgoers return to their local

While many of us continue to drink at home, a great number of Scots have resumed much loved habits of gathering at their local pub. Pubs have put in place diligent social distancing measures to ensure that communities can revisit pubs while feeling safe and secure. Scots are responding well to the ‘new normal’ with almost three quarters (76%) saying social distancing has not deterred them from a return to the pub.

It’s not just drinkers who have been making the most of the pubs reopening; pubs have long been a happy and inclusive environment for all members of the community.

The recent period has seen Scots making a cautious return to many much-loved venues outside of just hospitality, including shops and beauty salons, and it seems that, despite one in eight (12%) feeling the pinch after months of furlough or even job losses, we are still setting aside time and money to return to our favourite institutions, something that has been made clear with the popularity of August’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Pubs in Scotland opened their doors once again on 15 July. Despite this, close to a third (30%) of Scottish adults have made their way back to the pub, slightly higher than Northern Ireland (26%) but lower than Wales (37%) and England (42%).

Speaking about the results of the survey, John Timothy, CEO of the Portman Group, the social responsibility and regulatory body for alcohol in the UK, commented: “During the course of the COVID-19 crisis there has been a fear that many people would turn to alcohol and that misuse would increase.

“Yet Scots are showing continued moderation both at home and, happily, now back at the pub. It’s great to see people supporting their community pubs while drinking sensibly and maintaining social distancing.”

Commenting on the results in Scotland, Douglas Meikle, Head of Alcohol Policy at the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, said: “It’s encouraging that so many Scots continue to drink within the CMOs’ guidelines of 14 units a week, in spite of the unprecedented nature of lockdown, with many deciding to drink less.

“As things get back to being more normal it will be important to continue that trend and encourage those who want to go back to our pubs and bars that they can do so safely”.

Ye Olde Inn extends Eat Out deal

We at Ye Olde Inn have loved seeing so many of you come out and support us over August and we don’t want it to stop, so we are exclusively going to continue the Eat Out To Help Out scheme ourselves for September and October!

Yes that means for Monday – Wednesday you can have 50% off your food and soft drinks on us! We are doing this to say thank you to you guys for your continued loyal custom to be a part of this great deal you must call and book and quote “Ye Olde Eat Out”

This is bookings only so we advise you get booking ASAP as this will fill up fast!

Once again thank you so much to each and every one of you for your incredible support,

Team Ye Olde Inn x

Morrisons Launches Tommy’s Afternoon Tea Food Box to Mark WW2 Anniversary

Morrisons has added to its collection of Food Boxes with a special ‘Tommy’s Afternoon Tea Box’ to help customers celebrate the anniversary of the end of World War II on Wednesday 2 September.

Shoppers have two options when ordering the box: £15 will get you all of the traditional teatime treats including scones, clotted cream, cakes and ingredients for sandwiches and for an additional £5 your box will come with a full-size bottle of Prosecco.

Both boxes support the Royal British Legion Industries’ Tommy Tea campaign, with £1 from every box going to the charity, as well as an additional £10,000 that has been donated by the supermarket. Each box will also contain a leaflet with information about the charity and a free car sticker.

Amy Bishop, Manager of Food Boxes at Morrisons said: “We’re proud to continue supporting our veterans and the RBLI’s Tommy’s Tea Campaign. Our new food box is packed full of ingredients for customers to host their own celebrations to mark this historic occasion.”

The box is available to pre-order now and will be delivered to customers over the bank holiday weekend.

A typical box contains:

•    Morrisons The Best All Butter Sultana Scone 4 Pack

•    Rodda’s Classic Cornish Clotted Cream

•    Mini Tiptree Strawberry Jam – Glass 42g

•    Morrisons Lemon Bakewells 6 Pack

•    Morrisons The Best Chocolate Cake

•    Egg Mayo Sandwich Filler 250g

•    Cheese & Onion Sandwich Filler 250g

•    Medium White Loaf

•    Morrisons Red Label Tea Bags 40s 125g

•    Cravendale Semi Skimmed Milk 1L

+ optional Morrisons The Best Prosecco DOC 75cl

For more information or to purchase the Morrisons Tommy Tea Box visit https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/boxes/all-boxes

Scottish Engineer to extend food deal

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT from The Scottish Engineer

Following the incredible success of the government Eat Out To Help Out scheme we have decided that ending it on Monday 31st August is just a little bit too soon.

And with this mind we are thrilled to announce from Tuesday 1st of September we will be running our very own scheme – “EAT HERE TO HELP YOU” which will be running right through to the end of November!

In these difficult times, we understand money can be tight and as a business we wanted to support you, our amazing community as much as possible and this our little “THANK YOU” to you all.

Similarly to the government scheme, everybody dining with us Monday to Wednesday will be entitled the 40% discount off food and walk ins are always welcome, but with demand expected to be high and social distancing and safety always paramount, booking in advance is advisable.

We can’t wait to welcome you down!

Ae fond farewell: The Royal McGregor

It is with a heavy heart that we need to inform our dear customers that the Royal McGregor will not be re-opened by the McGregor family who have operated the site for the past 20 years.

With only 18 months left on our current lease the COVID-19 pandemic could not have come at a worse time. Despite our best efforts our landlord would not agree to a lease extension which would have made continuing to trade a viable option.

We have shared so many wonderful memories with our loyal customers, family and amazing staff and will miss you all dearly. Thank you for being part of our success story, we will forever be grateful.

Please share any pictures you have either enjoying our hospitality or working with us. It would be nice to reminisce!

Best wishes for the future.

James & Marie-Claude
xxx

Revealed: The UK’s favourite cuisine by city

  • New research has revealed the favourite cuisines of 15 UK cities.
  • Chinese food is the overall UK favourite after being named the most popular cuisine in Glasgow, Newcastle, Belfast and Plymouth.
  • 239,000 additional searches for Chinese food recipes in April 2020, as lockdown Brits cook their favourite meals at home. 

A new study has revealed the favourite global cuisines in 15 major cities in the UK.

The research, conducted by meal kit delivery company HelloFresh, has looked at the search demand for different cuisines in cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland across a 12 month period. 

Of the 15 cities analysed, Chinese food is the most popular in four cities — Glasgow, Newcastle, Belfast and Plymouth — making it the UK’s overall favourite cuisine. 

Keen to make their favourite meals at home, chow mein is one of Britain’s best-loved Chinese dishes. On average, there are 5,900 searches for chow mein recipes and 4,400 for chicken chow mein recipes each month.

Italian food is the favourite cuisine in Leeds, Liverpool and Sheffield, securing second place in the overall rankings.

Lasagne is Britain’s best loved Italian dish, with 70,000 people searching for a recipe each month. Other classic Italian dishes followed in second and third place, with 54,000 searches for pizza dough recipes and 31,000 searches for spaghetti bolognese recipes. 

Mexican, Indian and Japanese food were tied in third place, with each a favourite in two UK cities. Edinburgh and Bristol residents like Mexican food best, while Cardiff and Portsmouth prefer Indian cuisine. People in London and Manchester were found to favour Japanese food.

Mexican dips are the most popular to make at home; in an average month, 42,000 people browse  for guacamole recipes online while 21,000 look for salsa recipes. 

Chicken curry is the most searched for Indian dish at 23,000 times per month. With 9,700 searches, chicken tikka masala is the curry Brits crave most, while 10,000 people look for how to make a rice-based biryani dish each month.

Of the top three Japanese dishes that Brits want to make at home, 17,000 people search for ramen recipes each month, followed by 4,100 people looking for sushi recipes and 3,600 who want miso soup recipes.

The research also examined where different cuisines are most popular in the UK, including locations outside of the 15 major cities. The district of Hambleton in North Yorkshire likes Italian cuisine the most out of the whole of the UK, while the London Borough of Hounslow has the most fans of Indian cuisine.

With restaurants temporarily closing in lockdown, the number of Brits looking for recipes online skyrocketed in April 2020 compared to April 2019, as people attempted to make their favourite meals at home. In a single month, there were 239,000 additional searches for Chinese recipes, while Spanish recipes and Indian recipes were up 120,000 and 97,000 respectively.

Speaking of the data, HelloFresh commented: “It’s great to see that a range of global cuisines are so popular in the UK and that a growing number of Brits are cooking their favourite dishes at home.

“Lockdown changed the pace of life for many of us, giving us more time to explore our hobbies and interests. For some, this has meant spending more time in the kitchen, developing skills that we can benefit from long after the lockdown has ended.”

View the map in full and find more information about which recipes are most in-demand here.