A recent survey reveals that the traditional Sunday roast is losing popularity among UK diners, with many opting for diverse alternatives like burgers and chicken tikka masala.
The Traditional Sunday Roast Faces Decline as Britons Embrace New Culinary Preferences
LONDON – The quintessential British Sunday roast, long considered a staple of the weekend, is apparently losing its appeal among the UK population. According to a recent survey conducted by Payit by NatWest, a significant portion of Britons are opting for a diverse array of alternatives, with dishes such as steak, lasagne, burgers, and even all-day breakfasts gaining popularity.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that 46 percent of respondents are inclined to choose something other than the classic roast when dining out on a Sunday. The research highlighted several popular substitutes, including chicken tikka masala, with 15 percent of participants citing it as their preferred Sunday meal. Burgers, pie and mash, mac and cheese, and even Hunters Chicken were also favoured alternatives.
The study found that 27 percent of those surveyed considered the traditional roast dinner to be ‘overrated’. A spokesperson for Payit by NatWest, which commissioned the research, commented on the evolving trends in British dining habits. “It’s interesting to see how trends in hospitality, such as the Sunday lunch, are evolving. Even something as seemingly fundamental to British life as a Sunday roast might not be around forever – it’s a reminder that Brits embrace change and like choice. And while millions will still catch up while enjoying a ‘traditional’ Sunday lunch, there are also people who are open to exploring new options.”
For those steering clear of the traditional Sunday lunch, 53 percent expressed a desire for more variety on pub or restaurant menus. Additionally, 19 percent believed that alternative options were better from a health perspective.
Despite the shifting preferences, some traditions persist. A noteworthy 17 percent of respondents indicated they would choose an all-day breakfast for their Sunday meal, while chicken tikka masala continued to show robust popularity. Meanwhile, consumers are mindful of cost, with 42 percent aiming to spend between £11 and £15 per person on their Sunday lunch when dining out. The average anticipated expenditure for such a meal was pinpointed at £14.63.
Interestingly, the study, conducted via OnePoll.com, also found that a significant majority—76 percent—of respondents had never used payment services other than cash or direct card payment when paying for a Sunday lunch. Mark Brant from NatWest underscored the benefits of modern payment systems: “People want to enjoy their meal and spend more time with the people they’re dining with and Payit comes with added security to reduce the risk of sensitive information of customers falling into the wrong hands. We hope to see more businesses adopting open banking in the UK over the next year so more customers can benefit from payment choice and enjoy a seamless payment experience at their favourite pubs and restaurants.”
As preferences diversify and adapt, the landscape of the British Sunday meal continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal trends and individual tastes.