A new study has revealed the weird and wonderful habits of Britain’s gravy lovers, and it’s lifted the lid on just how much we actually love the stuff.
With autumn apparently marking the start of what is unofficially known as ‘gravy season’ across the UK, a new study by Schwartz – the world’s largest producer of herbs, spices, and seasonings – has revealed that the average Brit makes their way through three gravy-doused meals each week, which apparently adds up to a whopping 156 meals with gravy over the course of the year.
Almost a third (30%) of Brits consume gravy the most between September and November, with this figure then rising to 58% in winter – which is probably where the ‘gravy season’ title comes from.
A staggering 73% of Brits would consider themselves a fan of the brown stuff, according to the new survey, and 39% even proclaim to ‘love’ it.
A new study has revealed the weird and wonderful habits of Britain’s gravy lovers / Credit: The Manc Group
But for many, gravy doesn’t solely need to be consumed at home or in front of the table, as shockingly, the survey has revealed that 13% of Brits love gravy so much that they’ve eaten it in the car, 11% claim to have carried it around with them in a flask, and a sixth (14%) have even taken it on holiday with them to make sure they get their fix.
ADVERTISEMENT
So strong is the nation’s love of the sauce that a third (32%) claim they’d rather have gravy than a pint of beer, while 29% would opt for it over a glass of wine, and one in five (20%) would even choose it over chocolate.
Thought those were some crazy stats? It only gets more bizarre, as the survey has revealed that one in ten (10%) Brits claim to put gravy on ‘everything”, with 11% claiming to prefer it poured on a pizza than a roast, and 10% preferring to pour it over pasta.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some Brits even like to kick-off their day with the brown stuff, and enjoy it poured over pancakes (6%), and even over cereal (5%).
73% of Brits would consider themselves a fan of the brown stuff / Credit: The Manc Group
It’s not all obscurities though, as when it comes to more traditional pairings, roast beef was named the dish most frequently paired with gravy (48%), closely followed by roast chicken (48%), and roast turkey (45%), with Yorkshire puddings (45%), and sausages and mash (44%) then rounding out the top five.
Unsurprisingly Sunday was revealed as the nation’s favourite ‘gravy day’ – with 47% of people citing it as the day they’re most likely to enjoy it.
ADVERTISEMENT
What is pretty surprising though, is that going against the long-standing assumption that northerners are the UK’s biggest gravy advocates, Oxford was actually revealed to be the UK’s so-called ‘gravy capital’ – with 41% of residents claiming to ‘love’ gravy.
In fact, people from Oxford apparently love gravy so much that a quarter (26%) of them tuck into meals with gravy more than 10 times a week.
The average Brit apparently makes their way through three gravy-doused meals each week / Credit: The Manc Group
The survey also revealed quite a lot of regional differences when it comes to gravy pairings, with us Mancs apparently opting for a classic portion of chips as our preferred way to soak up the gravy goodness.
Tens of thousands queue for exclusive new Selfridges Jellycat toy
Daisy Jackson
Selfridges has today unveiled a brand-new, exclusive Jellycat toy – and it’s proving so popular an online queue has had to be put in place.
At the time of writing, a whopping 28,000 people are currently in a virtual queue to purchase the adorable new Jellycat character, with a wait time of more than an hour.
Today, Selfridges debuted a world-exclusive toy for the department store – a plushie version of its iconic yellow bag.
The Jellycat Amuseables toy comes in a soft yellow fabric, with the signature Jellycat smile, plus corded handles and legs.
And it does function as a miniature bag too, perfect for storing other pieces from your collection.
It’s been launched to celebrate a milestone 25 years of partnership between the two brands.
The Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag. Credit: The Manc Group
The Selfridges x Jellycat exclusive retails at £48 – and its price has done absolutely nothing to deter people from shopping.
As well as being stocked online, the Selfridges bag soft toy is available in store in Exchange Square and at the Trafford Centre in Manchester, as well as in Birmingham and London.
Judd Crane, Selfridges Executive Director, Buying and Brand, said: “We are very proud to be part of Jellycat’s incredible story, as one of the brand’s first stockists, launching at Selfridges in 2000,” reports The Industry.Fashion.
The current queue on the Selfridges website for the Jellycat exclusive
“We have watched the Jellycat brand, and family, evolve as its loyal and inclusive community of fans and collectors continues to grow and grow. Twenty five years later, Jellycat is a firm favourite with our customers, who come to us for characters and experiences which make their day brighter.
“The Selfridges yellow bag is perhaps the most recognisable part of our brand personality, and we are excited be able to share it with Jellycat!”
You can pick up the Jellycat Amuseables Selfridges Bag in-store and online from today.
To celebrate 25 years of @Jellycat and @Selfridges, there’s a brand new character on the shelf and she’s beautiful 🥹💛 📍 Available now at both Selfridges Exchange Square and Trafford Centre #manchester#selfridges#jellycat#jellycatcollection#manc
There’s a FREE Children in Need event coming to MediaCityUK
Thomas Melia
An all-new and completely free to enjoy Children in Need event is making its way to MediaCityUK later this November, and it’s bringing along some iconic brands.
Everyone’s favourite yellow bear is returning to Manchester to take over MediaCityUK and rename it Pudsey’s Piazza for one night only.
Pudsey Bear is heading down to MediaCityUK and he’s bringing all the best activities, games, famous food, live music and more for four hours of FREE family-oriented fun.
You can expect to see Pudsey and the team alongside a whole host of celebrities, brand partners and lots of friends when Children in Need hosts its celebration later this November.
Some of the brands which have been announced include staple high street bakery Greggs, a collaboration between McDonald’s and its sports counterpart, Fun Football UK.
DJ AG is just one of the special guests preparing to take over MediaCityUK this November for Children in Need (Credit: Supplied)
Also joining the bill is viral TikTok potato-loving duo Spud Bros, who will be serving up their famed jacket potatoes with an array of fillings to choose from inside their recognisable big red van.
Greggs will be bringing a huge double-decker bus to Pudsey’s Piazza at MediaCityUK with treats on hand throughout this evening celebration, as well as interactive games for you to play.
You’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of a replica Red Arrows jet, which will be situated on the piazza all night long courtesy of aerial experts Royal Air Force.
If that wasn’t enough for you, your night will be soundtracked by the one and only viral nomad music maker DJ AG, who’ll be playing out tunes as part of a charity livestream at the bandstand.
MediaCityUK is the home of BBC Children in Need, so it’s only fitting that Pudsey would throw one of his biggest parties yet right here in Greater Manchester.
Pudsey and his friends are transforming MediaCityUK into Pudsey’s Piazza on Friday, 14 November from 4pm to 8pm, and they’re encouraging anyone to come along, especially since it’s FREE.
Emily Sergeant -
25th November 2022 
