A new survey has revealed that more than a quarter of UK adults have somehow never boiled an egg in their lives.
As unfathomable as it may sound to the remaining 75% of people who have stuck an egg in a pan of water and boiled it on countless occasions in their time, according to new research carried out by Waitrose, some 27% of the 4,000 UK adults surveyed just can’t relate.
And while that’s probably the hardest finding from the survey for most people to wrap their heads around, it’s not the only bizarre revelation on the list, as apparently, fewer than a fifth of people (18%) surveyed have made a salad dressing to take their greens to the next level, and less than half (45%) have ever baked a Victoria Sponge cake.
New survey reveals more than a quarter of UK adults have never boiled an egg / Credit: cook_inspire (via Depositphotos) | ccnull
On top of this, nearly half (46%) of the people surveyed admitted that they often get distracted in the kitchen and let pans boil over, while 38% revealed they have burnt something so badly the smoke alarm went off, and 23% have undercooked or overcooked a dish so bad that it’s actually inedible.
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46% of people say they ignore the sell-by dates on packaging, 38% use the ‘five-second rule’ for picking up food they’ve dropped on the floor, and 16% say they are happy to scrape the mould off food to eat or cook with it.
But despite all this, 35% of people surveyed still rate themselves as “very good” or “excellent” cooks.
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Aside from shocking stats, the supermarket‘s 2023 Cooking Report also took a closer look at how the nation’s kitchen habits have altered post-COVID and amid the rising cost of living crisis.
The shocking statistic was revealed as part of Waitrose’s annual Cooking Report / Credit: Pxfuel
The survey found that 20% of respondents say they are entertaining more at home due to the cost of living crisis, while four in 10 (40%) are happy to choose cheaper cuts of meat and more affordable ingredients to economise when entertaining, and 7% will ask friends to bring a dish or course along with them.
When it comes to how our cooking methods have changed, 32% of people said they couldn’t live without their microwave, and 12% said the same about airfryers.
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Waitrose said searches for “microwave meals” were up 71% on waitrose.com, when compared with the same time last year, while sales of microwaves were up by 13% at partner John Lewis.
Speaking on the findings of this year’s Cooking Report, Martyn Lee – Executive Chef for Waitrose – said: “Food is a daily joy and the cost of living crisis has hastened a change in how we cook [but] for too long we’ve been looking down on microwaves.
“You can do so much more in them than heat a cup of coffee.”
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
6th July 2023 
