A roast dinner is held dear to the hearts of many Mancs – but is the cost of living crisis posing a threat to our Sunday tradition?
The quintessentially British meal that is a roast dinner marks a time to gather your nearest and dearest around the table to enjoy one of the heartiest meals you’ll probably have, but according to the findings from a new survey, a quarter of people now say they are less likely to prepare one at the end of the week due to costs.
Some 26% claim they are less likely to spend the time cheffing up a roast on a Sunday, according to BBC Good Food’s annual survey.
The annual survey, which polled 2,005 adults and 1,007 children, has revealed that continuing rising energy costs appear to be influencing kitchen habits – with 23% of cooks saying they use the oven and hob less, and 21% increasingly turning to the microwave.
Nearly a fifth (19%) say they are choosing ingredients that are faster to cook, or looking for recipes that are speedier to prepare, and 20% are no longer baking as many cakes or biscuits.
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A quarter of people now say they are less likely to prepare a roast dinner at the end of the week / Credit: The Firehouse MCR | The Refuge
And, sadly, 18% say they will probably not use their oven at all in response to the crisis.
When it comes to the actual food shopping habits that the UK public predict they’ll have to adopt over the coming months, 20% say they will specifically look for yellow “reduced” stickers on food when shopping, while 28% plan meals in advance, and 23% of people say batch cooking is their key to trying to cut costs.
Other indulgences are also apparently taking a hit too – with a third (34%) saying they have stopped buying takeaways all together, and 31% are eating out less often.
An annual survey has revealed rising energy costs are influencing kitchen habits / Credit: Alex Lam (via Unsplash)
“These findings reveal the extent to which rising food prices and energy costs have impacted on the way the nation eats in a relatively short space of time,” explained Christine Hayes – the Editor of BBC Good Food.
“Traditional cooking methods, the oven and the hob, are being switched off in favour of appliances that use less energy.
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“And shopping baskets and mealtimes at home are looking very different.”
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 -
23rd September 2022 
