The “jam or cream first” debate has topped a list of the hotly-contested regional differences in the UK – followed by whether an evening meal should be called “dinner” or “tea”. Third place went to the fierce debate over where Britain’s “home of music” is – with Liverpool topping the charts, ahead of Manchester and London.
More than four in ten (41 percent) have become embroiled in fiery debates over such differences – with others including the bread roll vs barmcake battle, whether ketchup or brown sauce is the superior choice, and Rugby Union versus Rugby League.
The best chip topping, English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea, and the home of the UK’s best curry, also featured in the list.
The study of 2,000 adults was commissioned by coach operator, megabus, to mark 20 years of connecting people across the country.
It found these differences of opinion have also led to 17 percent stopping talking to someone altogether, as a result of their heated discussions.
Mark Venables, managing director at megabus, said: “We have spent the last 20 years bringing people from all over Britain closer together – but we know there are lots of regional differences that shape our nation.
“Whilst we all have our personal preferences on how best to enjoy a scone, or what to top our chips with, we’re excited to bring some of the rival regions across our network together.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone travelling with us to come together and celebrate the diversity across the nation.”
The study found 33 percent prefer a scone with jam first, but 18 percent disagree, as they enjoy clotted cream as the base ingredient.
But when it comes to the quintessential British cup of tea – the perfect partner to a scone – 35 percent favour an English Breakfast brew over an Earl Grey tea (nine percent).
And according to 24 percent of those polled, Birmingham is the “curry capital” of the UK – winning out over Bradford (11 percent), and Manchester’s famous Curry Mile (10 percent).
Meanwhile, topping chips with ketchup is the preference in London (35 percent) – but for those in the North East, curry sauce came top (25 percent), while gravy is top for those in the North West (25 percent).
Another bone of contention was the correct name for a bread roll – with a “bap” ranking highly for those living in the South East (44 percent), while “roll” was the most common turn of phrase for Scots (28 percent).
But East Midlanders prefer to use “cob” (36 percent), and “barm” is by far the most popular term for those living in the North East (60 percent).
However, it’s not just food debates creating tension between regions, as 27 percent of Brits prefer to follow Rugby Union at its Twickenham home, as opposed to supporting Yorkshire-based Rugby League (16 percent).
Some of the top reasons for being so passionate about their preferences include being proud of where they come from (37 percent), being brought up “this” way (30 percent), and their childhood influencing how they do things (21 percent).
However, 38 percent admitted to only knowing their way of doing things is different to others’ after viewing content on social media.
Proud East Londoner and TV presenter, Joe Swash, has teamed up with the coach operator to bring these regional rivalries to life, by capturing the public’s reactions to these light-hearted debates.
Joe Swash said: “I love bringing people together by having a good laugh and a joke, so teaming up with megabus to celebrate its 20th birthday felt like a no-brainer.
“My love for where I grew up, and being a proud East Londoner, has definitely shaped my own view on music, food, and sport – I don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but for me I do think the best Balti is definitely from Brick Lane.”
* megabus will be offering customers, who use the code “2003-0000-0000-2023” on direct bookings between 26 July and 6 August, a 20 percent discount on journeys made between 9th August to 3rd September, as it celebrates 20 years of connecting people across the UK.