TV personality Joe Swash asks Brits about top regional differences across the UK

26 July 2023 , 11:54

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TV personality Joe Swash has been out and about discovering the top regional differences across the UK – from jam or cream first on a scone, to Rugby Union versus Rugby League.

Some of the most hotly-debated topics throughout the nation include whether the evening meal is called “dinner” or “tea”, and what a bread roll is known as – from “bap” to “barm”.

When it comes to the “home of music” in Britain, Liverpool topped the charts, ahead of London and Manchester.

And as a nation of tea-lovers, over a third (35%) would opt for a traditional English Breakfast brew – while just 9% would prefer an Earl Grey.

Joe Swash teamed up with coach operator, megabus, which commissioned the poll of 2,000 adults, to mark 20 years of connecting people across the country.

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It also emerged that 41% of Brits have engaged in fierce debates over such regional differences – and 17% have even stopped talking to someone altogether as a result of these heated discussions.

Proud Londoner and TV presenter, Joe Swash, has partnered with coach operator, megabus, to launch its ‘Little Differences’ campaign (PinPep)

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% prefer a scone with jam first, but 18% disagree, as they enjoy clotted cream as the base ingredient.

And according to 24% of those polled, Birmingham is the “curry capital” of the UK – winning out over Bradford (11%), and Manchester’s famous Curry Mile (10%).

Meanwhile, topping chips with ketchup is the preference in London (35%) – but for those in the North East, curry sauce came top (25%), while gravy is top for those in the North West (25%).

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%), while “roll” was the most common turn of phrase for Scots (28%).

But East Midlanders prefer to use “cob” (36%), and “barm” is by far the most popular term for those living in the North East (60%).

megabus wants to bring people together to celebrate the little, regional differences that give the nation the niggles – from the great scone debate to the real home of the UK’s best music scene (PinPep)

However, it’s not just food debates creating tension between regions, as 27% of Brits prefer to follow Rugby Union at its Twickenham home, as opposed to supporting Yorkshire-based Rugby League (16%).

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Some of the top reasons for being so passionate about their preferences include being proud of where they come from (37%), being brought up “this” way (30%), and their childhood influencing how they do things (21%).

However, 38% 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% discount on journeys made between 9th August to 3rd September, as it celebrates 20 years of connecting people across the UK.

THE TOP UK REGIONAL DIFFERENCES: