BRIGHTON SERVES UP A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS
A third of Brightonians say their festive menu is more important this year than ever before
For many, this Christmas won’t mean time with the wider family, or travelling to reunite with loved ones – but after nine months of intermittent lockdown, Brighton households (15 per cent) are putting more pressure than ever on a ‘perfect’ Christmas.
Research by St Pierre, the European bakery expert, revealed that 21 per cent of Brighton residents believe that this year’s festive menu is more important this year than ever before, with 53 per cent revealing that food forms a significant part of family traditions.
What’s more, Brighton residents are planning to spend more on food this festive season despite 33 per cent admitting to worries around financial constraints, for a number of reasons;
20% of those spending more are doing so because of the challenges of 2020
40% are spending more on food because they need something to look forward to
Lockdown has reignited a passion for food for many across the region (29 per cent) – with 30 per cent admitting that food is more fun now and 32 per cent feeling more confident in the kitchen as a result. That might go some way to explaining why 41 per cent of Brighton’s home cooks are genuinely ‘looking forward’ to cooking over Christmas.
So, what’s on the menu for Brighton this year?
Traditional British favourites are here to stay
Turkey remains top of the menu, with 57 per cent of us keeping it on the shopping list. Pigs in blankets are also popular with 56 per cent of households planning to indulge this year. With more people willing to explore new tastes this year, though – why not try a different take on the traditional pig in blankets;
Stuffing (79 per cent), gravy (60 per cent) and Yorkshire pudding (56 per cent) complete the wish list for Christmas dinners.
If you can’t go to the Christmas markets, then bring the Christmas markets to you
The Christmas markets are a growing tradition, with 41 per cent of Brightonians usually attending. It might come as no surprise then, to hear that 22 per cent of us will be replicating the Christmas market experience at home. If you’re looking for some more inspiration for festive sausages, then look no further;
Perfect served with a mulled wine, for the fifth of us in Brighton (20 per cent), who’ll be raising a warming toast this Christmas.
Boxing Day as a stand-alone meal occasion
Boxing Day has become a food event in and of itself, with one in seven (15 per cent) Brighton households opting for a curry, using the Christmas leftovers. What’s more, a whopping 70 per cent look forward to the leftover sandwich each year. For a new take on the festive classic, try brioche to breathe new life into your Christmas dinner;
The rise of European bakery on the menu
Tasty European treats have also become firm favourites on Brighton’s Christmas menu. One in six of us (18 per cent) will enjoy Panettone this year, a further 20 per cent will get stuck into some Stollen, whilst;
34 per cent will devour croissants (higher than anywhere else in the country!)
8 per cent will be peckish for pancakes
10 per cent prefer sweet pastries
3 per cent will go for French toast
3 per cent will welcome waffles to the Christmas menu
If you’re looking to get creative with your Christmas croissants, why not try a European take on a bread and butter pudding;
The Christmas breakfast spread
Christmas morning looks different on breakfast tables across the city, but the research reveals a few firm favourites, including the classic breakfast sandwich (13 per cent), the full English (13 per cent) and ever-reliable cereal (23 per cent).
However, Christmas is a time to indulge. Across the region, one in ten will tuck into smoked salmon, so for those looking for a new Christmas recipe – try this Christmas combination;
Or, for those of you who are really looking to go for it (there’s 5 per cent willing to go straight for chocolate on Christmas morning, and 3 per cent opting for cake, after all) – you could try a cheeky twist on the classic chocolate orange;
Paul Baker, founder of St Pierre comments: “To say lockdown has been a challenging time for families is an understatement. But, as a third-generation baker, it’s brilliant to see food uniting families nationwide. It’s not surprising that after such an unpredictable year, Brits are planning something to look forward to. Despite everything, food has the power to lift moods, bring people together and make the ‘everyday’ magnifique. Good food is more than just a meal on your plate. It’s a get-together, it’s sharing, it’s family – and this is never more true than at Christmas.”
For more information, to download St Pierre’s Christmas recipes, table plans and place settings, visit www.stpierrebakery.co.uk