Roast potatoes have been named the nation’s runaway favourite spud at Christmas by almost three quarters of Brits (73%), making them more than 10 times more popular than any other option, according to new national research.

The study, by Farmhouse Inns, found that festive potato prep is serious business in UK households, with one in 10 UK adults (10%) agreeing to disagree with their loved ones on the best way to nail the perfect roastie on Christmas Day.

Such is the importance of the roast potato in the UK, it typically takes two people joining forces to get them spot on. Four in 10 Brits (40%) also like to follow a traditional family recipe, as loved ones come together at Christmas to share hearty food and drink, with potatoes at the heart of it.

To celebrate the nation’s passion for roast potatoes, Farmhouse Inns is serving up limited edition Bovril roasties – a traditional roast potato cooked with the flavourful meat extract – for those booking for Christmas Day.

Overall, a massive 97% of the UK population love potatoes, with almost four in five (78%) admitting they are one of their favourite foods. The data found that the average Brit enjoys potatoes, in one form or another, more than four times a week.

Looking at potatoes more generally, chips (64%) just edged out roast potatoes (62%) for the top spot, with mash (36%), baked potatoes (33%) and crisps (33%) rounding out the top five.

Surprisingly, one in 20 Brits (5%) will eat chips with a Christmas dinner, a figure that rises to 16% in London, while a further 5% add dauphinois potatoes to their festive feast.

It’s no surprise that gravy is the nation’s number one choice to pair with potatoes (50%), closely followed by salt (40%) and butter (34%).

Perhaps controversially, over a third of the nation (34%) don’t believe Yorkshire puddings belong on a Christmas dinner. This opinion is felt most strongly in Northern Ireland, with only 11% believing Yorkshire puds truly belong, while only a quarter (25%) of Scots share this view.

To dig a little deeper into the nation’s favourite food, Farmhouse Inns has partnered with Euan Grewar, director of the GB Potatoes governing body.

Mr Grewar said: “For me, Christmas is all about bringing family and friends together to celebrate, and what better way to do it than over a delicious hearty meal?

“A golden, crispy roast potato lathered in gravy is the first thing I think of when I’m dreaming about a festive feast – so I’m not surprised to see the incredible love we have for them as a nation.

“The potato industry is massive in the UK and it’s terrific to see brands like Farmhouse Inns turn such a staple into something so mouth-watering for Brits across the UK.”

Farmhouse Inns offer a huge variety of potatoes across its extensive festive menu, with five to choose from at one time. These include ruffled roast potatoes, mashed potato and dauphinoise potatoes, so there’s no need for a debate what spuds make the cut – there’s something for everyone this Christmas.

The family pub brand has also launched a new fun game, Festive Throwdown, offering customers the chance to win £5,000 cash, among a number of other exciting prizes, throughout December.

Holly Brooks, Senior Marketing Manager for Farmhouse Inns, added: “We’re thrilled to see that roasties have rightfully claimed their crown as the nation’s favourite type of festive potato.

“It’s heart-warming to see Brits’ affection for spuds, especially during the Christmas season, when family traditions and mealtimes together take centre stage, and we can’t wait to welcome customers through our doors to enjoy all the delights from our festive menu this year.”

To book a table at your local Farmhouse Inns pub and enjoy the festive menu on offer, please visit: https://www.farmhouseinns.co.uk/find-us/