Brits have finally had their say on the great British scone debate, and it isn’t good news for Meghan Markle or Prince William.
Because new research shows that more than half of us (58 per cent) think jam should go on first, as opposed to cream (42 per cent).
Scones with jam and cream Credit: Getty
The majority of people surveyed said jam should go first Credit: Getty
The Prince of Wales reignited the row recently when he was asked in a radio interview whether he made his scones the Cornish or Devonian way.
He joked: “I love that I’m the authority on scones. I can only tell you what I learnt from my grandmother, and she definitely had the cream on first. Cream on first, jam on top.”
The debate was then stirred up again when, earlier this week, , shared a recipe, appearing to put cream on first before adding jam.
But the study of 2,000 people, which was commissioned by Anglian Home Improvements, shows the public leaning towards jam first as part of a wide-ranging study into the nation’s biggest talking points.
Rachael Munby, Chief Marketing Officer at Anglian Home Improvements, said: “Whether it’s neighbours chatting over a cuppa on the doorstep, families disagreeing over what to call the evening meal, or the whole country taking sides on jam or cream first, these everyday debates are part of what brings communities together.
“That’s why we’ve launched Anglian’s 60 for 60 community campaign, to support the local projects, groups and spaces that help bring people together.”
The survey also found water should go in before milk when making tea (82 per cent), shoes should come off in the house (78 per cent), puddings can be eaten with any roast (78 per cent), and deserves a knighthood (60 per cent).
Britain has also crowned chicken as the nation’s favourite roast dinner meat (36 per cent), dinner as the correct name for the evening meal (55 per cent) and as the nation’s favourite soap opera (36 per cent).
The debate was then stirred up again when Meghan Markle shared a recipe, putting cream on first before adding jam Credit: Getty
2,000 people were surveyed Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, ketchup just edged out brown sauce on a bacon sandwich, with 51 per cent choosing red sauce compared with 49 per cent backing brown.
was also named Britain’s biggest team, with 45 per cent choosing United, ahead of (21 per cent) and (14 per cent).
And tikka masala (32 per cent) took the nation’s curry crown, beating korma (24 per cent), biryani (10 per cent) and madras (7 per cent).
But while the nation may be split over scones, sauces and soaps, there is one topic that still brings everyone together: moaning about the .
According to the research, the weather is the number one thing Brits chat about with neighbours (40 per cent), followed by garden upkeep and plants (29 per cent), local gossip (26 per cent), home improvements (22 per cent) and local or events (22 per cent).
The study also found that three-quarters of Brits (75 per cent) believe a strong sense of community spirit is important in modern life, while 42 per cent wish they had more time to be an active part of their local community.
Behavioural Psychologist Jo Hemmings said: “Community gives us something increasingly rare in modern life, a sense of familiarity, trust and shared identity.
“Small everyday interactions create emotional security and belonging. In a world where so much communication is digital, fast and often impersonal, people still crave those grounded, face-to-face moments that make them feel connected to where they live and the people around them.”
The data coincides with the launch of a new nationwide community campaign with a share of £60,000 available for charity and community groups to mark Anglian Home Improvements’ 60th anniversary.
With 60 prizes available, one winning community group will receive a makeover of Anglian windows and doors worth up to £24,600, helping to breathe new life into a vital local hub.
You can apply here.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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