We’re officially a country of rivalling regions, as new research reveals the little differences that give the nation the niggles.
A staggering 41% of Brits have experienced a heated argument over regional differences throughout the UK – with some being so hotly contested that they’ve stopped talking to someone altogether as a result of their discussions (17%).
The research, commissioned by great value coach operator megabus to mark 20 years of connecting people across the country, revealed it’s not just ‘scone-gate’ that kicks off a hearty debate (although a third [33%] of Brits do prefer a Cornish cream tea over a Devon cream tea [18%]) as food rivalries seem to dominate the little differences across the nation.
The perfect partner to a scone – however you may choose to take it – the quintessential British cup of tea has also been brought into the battle – with more than a third of us (35%) favouring an English Breakfast brew over an Earl Grey tea (9%).
And if the tea debate doesn’t get you talking, then the home of the nation’s best curry will, as Birmingham (24%) has been chosen as the ‘curry capital’ of the UK, versus advocates for Bradford (11%) or Manchester’s famous Curry Mile (10%).
In response to the findings, and to celebrate its 20th birthday, megabus is extending an olive branch between the rival regions, encouraging them to celebrate their little differences by offering 20% off selected travel dates in August and September.
Topping chips with ketchup (35%) is the preference in London, but for those in the North East curry sauce came top (25%) followed by gravy (25%) for those in the North West. Another bone of contention was the correct name for a bread-roll with which to make a chip butty. Bap (44%) ranked highly for those living in the South East whilst ‘roll’ (28%), was the most common term of phrase for Scots. East Midlanders prefer to use ‘cob’ (36%) but ‘barm’ (60%) is by far the most popular term for those living in the North East.
However, it’s not just food debates creating tension between regions as over a quarter (27%) of Brits prefer to follow Rugby Union at its Twickenham home as opposed to supporting Yorkshire based Rugby League.
And it seems that the rivalries go further than the expected North vs South divide, with Liverpool, the home of The Beatles and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, announced as the home of the UK’s music scene (29%), beating out London (15%) and Manchester (14%) for the crown. Interestingly, Brits revealed that their friends/peers have the biggest influence on their music tastes (49%) more so than where they grew up (35%) or where they went to college/university (25%).
megabus has partnered with proud East Londoner and TV favourite, Joe Swash, XX, to bring these regional differences to life and spark some hilarious reactions and hearty debates with members of the public: https://youtu.be/Y_7QFQprqdY
Mark Venables, Managing Director from megabus commented, “At megabus, 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 with a 20% discount code to be used on selected travel dates in August and September, including our birthday weekend when there will be other surprises and gifts available for customers travelling with us. We look forward to welcoming everyone travelling with us to come together and celebrate the diversity across the nation.”
TV presenter and megabus ambassador, Joe Swash, added, “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…”
Being proud of where they come from (37%), being brought up ‘this’ way (30%), and their childhood influencing how they do things (21%) were reasons that all ranked highly when Brits were questioned on why they are so passionate about their particular preferences. Over a third (38%) admit to only knowing their way of doing things is different to others after viewing content on social media.
The top UK regional differences:
- Sconegate (Cornish vs. Devon Cream Tea)
- The Dinner vs. Tea Debate
- The Home of UK Music
- Bread Roll vs. The Barm
- Ketchup vs. Brown Sauce
- Rugby Union vs. Rugby League
- The Nation’s Preferred Chip Topping
- English Breakfast Tea vs. Earl Grey Tea
- The Home of the UK’s Best Curry
- The Friendliest Folk – The research suggests that Northerners value being generally friendly day-to-day the most, with 51% agreeing they are the friendliest in England, and only 11% believing the same for Southerners.
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 9 August – 3 September as it celebrates 20 years of connecting people across the UK. For tickets, and terms and conditions, visit https://uk.megabus.com/little-differences
