A new survey of the British public has revealed what our ultimate Christmas dinner combination is, including some very surprising sides.
With December now well underway and the festive feasting season already thriving, it won’t be long until the big day is here and lots of Brits sit down to tuck into the heartiest meal they’ll likely have all year – their Christmas dinner, of course.
But do we all like to eat the same things? Apparently not.
You may remember that a survey conducted a couple of years back found that a good chunk of Brits would prefer to eat a curry over a traditional Christmas dinner, but now, a big new survey by YouGov has revealed what the nation’s ultimate Christmas dinner combination would be in the year 2025 – all the way from mains, to sides, to dessert.
A new survey has revealed Britain’s ultimate Christmas dinner combo / Credit: PickPic | Pxhere
When it comes to mains, it’s no surprise (or maybe it is?) that turkey still rules the roost at the Christmas dinner table, with 57% of Brits having it as part of their main meal.
On the other hand though, chicken or beef are not uncommon, with just under a quarter (24%) having either as part of their Christmas dinner, while one in seven(15%) tuck into some Christmas ham, and 10% of festive dinner tables feature other joints of pork.
Vegetarian or vegan alternatives, such as the ever-popular nut roasts, were found to feature on the Christmas dinner table for 13% of Brits.
When it comes to sides, it really is no surprise this time that roast potatoes and gravy take the crown, with around eight in 10 Brits (79-81%) accompanying their roasts with the duo.
Carrots will be on the table at 76% of Christmas dinners, while just over two thirds (70%) will feature stuffing, pigs in blankets, or Brussels sprouts, 62% typically have parsnips, and half (49%) add Yorkshire puddings to their plate.
Roughly four in 10 (40-42%) include cranberry sauce or broccoli, and 51% of us lot in the North will include mashed potatoes in the mix too.
Surprisingly, 16% add bread sauce to their plate, and 5% even opt for potato dauphinoise.
Ready to chat sweet treats? When it comes to dessert to finish things off, traditional classics like Christmas pudding (41%) and mince pies (31%) come out on top, but a little lower down the list you’ll also find trifle (18%), sticky toffee pudding (9%), and even stollen (5%).
On the flip side though, the survey also found that a traditional roast dinner doesn’t feature in everyone’s festive seasons, with 7% of Brits saying they have something else as their main meal on Christmas Day.
Forget what you know about sausages, because Piper's Sheffield is changing the game.
There's no denying that us Brits love a good sausage.
It's a porky staple that crops up in our diet in numerous forms: sausage and mash, sausage rolls, sausage sandwiches - their versatility is truly inspiring.
But there's one person who loves them more than most, and that's the lovely Nick from Piper's Artisan Sausage.
Images: The Sheff
Located in Crosspool, Piper's is a sort of butchers/deli that specialise in, well, sausages.
They have an ever-changing menu of bangers that are inspired by recipes and flavours from across the globe.
From a roasted butternut squash sausage and a Vietnamese Nem Muong to a pepperoni pizza-inspired sausage, you'll never want to eat a Cumberland ever again.
They even stock a selection of veggie sausages so no one has to miss out on the sausage party (sorry, I had to).
Images: The Sheff
You can buy the sausages raw to take home, perfect for barbecue season if you ask us.
But they also make their own sausage rolls, sandwiches, sauces and plenty more, all using ingredients prepared in-house.
Nick and Libby also smoke their own ham in the back and make their own lasagna which is basically famous at this point, if you're not feeling sausages that day.
So if you're looking to stock up for your next BBQ or after trying something different with your mash, all whilst supporting a local business, then Piper's is the spot for you.
They're stocking high quality products unlike anything you'll find in a supermarket, and we're very lucky to have them here in our city.
An award-winning Leeds restaurant is now serving sandwiches from a street-side hatch
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds' top restaurants has unveiled a brand-new concept brilliantly named 'Here Comes The Bun'.
The Swine Bistro in Headingley is about as perfect as a neighbourhood bistro gets.
Run by husband and wife team Jo and Stu Myers, the cooking comes from the heart, with a menu focused on brilliant produce, seasonal flavours and sustainability. All served in a beautiful, cosy space with around 30 covers.
Back when they were located on North Street in the city centre, to survive during the dreaded lockdown they opened up a sandwich concept named 'Here Comes The Bun' (what a name by the way).
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The concept was simple, serving up delicious hot takeaway sandwiches all served in pillowy potato rolls made in-house.
And now the concept is back and better than ever, as Here Comes The Bun is now operating from a street-side hatch just moments away from their restaurant.
There's some core staple items as well as rotating specials meaning you'll be back week after week to find your favourite.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
On the core menu you'll find an absolutely stellar brekkie bun powerful enough to wipe out any hangover, and of course your classic fried chicken burger which is crispy, juicy and just downright perfect.
On our visit, the specials included a lamb merguez roll with a sausage patty, harissa mayo, chermoula and slaw as well as a chicken fried steak roll with country gravy.
Whatever the specials are, just know that they'll be absolutely class.
They're currently open every Friday and Sunday, and all you have to do is order via their website, turn up at the hatch, ring the bell and collect your buns. And as if by magic, you'll be treated to the best sandwich you've ever eaten.
Emily Sergeant -
5th December 2025 
