Should ketchup be kept in the cupboard or in the fridge?
It’s a question we’ve all heard before, and at this point, in 2023, it’s an answer that we just can’t seem to agree or see eye-to-eye on, no matter how hard we try to come to a decision.
The debate has generated opinion from pretty much everyone who’s ever tasted the classic condiment, but now, Heinz has finally decided to weigh in and end the conversation once and for all, reports The Manc.
The manufacturer's iconic red sauce with an "unmistakeable taste" and "unique flavour" has been a staple in UK households since it was first introduced all the way back in 1886, but while millions of Brits will find common ground in the fact they probably have a bottle or two at home, where they choose to keep it, however, isn't the same across the board.
Heinz has finally settled the 'fridge v cupboard' ketchup debate / Credit: Heinz UK | Jacob Rice (via Unsplash)
Heinz knows this all too well.
But despite the debate raging on for decades, the company has kept pretty tight-lipped on its stance... until only recently.
Choosing to weigh in on X, formerly known as Twitter, the manufacturer first dropped the bombshell that "ketchup goes in the fridge", before going on to reply to shocked fans and ask people to give their opinions on an interactive poll.
The results of Heinz's poll revealed that 63% of respondents agreed the condiment should be stored in the fridge, while just over 36% think it should live in the cupboard.
Northern Ireland is apparently "the worse cupboard offender in the UK", according to Heinz, with 58% of the responding population choosing to keep their ketchup bottles behind room-temperature doors, while the Welsh capital of Cardiff, on the other hand, keep it in the fridge "where it belongs".
A third 'team cupboard' fighter wrote: "Take it back!!!!," while a fourth added: "Never, ever has it ever gone in my fridge, nor anybody elses," and another said: "Heinz don’t even know where their product should be stored."
While it does seem that lots of people disagree with Heinz, there was, of course, a good chunk of the hundreds of comments siding with the company.
Read more:
Regardless of Heinz's take though, the replies prove the debate will never end.
Leeds City Council have revealed the exciting new concept for Abbey House Museum.
Opened to the public almost 100 years ago in 1927, the historic Grade II listed museum originally served as Kirkstall Abbey’s gatehouse until the dissolution of the monasteries.
The plans for the site have been drawn up as part of a 'Reimagining Project' supported by Leeds City Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Museum Renewal Fund.
The concept aims to create a more interactive visitor experience as the museum goes into its centenary year, with a main focus on intergenerational play for people of all ages to enjoy together.
Image: Supplied
Leeds’ rich collections will be at the heart of the museum, whilst the proposals include enhancing the museum’s traditional streets to enhance and include magical reveals that will let the public experience history through hands on activities.
The proposals mark a new direction for Abbey House Museum, which was put forward for potential closure in 2024 as part of measures to help Leeds City Council address unprecedented budget pressures.
A public appeal saw the council listen to the community, agreeing to keep it open and pledge to make steps to make the museum more sustainable in the future.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “This is an exciting moment for the future of Abbey House Museum and one which we hope will be the beginning of a bold new direction for a special place which has been part of the Kirkstall community for centuries.
“During the public consultation on the museum’s future, what really came across was the passion and determination people have to see the site succeed, and we want to channel that enthusiasm into creating an attraction which can continue to welcome visitors for many years to come.”
Independent Leeds matcha stand forced to close by council despite 3,000 people signing petition
Clementine Hall
An independent matcha stand in Leeds has been forced to closed due to council concerns.
You may remember back in August when the whole of Leeds rallied to save Sips Matcha over in Headingley.
The front garden matcha spot has become a firm favourite for students and locals alike over the past year, gaining more than 12,000 followers on Instagram.
The self-proclaimed 'tiniest matcha stand in Leeds' is located in the residential area of Little Woodhouse and is run by the lovely Matt and Julia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, in August their retroactive planning application was rejected by the council and they were given 28 days to remove the shed.
In a published document via Leeds City Council website, multiple reasons were listed for the decision to refuse planning permission for the bright-green matcha shed.
The electronic letter signed by Martin Elliot, Chief Planning Officer, listed spoiling the property's character, increased footfall, and a failure to comply with numerous development and design policies.
In response, Matt and Julia launched a petition urging people to save Sips Matcha, labelling the painted wooden shed-turned-coffee shop as a 'Community Stand'.
Despite over 3,000 signatures, Sips Matcha have announced on their social media today that the shed must be removed by the end of November.
The statement reads: "our retrospective planning was declined, we appealed, and the appeal was dismissed. then the dreaded email arrived: the shed has to come down by the end of november.
"we don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re working out what happens next. over 3,000 of you signed the petition and it meant the world. thank you for every sip, share and signature. come say hi while we’re still here."
We're absolutely gutted for them, so make sure you pop by for a matcha before the end of November to give them a proper farewell.
Emily Sergeant -
31st August 2023 
