Tradition counts at dinner time

BRITONS have named shepherd’s pie as their favourite home-cooked dish, beating curries, chicken tikka masala and spaghetti.

The survey’s top five also featured traditional roasts, egg and chips, casseroles and lamb chops, and over half those asked said they prefer to cook from fresh ingredients. Janice Barker asked shoppers in Oldham’s Tommyfield Market Hall for their favourite dishes — and if they make them themselves.


BRIAN Shuttleworth, from Royton, is a regular market hall shopper and likes to use a slow cooker: “I like braising steak and anything that makes it easy for me.

“I like cooking for myself and I don’t like ready meals. I will do spaghetti for a quick meal, and make my own. I like good ingredients.”

Ruby Young, from Oldham, likes good old egg and chips: “Something quick and easy. I don’t like curries, but I do like roast beef and cooking.”

Middleton shopper Margaret Carnegie said she was spoilt for choice: “I couldn’t possibly say what is my favourite. I like a roast beef dinner and a curry. If it was my last meal I don’t know what I would say.

“I’ve recently been to an Argentinian steak place for the first time and had a great big wad of steak and it was fantastic.

“I think I have catholic tastes. I love hot pots, spaghetti, braised beef, etc.”

Karen Smith, from Oldham, shopping with her daughter Emma Newton, said she loves shepherd’s pie, and chilli with kidney beans, but has the odd microwave meal because she lives on her own.

She added: “I’m surprised curries have fallen out of favour.”

Emma, whose fourth child Lacey-Mae is just a week old, added: “I ate every single thing when I was pregnant, and my favourite meal was cake and custard. I get a takeaway once a week but my partner cooks for me, and I love chops, potatoes and green beans.”

Marian Burns, manager of the Pickles Farms stall said their best sellers are eggs and mild cheddar cheese, plus rag puddings.

She added: “I’m not a curry fan, but I do like spaghetti. I prefer home made but I wouldn’t refuse a ready meal.”

Joanne McDermmott, shopping for food with her 17-year-old daughter Jamie-Leanne, said: “When I’m working I like a chip shop or takeaway meal, because it’s easier but I don’t mind a roast dinner. I’ve got a picky family and some don’t like onions, or veg.

“I would have thought curry would have been top of the list. I like it although I haven’t really cooked one.”

Jamie said: “I like spaghetti bolognese when my mum makes it and Sunday dinner.”

Abid Mahmood, owner of the Top Gear fashion stall, who has been in Oldham for 40 years, likes a cheese and onion pie or pasty takeaway, but has chapattis and curry made from veg or meat at home.

He added: “One of the best meals I’ve had was a T-bone steak in pepper sauce in Turkey.

“I have had a beef burger from McDonalds, but I’ve never had shepherd’s pie.”