Prawn cocktail stands the test of time as the UK’s favourite starter… with steak and chips the nation’s most popular main course 

• Prawn cocktail has came first in a poll as the nation’s favourite first course 

It’s a retro classic that was a staple of the 1970s dinner party.

And it seems the prawn cocktail has stood the test of time, leading the line in the nation’s dream three-course meal – alongside steak and chips with peppercorn sauce and apple crumble and custard.

According to a poll, the classic prawn and Marie Rose sauce dish triumphed over the likes of tomato soup (26 per cent), smoked salmon (22 per cent) and baked camembert (19 per cent).

Prawn cocktail has stood the test of time as the nation’s favourite starter

Thinking of a hosting a dinner party? Find out the top dream courses from our survey 

TOP DREAM DINNER STARTERS: 1. Prawn cocktail 40 per cent, 2. Spring rolls 31 per cent; 3. Tomato soup 26 per cent; 4. Smoked salmon 22 per cent; 5. Bruschetta 22 per cent.

TOP DREAM DINNER MAIN COURSES: 1. Medium-rare steak 51 per cent; 2. Lasagne 38 per cent; 3. Roast chicken 36 per cent; 4. Beer-battered fish and chips 32 per cent; 5. Sausage, mash and onion gravy 30 per cent.

TOP DREAM DINNER PUDDINGS: 1. Apple crumble and custard 39 per cent; Ice cream 38 per cent; 3. Lemon cheesecake 36 per cent; 4. Sticky toffee pudding 34 per cent; 5. Profiteroles 32 per cent.

TOP SIDE: Chunky chips 53 per cent.

TOP SAUCE: Peppercorn 47 per cent.

Once regarded as something of a luxury, the starter was pioneered by TV chef Fanny Cradock. It has since become one of the UK’s most popular flavour of crisps.

And when it comes to the nation’s perfect main course, a resounding 51 per cent voted for a medium-rare steak, beating off stiff competition from lasagne (38 per cent), roast chicken (36 per cent) and beer-battered fish and chips (32 per cent).

The nation’s favourite side is chunky chips (53 per cent), while Brits voted a creamy peppercorn sauce the number one accompaniment to their dream dinner, according to the 2,000 people surveyed by Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream.

And for pudding fans, the humble apple crumble and custard (39 per cent) came top, followed by ice cream (38 per cent) and lemon cheesecake (36 per cent).

The poll found that 79 per cent of Britons think food tastes better when enjoyed with friends and family.

Entertaining at home also came out on top over eating out, with 61 per cent preferring to create a fancy meal at home. Almost half (44 per cent) said cooking at home is more intimate, while 36 per cent enjoying learning new recipes.

Showing off your cooking skills (25 per cent), making the table look attractive (14 per cent), and choosing your own soundtrack (11 per cent) were other reasons British diners love entertaining at home more than going out.

A massive 91 per cent of those polled admit food is one of their greatest pleasures, while 56 per cent admit that they live to eat.

Sue Cobbledick, marketing director at Rodda’s, said: ‘We were intrigued to uncover the quintessential recipes which resonate with the nation.’

The research also showed that Britons enjoy adding ingredients to make their dishes extra special at home, with 85 percent adding items such as fresh stock or clotted cream.

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