Who ate all the pies? We did!

Favourites such as pies and fish and chips topped a YouGov poll, commissioned by not-for-profit company Opportunity Peterborough.

The poll found that 26% of people in the region chose British food as their favourite, followed by Italian (22%), and Indian (20%).

The research also found that when residents are craving their favourite foods they are likely to treat themselves at a restaurant despite the recession and spending cuts.

Around 20% of people in the region still eat out two to three times a month, the poll shows.

But while 49% admitted to spending more than £20 each on a meal, the poll found that 19% leave less than 5% of the bill as a tip, while 8% never tip at all.

Neil Darwin, director of economic development at Opportunity Peterborough, which aims to drive sustainable economic growth in the city, said: “Despite the recent tightening of our financial belts, the British people are undoing a few notches when it comes to their actual belts and regularly enjoying a good sit down meal in restaurants.

“Our research has shown that the public are bucking the trend and are still treating themselves when it comes to eating out.

“In difficult times, few things in life are as comforting as food. As the cuts begin to be felt in public services, and we head towards an era of austerity, it’s good to see that many of us are still budgeting for the odd fine dining treat where we can.”