A survey of 2,000 adults found over two fifths of those who have holidayed in the UK have tried to produce French cheese boards and Mediterranean feasts with family and friends.
Nearly one in five (18 per cent) has tried to recreate an authentic Greek salad while holidaying on home soil and a third has tried the same with pasta.
When travelling within the UK, almost a quarter (23 per cent) admit they’ll splash the cash on elaborate meals to make them more exciting.
And over six in 10 use their staycation as an excuse to take a break on their healthy diets and let go.
Celina Leroyer, senior brand manager at Boursin, who commissioned the research and are launching the ultimate gourmet getaway with their Bed & Boursin experience, said:
“Food is central to many people’s holidays, as it is a time to come together and bond over the day’s activities, while also indulging the senses.
“With travelling abroad still off the menu for many people, they’re looking to upgrade their taste experience while on staycations and travel through their tastebuds.
“As the research shows, cheese is absolutely central to this and that’s why we’ve launched the Bed & Boursin experience to bring a taste of continental conviviality to the UK with the ultimate ‘fromage and friends’ experience.”
Those who enjoy foreign food while on holiday in the UK do so because they like to pretend they are in another country (19 per cent), it puts them in the holiday mood (29 per cent) and it is nice to have a break from traditional British food (42 per cent).
As many as 31 per cent find foreign foods more varied, while a quarter enjoy its indulgent nature.
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And 45 per cent will get creative with their food on holiday, while 76 per cent like to indulge because it’s a break from the normal routine.
Research conducted via OnePoll found Brits are likely to eat more than normal because they are more active on holiday (38 per cent) and 39 per cent enjoy discovering new foods.
Of the one quarter (23 per cent) who are likely to spend more money on food and drink in the UK, two fifths said it’s due to saving money by not going overseas, while half agree food is one of the most important aspects of any holiday.
Cheesy dishes are very popular while on a trip, especially toasties, cheese boards, wine and cheese and grazing boards, with three in 10 trying a new kind of cheese while on holiday.
Around two fifths have even hired a private chef to prepare delicious dishes on holiday, as they were saving money, felt like staying in their accommodation for the evening or simply fancied a special treat.
While just over one in 10 who had not hired a chef before would consider it on future holidays, considering 70 per cent enjoy not having to worry about cooking while away.
Celina Leroyer added: “Not having to worry about food preparation is important to many trips because it is a time for rest and relaxation.
“So bringing someone in to cook for you takes the pressure off and enables the holiday to be as perfect as possible.”
To win a two-night stay for you and seven guests, as well as a culinary masterclass and tasting menu hosted by chef Vernon Blackmore, share a creative dish with a Boursin twist to your Instagram, tagging @Boursin UK and using the hashtag #BedandBoursin by 17th September.
TOP 20 DISHES BRITS SERVE UP ON UK HOLIDAY’S
1. Pizzas
2. Burgers
3. Pasta dishes (lasagne/spaghetti/risotto etc)
4. Baguettes
5. Stir Fry
6. Cheese boards
7. Quiche
8. Fajitas
9. Fresh fish dishes
10. Chili
11. Greek Salad
12. Tapas
13. Paella
14. Burritos
15. Grazing board/mezze platter
16. Other noodle dishes (not including ramen and pho)
17. Moussaka
18. Canapes
19. Ramen
20. Niçoise Salad
