NORTHWICH has voted the Queen its number one festive brunch partner, according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 residents was undertaken by traditional pub restaurant chain Chef & Brewer to mark the launch of the festive brunch menu at the Blue Cap, in Sandiway.

Some 16 per cent of those questioned named the monarch as the most desirable person to brunch with. Dame Judi Dench – who, coincidentally, has played several queens during her career - came a close second (15 per cent).

David Beckham falls within Northwich ’s top ten choices to share the mid-morning meal – the town seemingly keen to chat football over the feast.

Sir Tom Jones also made the Top 10 Celebrities We Want to Brunch With list, as did Martin Kemp, Graham Norton, Jack Whitehall, Harry Styles and Daniel Craig.

Northwich itself is a self-confessed town of ‘brunchers’, with more than half (53 per cent) of residents admitting to eating brunch multiple times a week – and it’s all thanks to changed behaviours over lockdowns, according to the research.

The breakfast-lunch hybrid has seen a massive boost in popularity of late, with four in ten (39 per cent) people saying they eat brunch more often now than they did 18 months ago. An indulgent 13 per cent treat themselves every day – rising to nearly three in ten (28 per cent) amongst 18-to-24-year-olds questioned.

Northwich Guardian: BRING THE BACON: Brunch at Chef and Brewer's is ideal for weekend catch ups with friends. Picture: Chef and Brewer

Its rise in popularity comes as no surprise when it makes us feel so content. More than half of those questioned (51 per cent) believe brunch adds something special to the day that other mealtimes can’t match – not too early, crammed in before work or as regimented as lunchtime. Coming away feeling relaxed is another big benefit for the same number of respondents, and 48 per cent say it makes them feel happy.

Brunch is also a popular - and often romantic - more relaxed way to catch up with family, friends and loved ones, as well as a superb way to celebrate. Almost a third of people (29 per cent) said they most enjoy eating brunch with their partner, with the occasion being the backdrop for whisperings of ‘I love you’ for a fifth (19 per cent) of the nation.

One in four people believe brunch is most fitting for a family get together, and one in five said the mid-morning meal is best enjoyed with friends. Brunch is also the birthday celebration of choice for almost half of us (44 per cent). And, for a third (32 per cent) it has provided the perfect occasion to share good news.

When it comes to the age-old argument of savoury over sweet, savoury wins the vote – with more than seven out of ten of us (71 per cent) favouring a Full English over pancakes and pain au chocolat.

Almost a fifth of those polled (19 per cent) enjoy their brunch with a tipple or two but our preferred drink is a comforting cup of tea or coffee (57 per cent).

Mimi Shore, General Manager at the Blue Cap, said: "For a long time now, brunch has been the preferred - if not revered - weekend meal for many of us.

"It’s proving particularly popular during the festive period, when we have some delicious new dishes to try.

"From Chocolate Baked Oats to Beef Rib Hash, it provides the perfect excuse for some festive fun."

The new festive brunch menu is now available at the Blue Cap every Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am until 11.15am until January 2. Alcoholic drinks will be available subject to licensing hours. Full details and menus can be found here.