Classic Sunday roast is named as the nation's favourite British dish as 2,500 Sodexo customers take a vote

Approximately 2,500 people voted in the competition, which was open to Sodexo customers in schools, universities, hospitals, offices and military facilities across the UK.

The Sunday roast was chosen as the nation's favourite, with many people citing the association with childhood memories of sitting round the family dining table as the main reason for choosing the dish. 'Comfort foods' were universally popular amongst submissions with fish and chips, toad in the hole, shepherd's pie and chicken curry also proving popular British cuisine.

In addition to voting, all participants were entered into a prize draw to win £100 of shopping vouchers. With the competition being run in Sodexo sites across the UK winners ranged from junior school children to hospital workers.

British Food Fortnight is a national event that aims to bring together the retail, catering, education and volunteer sectors by celebrating regional food and drink, and the many benefits and pleasures of eating quality, fresh, seasonal and regionally distinct produce.

Each year, during British Food Fortnight, thousands of activities take place across the UK including food and drink festivals, promotions, tastings and special menus in pubs, restaurants and shops.

Michelle Hanson, commercial director, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: "An event like British Food Fortnight is great fun to run and also closely aligned to our overall sourcing strategy. We are delighted to have been associated again with this event and also to see that the dishes highlighted in our associated competition are all featured regularly in many of our menus. It was also very timely for us, as it coincided with our corporate accreditation to the Red Tractor scheme, further confirming our commitment to both food provenance and, of course, British farming."