The famous combination, which received 19% of the vote, was closely followed by salads (18%) and ice creams (17%), according to a survey of 1,500 Brits by the Greene King-owned pub brand.
One-in-five Brits claimed that sitting in a beer garden with an ice-cold drink is a ‘must’ on a summer’s day. Barbecues, summer picnics and family beach trips also proved popular.
After an ice-cold soft drink (16%), Pimms was the second most popular summer beverage (14%). This was followed by water (12%), which matched the popularity of lager (12%) and outshone cider (11%).
Quintessential role
Caroline Gallimore, brand manager at Chef & Brewer, said: “Food and drink plays a big part in contributing to a great British summer’s day – with those surveyed saying it wouldn’t be a quintessentially British summer without barbecues, ice creams, and strawberries and cream.
“Whatever the weather, the classic dishes can bring the taste of summer flooding back.”
Despite the recent blast of warm weather, the study found a third of Brits are only expecting to get the barbecue out once this year in total.
According to the results, people are hoping to enjoy almost as many traditional picnics as barbecues during 2015.
Other top summer pastimes include going for walks in the country (19%) and catching up with friends and family (10%). Unsurprisingly, sunbathing (8%) also made the list – as did unlikely activities for a summer’s day including shopping and staying in bed.
Food festivals
Coinciding with the survey, Chef & Brewer is celebrating the summer with two food festivals at pubs nationwide. Currently running, the Hello Summer festival features classic summer dishes such as the Summer fêté platter, a gourmet club sandwich and topsy-turvy Scotch egg.
Next month, the brand will pay homage to the 70th anniversary of V-J Day by celebrating the culinary delights of the 1940’s with a modern twist, including dishes such as Duck egg and soldiers and a victory salad.