Crumpets are back as drive for comfort food reaches new high thanks to stressful times (and a Michelin-starred restaurant)
British teatime crumpets are back in demand as the drive for comfort food reaches a new high thanks to stressful times.
British teatime crumpets are back in demand as the drive for comfort food reaches a new high thanks to stressful times.
Supermarket sales of the treat are sky high, with producers even struggling to meet the demand.
The unhealthy quintessential British food may be bad for the heart, but those craving comfort food seem to be reaching for it more than ever.
During another stressful time - the pandemic lockdowns - crumpet sales soared again, seemingly showing that the griddle cakes unique charm brings comfort to distressed Brits.
The dish has even found a new crowd, as chefs turning to more old-fashioned dishes have started serving the treat.
However those who order the familiar snack may be in for a surprise.
For at Michelin-starred restaurant Lyles, in east London, crumpets are topped with oxtail, broccoli leaves and green sauce.
At Clarence in Glasgow, crumpets come topped with tandoori crab.
Sales of crumpets are sky high, with producers even struggling to meet the demand
British teatime crumpets are back in demand as the drive for comfort food reaches a new high thanks to stressful times
At Waitrose, crumpets are jumping off the shelf. Sales of the griddle cakes are up 25 per cent on this time last year
And in Cumbria, Rogan & Co serves a crumpet, cooked in lamb fat, alongside broth in the place of a bread roll.
Waitrose says crumpets are jumping off the shelf. Sales of the griddle cakes are up 25 per cent on this time last year.
Trendy videos have shown different and unusual ways to serve the treats, with crumpet pizzas, sourdough crumpets. and gluten-free versions.
A food fan went viral after sharing his inventive crumpet recipes, including lasagne, sausage rolls and fruit compote and McMuffin.
Steve Devereux, from Newcastle, decided to get imaginative with the sponge breakfast favourite, with his crazy creations in a variety of unorthodox recipes.
In a video that amassed over 1.9m views and 105,000 likes, he showed off multiple recipes, firstly a crumpet cheese toastie.
He also took four square crumpets and covered them in cheese, bolognese and béchamel sauce, turning it into a crumpet lasagne.
Its not just online foodies and Michelin-starred restaurants who have hopped on the crumpet craze. Rob Boer has served crumpets in various ways at The Mutton in Hampshire since the restaurant opened.
Steve Devereux, from Newcastle, decided to get imaginative with the sponge breakfast favourite, with his crazy creations in a variety of unorthodox recipes
He also took four square crumpets and covered them in cheese, bolognese and béchamel sauce, turning it into a crumpet lasagne
He told The Telegraph they are probably one of the most consistent selling items on the menu.
He said toppings, including crab and chilli and slow-braised mutton shoulder, have flown out.
Last month, Warburton crumpets at last returned to Waitroses shelves after a scuffle led to the products being in exile for two years at the chain.
The high-end supermarket began selling a selection of Warburtons products including crumpets and gluten-free loaves and rolls in recent weeks in a sign of renewed partnership between the two behemoth businesses.
It signals a restoration in relations after Waitrose stopped selling Warburton products in 2022 following a commercial dispute over the prices of goods.
Warburtonss row with Waitrose was one of a number of disputes during the cost-of-living crisis between food companies and retailers due to surging material and labour expenditure.
This prompted many manufacturers to push for higher prices in stores which was resisted by some supermarkets who worried this would deter shoppers.
The brands much-welcomed return follows a change in leadership at Waitroses parent company, the John Lewis Partnership, in September - which saw Chairman Jason Tarry replace Dame Sharon White.
Commenting on the reunited partnership, Jonathan Warburton, the chairman of Warburtons, said he was chuffed to bits that Warburtons was being restocked at the grocery store.
He said: Its been something that weve been quietly working away with Waitrose on for some time.
We obviously thought [removing the products] was a mistake, but were chuffed to bits to be back in and theyve been very supportive.
Meanwhile a Waitrose spokesperson added: Were very pleased to toast the return of Warburtons crumpets and we know that our customers wholeheartedly welcome the fact that theyre back.