Old-fashioned beef beats chicken, pork and “trendy” chorizo to be crowned Britain's No. 1 meat

The study found that the old-fashioned meat came up trumps after being pitted against "traditional favourites" like pork, chicken as well as "trendier" pancetta, chorizo, proscuttio and salami. The survey, which was based on a poll of 500 meat eaters, revealed that despite the huge choice now available to customers, 39% of Brits still remain loyal to traditional cuts and opt for beef over other meats. But while beef was the clear favourite, the study also found that chicken is the most popular choice when it comes to actual sales on the butchers counter. The poll revealed that consumption of poultry has doubled over the last 20 years, while red meat and pork consumption has remained "a constant" on the British menu. And in the survey it was chicken that came in at a close second place picking up 24% of the votes. The online retailer, which runs via the website address www.westingourmet.co.uk, promises "gourmet cuts of naturally reared meat at prices the supermarkets can only dream of." Offering 90% British reared meats, the produce is described as being "of the highest quality" with prices up to 40% cheaper than in the leading supermarkets. Butcher Phil Ward from Westin Gourmet, pictured, who has more than 20 years experience in the industry and has seen changes in buying patterns first hand, said: "When I first started out my customers came to me for their sausages and traditional joints of meat, but over the years I've seen more and more Brits shopping for chicken breasts and duck. "However my experience has shown me that despite all the newcomers to the market, we still love the meats we've grown up with. The traditional beef roast dinner is certainly here to stay. "Men and women voted differently in the poll with beef steaks being the top choice for the gents, with the ladies opting for a healthier chicken breast fillet as their favourite meat. In my experience women have always preferred poultry whilst the men stick to the red meats." Lamb followed chicken into third place in the poll, winning 18% of the votes. And sausages and pork chops no longer seem to be as popular despite Britain's "bangers and mash" heritage - with pork receiving just 10% of the votes. Duck sailed away with just 5% while turkey, which was tagged "a Christmas meat," trailed at the bottom with only 3% of the votes.