Traditional Sunday roast loses its charm as Brits opt for steak or lasagne instead

The classic Sunday lunch is undergoing a transformation, with millions now favouring alternative menu options such as steak, fish and chips, and even lasagne.

A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 46% are now more likely to select something other than a roast when dining out on a Sunday, while 27% believe the traditional roast dinner is 'overrated'.

Popular alternatives to the traditional Sunday roast include burgers, pie and mash, and macaroni cheese.

A spokesperson for payment provider Payit by NatWest, which commissioned the study, commented: "It's interesting to see how trends in hospitality, such as the Sunday lunch, are evolving.

"Even something as seemingly fundamental to British life as a Sunday roast might not be around forever - it's a reminder that Brits embrace change and like choice. And while millions will still catch up while enjoying a 'traditional' Sunday lunch, there are also people who are open to exploring new options."

The research also discovered that among those who wouldn't order a traditional Sunday lunch, 53% desire a greater variety of choices in a pub or restaurant, while 19% believe alternative options offer better health benefits. However, 17% would choose an all-day breakfast for their Sunday lunch, and 15% would prefer a chicken tikka masala.

Despite changing tastes, consumers still expect value for money when it comes to Sunday lunch. The study found that 42% of people are willing to spend between £11-£15 per person when dining out, with the average Sunday lunch costing £14.63.

The research, conducted via OnePoll.com, also revealed that a whopping 76% have never used payment methods other than cash or direct card payment for a Sunday lunch transaction.

Mark Brant from NatWest commented: "People want to enjoy their meal and spend more time with the people they're dining with and Payit comes with added security to reduce the risk of sensitive information of customers falling into the wrong hands."

"We hope to see more businesses adopting open banking in the UK over the next year so more customers can benefit from payment choice and enjoy a seamless payment experience at their favourite pubs and restaurants."