This new map shows whether you’re northern or southern based on what you dip your chips in

The north-south divide is an age-old British debate that shows no sign of stopping. Is it about money? Life expectancy? Whether your high street has a Waitrose or a Wilko? Honestly, everyone’s got their own theory, and the arguments could go on until the end of time.

But now, the debate might finally be settled. And not by the government, or academics, or even Greggs. No. This time, it’s Iceland Foods has weighed in with what it thinks is the ultimate answer.

So, where does the real north-south line fall?

Apparently, it’s all down to fish and chips. More specifically, what you put on your fish and chips.

Iceland’s new research has revealed that nearly 25 per cent of Brits name fish and chips as their favourite takeaway. But while we may be united in our love for deep-fried comfort, what we drizzle, dollop, or drown them in? That’s where the country splits in two.

According to Iceland, curry sauce reigns supreme in the north, while the south leans towards the Holy Trinity of ketchup, mayo, and tartare sauce.

And where exactly is the line drawn?

Via Google Maps

Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire are all officially northern, thanks to their curry sauce devotion. Norfolk and Staffordshire, meanwhile, fall into southern territory; sauce choice don’t lie.

Here’s what a chippy order looks like on either side of the sauce divide:

Northern order: Fish, chips, salt and vinegar, scraps (of course), mushy peas, and a hearty helping of curry sauce to top it all off.

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Southern order: Fish, chips, salt and vinegar, battered sausage (because why not?), mushy peas, and then a very polite spoonful of ketchup or mayo/tartare if things are getting wild.

So what’s Iceland’s final verdict?

Paul Dhaliwal, chief customer officer at Iceland, said it best: “We wanted to understand the regional differences in chip shop orders from who likes mushy peas to who prefers battered sausage. But what we found was even more revealing.”

Apparently, it all comes down to the sauce. “So, if you live in places like Wales or Nottingham, you’re officially northern,” Dhaliwal confirmed. “But if you’re in Birmingham, Coventry, or anywhere south of Northampton, that’s southern territory.”

So, the battle lines have been drawn — in red and yellow colour.

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