A globe-trotting YouTuber has revealed a food preference that he’s spotted in the north that’s different in the south of England.

Mark Wolters shared his insights on his channel, Wolters World, which boasts more than one million subscribers and showcases various global adventures, including those in Russia, Israel and Japan.

In a 2023 video segment titled ‘The North vs The South of England – Who Wins?’, he acknowledged that the differences aren’t vast but rather presented as “little things you might kind of notice”.

He particularly recalled an experience in York, which highlighted a variation involving a widely cherished dish, reports the Manchester Evening News.

He explained: “When you come here in, you know if you go to the south of England, you order some chips; they just give you chips, you know, French fries.”

He added: “And if you want some ketchup, you can put it on there. If you want mayo, you can put it on. You can do whatever you want on there, but they give it to you kind of dry, right?”

In contrast, he noticed something unique to the north: “Whereas if you’re in the north, I’ve noticed that they tend to sometimes put coverings on their fries. You know, like maybe you have chips and gravy or chips and curry sauce on top.”

To sum up, he noted: “And I just noticed that the north likes to have a little bit more gravy, a little more sauce on their dishes than in the south so just be aware of that.”

Mark has dished out a tip for those unfamiliar with northern customs, explaining that when you’re served gravy with your chips up north, it’s intended for dipping or drizzling on top, not as a side for “steak or mashed potatoes”.

The North-South divide is a hotly debated topic in England, highlighting the cultural, social, and economic disparities between the southern regions and their northern counterparts.

Back in 2020, readers of the MEN weighed in on why they believe the north trumps the south, citing reasons such as chippy teas, top-notch brews, stunning views, a cracking sense of humour, friendlier locals, and, naturally, the beloved gravy.

George East, who had moved from the South for Buxton, reeled off his list of Northern highlights: “People, friendliness, chips, beer, humour, easy-goingness, house prices, scenery, cost of living, and gravy.”