There’s something about a drizzly, grey British afternoon that makes you crave a bit of warmth and comfort. When the skies darken, our natural instinct is to reach for something hearty to lift the spirits – and in Britain, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to comfort food. Whether it’s a traditional pie, a spoonful of something sweet, or a savoury snack, these dishes give us the familiar, nostalgic hug we all need when the weather turns. These comfort foods make the rainy days feel a little brighter, each one steeped in tradition and full of flavour.
1. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate British comfort food, a rich and savoury dish made from minced lamb, vegetables, and a smooth, fluffy mashed potato topping. This warm, hearty meal has been a staple in British households for generations, especially on rainy days when you need something filling. Traditionally, it’s a way to use up leftover roast lamb, but it’s so beloved that many people make it from scratch just to savour that meaty, creamy goodness.
2. Fish and Chips
There’s nothing quite like fish and chips on a rainy day, eaten straight out of the paper or enjoyed indoors while the rain patters on the windows. A crispy, battered piece of white fish paired with thick, golden chips, and maybe a splash of malt vinegar, hits all the right notes. It’s a simple meal, but one that brings immense comfort, especially when the weather’s bleak.
3. Sticky Toffee Pudding
For a sweet treat that warms you from the inside, sticky toffee pudding is unbeatable. This dense, moist sponge cake made with dates is smothered in a rich toffee sauce. Often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream, the mix of hot and cold makes it the perfect dessert to enjoy on a gloomy day. It’s sweet, indulgent, and just what you need when the rain clouds roll in.
4. Beef Stew with Dumplings
Nothing says cosy like a pot of beef stew simmering away, filling the house with delicious smells. Tender chunks of beef, root vegetables, and a rich, herby gravy make up this classic dish, with fluffy dumplings sitting on top to soak up all the flavour. It’s the sort of dish that takes time, making it perfect for a slow afternoon when the rain won’t let up and you’re in no rush to leave the house.
5. Cheese and Onion Pasty
The humble cheese and onion pasty is a handheld slice of comfort, perfect for nibbling indoors or taking on a soggy walk. The combination of tangy cheese and sweet, caramelised onions wrapped in flaky pastry is a simple yet satisfying pleasure. It’s a staple of British bakeries and a favourite snack that hits the spot when you’re in need of something warm and filling.
6. Toad in the Hole
Toad in the Hole is a traditional British dish that pairs Yorkshire pudding batter with sausages for a savoury, comforting meal. It’s often served with onion gravy and mash, making it a favourite when the weather’s looking grim. The sausages are baked into the batter, creating a crispy yet soft dish that’s the perfect balance of texture and taste.
7. Bread and Butter Pudding
This dessert is a brilliant way to use up stale bread, but it’s so good that people make it fresh all the time. Bread and butter pudding is layers of buttered bread, usually sprinkled with raisins or sultanas, soaked in an eggy custard and baked until golden. Served with custard or cream, it’s a simple, warming dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
8. Cottage Pie
Cottage Pie, similar to Shepherd’s Pie, uses beef mince instead of lamb. It’s just as comforting, with a savoury beef filling topped with smooth mashed potatoes that crisp up beautifully in the oven. This dish is great for cold, wet days when you want something hearty to keep you warm and satisfied. Serve with peas or carrots for a traditional touch.
9. Full English Breakfast
The Full English Breakfast isn’t just for mornings. A plate piled high with bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans, fried mushrooms, tomatoes, and maybe a slice of black pudding is the ultimate comfort meal any time of day. It’s warm, filling, and has a little bit of everything you need when the rain’s pouring outside.
10. Cornish Pasty
The Cornish pasty, with its rich history and heartwarming flavours, is an iconic British comfort food. Filled with beef, potato, onion, and swede, all wrapped in golden pastry, it’s a complete meal in a handy package. The thick, crimped edge was originally meant to be held by coal miners with dirty hands, but now it’s just a perfect excuse to enjoy this classic on a drizzly day.
11. Welsh Rarebit
Welsh Rarebit is more than just cheese on toast – it’s a decadent, creamy cheese sauce spiced with mustard, ale, and Worcestershire sauce, grilled on thick slices of bread. It’s the perfect snack or light meal when the weather’s dreary, bringing comfort and indulgence with every bite. Served hot and bubbly, it’s a warming treat you won’t be able to resist.
12. Jacket Potatoes
Jacket potatoes, or baked potatoes, are a comforting classic that never goes out of style. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these spuds are perfect with a generous dollop of butter or topped with anything from baked beans and cheese to tuna mayo. They’re simple, affordable, and always satisfying, especially when it’s cold and damp outside.
13. Chicken and Mushroom Pie
There’s something incredibly comforting about a chicken and mushroom pie. With its creamy filling and buttery, flaky pastry, it’s one of those dishes that just feels like home. The chicken is tender, the mushrooms add an earthy flavour, and the sauce ties everything together perfectly. It’s a warm, hearty dish to enjoy on a rainy day when all you want is something filling and delicious.
14. Crumpets with Butter
Crumpets are one of the simplest yet most comforting British snacks. Light and airy with their signature holes perfect for soaking up butter, crumpets are a rainy day essential. Toasted until crispy on the outside but soft inside, they’re usually served hot with butter melting into every nook and cranny. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, they never fail to warm you up.
15. Steak and Kidney Pie
Steak and kidney pie is a classic British comfort food that packs in big flavours. Tender pieces of steak and lamb kidney are cooked in a rich, meaty gravy, then encased in a golden, flaky pastry. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for those cold, rainy nights when you’re craving something substantial and warming.
16. Sausage and Mash
Sausage and mash is a simple, comforting meal that’s always a winner on rainy days. A couple of plump, meaty sausages served with creamy mashed potatoes and plenty of onion gravy makes for an easy yet satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that warms you right through, perfect for when the weather is dreary and you need something fuss-free but filling.
17. Apple Crumble
Apple crumble is a British classic that brings instant comfort with every bite. Warm, soft apples, spiced with cinnamon, are topped with a crumbly, buttery mixture that crisps up in the oven. Served with custard or cream, it’s a dessert that’s cosy and delicious, ideal for those wet, chilly afternoons when all you want is something sweet to cheer you up.
18. Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak is a wonderful way to use up leftover vegetables, but it’s also a tasty dish in its own right. Typically made with mashed potatoes and cabbage, it’s fried up until crispy, and sometimes includes other veg like carrots or peas. It’s usually served with cold meats or eggs, but it’s the crispy edges and soft centre that make this dish such a comforting, satisfying bite.
19. Lancashire Hotpot
Lancashire Hotpot is a traditional British casserole made with layers of lamb, onions, and sliced potatoes. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is incredibly comforting, with tender meat and crispy potatoes on top. It’s perfect for a rainy day, offering warmth and nourishment in every bite. The simplicity of ingredients belies just how rich and satisfying this dish can be.
20. Beans on Toast
Beans on toast is a staple for many British households, and it’s a comfort food that’s quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying. A slice of toasted bread topped with hot baked beans and sometimes a sprinkling of cheese makes for a warm and filling snack or light meal. It’s a classic when you want something quick but comforting on a wet afternoon.
21. Eton Mess
Eton Mess is a delightful mix of strawberries, meringue, and whipped cream that feels indulgent yet light. While it’s more of a summer dessert, there’s something about its simplicity and sweetness that can brighten even the gloomiest of days. The crunchy meringue mixed with soft fruit and cream creates a perfect balance of textures and flavours.
22. Black Pudding
Black pudding might not be everyone’s first thought when it comes to comfort food, but for those who love it, it’s a warm, savoury treat. Made from pork blood, oatmeal, and spices, this rich and earthy sausage is often served as part of a Full English Breakfast, but it’s just as good on its own. Its hearty flavour and dense texture make it a satisfying bite on a rainy morning.
23. Victoria Sponge Cake
Victoria sponge cake is a simple yet classic British bake that never fails to bring a smile. Light sponge cakes are sandwiched together with jam and a layer of cream, creating a sweet and satisfying treat. It’s perfect for afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert on a rainy day, when you need something sweet to brighten your mood.
24. Spotted Dick
Spotted Dick is a classic British steamed pudding made with suet and dried fruits, usually served with custard. Despite its funny name, this dessert is pure comfort, offering a warm and sweet end to any meal. The soft, spongy texture paired with the sweetness of the dried fruit and richness of the custard makes it the perfect dish to enjoy when the rain’s pouring outside.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
