The OnePoll study of 2,000 people saw the apple pie rise above British classics such as the Shepherd’s pie, steak and ale and chicken and mushroom.

Kevin Smith, panel director for OnePoll, said: “The extensive list shows the versatility of the pie and what a big feature it is when it comes to the British diet.

“Whether sweet or savoury, pie passion is clearly high and a hard-fought contest sees apple pie narrowly take the top spot.”

Brits tuck into an average of 2.2 pies a month, with 6% admitting to scoffing up to six and 1% going crust-crazy and eating over 10.

Pies are one of the ultimate comfort foods, with 84 per cent of the population describing them as one of the best comfort foods, and the same amount saying they’re ideal for feeding a family.

The top 20 pies are:

1. Apple 39.55%

2. Shepherd’s pie 39.25%

3. Steak and ale 39.15%

4. Cottage pie 35.95%

5. Steak & kidney 34.20%

6. Lemon meringue 31.80%

7. Chicken and mushroom 30.85%

8. Pork Pie 29.35%

9. Mince pie 27.25%

10. Meat and potato 26.60%

11. Chicken 25.50%

12. Cheese and onion 25.35%

13. Apple and blackberry 23.80%

14. Minced beef 22.60%

15. Chicken and gravy 22.05%

16. Chicken and bacon 21.45%

17. Chicken and leek 20.45%

18. Cherry 20.35%

19. Beef and beer 20.10%

20. Banoffee 20.05%