Why the UK Loves Its Gravy
We love gravy in the UK! In a recent review of The Gresley Arms in Staffordshire, one diner loved the pub’s gravy so much he described wanting to pour it all over himself and roll around in it on the floor.
He’s not alone. At the World Gravy Wrestling Championships in Stacksteads, Lancashire, contestants literally wrestle in vats of gravy for charity and entertainment.
Even our everyday language reflects the affection—phrases like “on the gravy train” and “it’s all gravy” show how deeply this sauce is woven into British life.
And in recent years, gravy has even found its way into sweet treats and cocktails, proving its versatility in modern menus.
For chefs, however, the focus is on quality, consistency, and practicality. That’s where CHEF Approved gravies come in—reliable, rich, and ready when you are.
CHEF Approved Ingredients Make All the Difference
Every chef knows that flavour and consistency define a great dish, and nothing proves that better than a well-made gravy.
Whether you build yours from roasted bones, demi-glace, vegetables, or pan drippings, finishing with a professional-grade granule or powder can give that final touch—deep colour, smooth texture, and balanced savoury depth.
CHEF Approved gravies are developed for professional kitchens that need fast, consistent results without compromising on taste.
Simply add boiling water or use them to deglaze a pan—ideal for everything from quick sauces to large-scale service.
Explore our range:
Technical Formulation: Why It Works
Developed using Swiss methods for optimal viscosity and taste, CHEF Approved granules and powders brown, season, and thicken effortlessly with just hot water.
Each blend features roasted onion, rosemary, tomato powder, sage, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. They’re also vegan-friendly and gluten-free for broader compatibility.
Unlike some gravies that can taste overly salty or artificial, our powders recreate the deep savoury complexity of slow-cooked meat stocks by replicating the Maillard reaction—without the hours of simmering.
- Powders: Ideal for bulk prep, carveries, and holding over heat.
- Granules: Instant, flexible, and perfect for in-service use.
Versatile, Dependable, and Always Delicious
Gravy powder isn’t just for Sunday roasts. It can enhance pies, casseroles, sauces, marinades, and even creative modern dishes.
A spoonful can transform the depth of a dish or act as a base for something entirely new. In a professional kitchen, versatility counts—and this is where instant solutions shine.
A Rich History and an Unlikely Future
Gravy’s story stretches back centuries. Dipping bread into meat juices was a common practice in medieval Britain, long before the Sunday roast became a tradition.
Today, gravy continues to evolve. Across social media, roast beef and potato sandwiches dipped in gravy have become a viral comfort food.
At The Bluecoats pub in London, chef Jenny Phung reimagines the classic with miso gravy, adding an umami punch to her roasts.
Meanwhile, The Food People trend agency highlights the rise of savoury-sweet crossovers, such as the KFC x Hackney Gelato chicken-infused gravy ice cream that sold out within days.
Even bars have joined in, experimenting with gravy-inspired cocktails like the Shepherd’s Pie Manhattan and a steak and ale margarita with a gravy salt rim.
And now, breakfast gravy—made with sausage drippings, bacon fat, Worcestershire sauce, and even coffee—has started appearing on English breakfast menus. It’s unconventional, but diners seem to love it.
CHEF Approved and Service Ready
A professional gravy mix can do more than complete a roast. It can serve as an umami enhancer, a sauce base, or a thickener for soups and stews.
Our CHEF Approved granules and powders are shelf-stable, resealable, and reliable—ready when you need them, even during the busiest services.
Choose Your Format
Each product brings subtle flavour variations—from rosemary and roasted onion to tomato and sage—so you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen. See our product guides for full details.
The Gravy Train Rolls On
Whether you’re thickening a shepherd’s pie, enriching a stew, or finishing a roast, CHEF Approved gravies deliver dependable quality every time.
And if you’re tempted to roll around in it—perhaps leave that to the World Gravy Wrestling Championships.
Explore the full range and find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
