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The home of the 'Fab Four' has won the 'fab pour' - after Liverpool was crowned the UK's 'Sunday and Christmas roast dinner' gravy capital. Researchers found of all UK cities, the Merseyside metropolis has the nation's biggest obsession with gravy with 73% insisting it's a roast's most vital ingredient.

Drizzling just behind was Sheffield (72%); Norwich (71%); Swansea (70%); Leicester (67%); Manchester (65 %); Birmingham (64%); York (63%); Oxford (62%) and Cambridge (61%). The survey of 2,000 UK adults last month, commissioned by Asda, found on average across the UK 70% of Britons went so far as to say, gravy is a national obsession.

The majority (59%) prefer their gravy medium thickness, to coat a spoon lightly, while 35% like it thick or very thick and just 5% prefer it thin and broth-like.

And in terms of the perfect colour and consistency - a 5 / B on the following colour to thickness gravy chart is optimum, according to the majority of those surveyed.

Almost half (46%) insist gravy should be steaming hot. Approximately 74C will produce a steamy aroma when poured onto meat and veggies.

Asda have enlisted TV presenter, cook-book author and proud Yorkshireman, Sam Nixon as the UK's first Gravy Sommelier, learning to identify flavour notes, assess pouring techniques and grade colour, like a fine wine.

The appointment comes as Asda launches three new gravies to accompany its centrepieces, in time for Christmas.

Sam Nixon, Asda's official Christmas Gravy Sommelier, says: "I've sniffed, swirled and slurped more gravy than I ever thought possible.

"Working with Asda's chefs has shown me what really matters to people - the heat, the shine, the viscosity.

"The Gravy Grid should make for some great conversations at the dinner table this year, and the new range from Asda should keep everyone happy!"

Other gravy crimes, apart from taking too much, include serving it lumpy (51%), messing with someone else's sauce on the stove (26%), drinking it from the plate after finishing your meal (21%) or coming in for seconds before anyone has finished their first helping (11%) - little wonder then that 29% say their family regularly fall out over the gravy boat.

But the research also revealed Brits aren't gravy snobs - with as many as 67% saying they are happy to use granules. A more militant one in three prefer to make it from scratch, with meat juices, wine and veggies.

The majority (36%) say mum's gravy is best. While as many as 13% admit to pretending to prefer their other halves, when really, it's their mums all the way.

Rich Harding, Asda's Chief Test Chef, said: "Gravy might seem simple, but the research shows it's the make-or-break element of Christmas lunch for many families.

"From portion fairness to perfect thickness, people really care - and we've listened. Our goal this year is to help households enjoy a Christmas dinner that feels special, without the stress.

"That's why we've worked hard to create a delicious, ready-made gravy that meets the nation's expectations and takes the pressure off home cooks."

THE TOP TEN GRAVY CAPITALS OF THE UK:

Liverpool - 73% (say gravy is the most important part of a Christmas lunch or roast )

Sheffield- 72%

Norwich - 71%

Swansea- 70%

Leicester- 67%

Manchester - 65%

Birmingham - 64%

York - 63%

Oxford - 62%

Cambridge - 61%