Lobby (food) facts for kids

Lobby, sometimes called "lobbies," is a yummy and hearty traditional stew from a part of England called North Staffordshire. It's usually made with beef or lamb, lots of potatoes, and other vegetables like carrots, leeks, and onions. It's a bit like a thick, warming soup!

History of Lobby Stew

Lobby stew has a long history, especially in the North Staffordshire area. It was a very important meal for people who worked in the local pottery factories. These workers often didn't earn much money. They needed food that was cheap, filling, and easy to make. Lobby was perfect because it used simple ingredients and could feed a whole family.

Why Was Lobby Popular?

Lobby was popular for a few reasons:

• Affordable: It used inexpensive ingredients like potatoes, root vegetables, and small amounts of meat.
• Nutritious: Even though it was cheap, it was packed with good nutrients from the vegetables and meat.
• Filling: It was a hearty meal that kept people full and energized for their hard work.
• Easy to make: It could be cooked slowly, often in one pot, making it simple for busy families.

A food expert named Maurice Hassell once said that Lobby was "a nutritious economic meal made with the season’s vegetables." This means it was healthy and affordable, using whatever vegetables were fresh at the time. Even today, you can find Lobby on menus in local pubs and in homes across North Staffordshire.

Lobby and Other Stews

Lobby is not the only stew of its kind in England. There are similar dishes with different names.

"Lobby Gobblers"

In a town called Leigh, Greater Manchester, people sometimes called the local residents "lobby gobblers." This was a fun nickname, just like people from nearby Wigan were known as "pie eaters." It shows how important and well-loved this stew was in the area!

Lobby's Cousin: Scouse

If you travel to Liverpool, you'll find a stew that's very similar to Lobby, but it's called "scouse." Both "Lobby" and "scouse" are thought to come from an older word, "lobscouse." This was a simple, cheap stew that became popular way back in the early 1700s. It just goes to show how long people have enjoyed these comforting, hearty meals!