WITH Wimbledon fortnight well under way, there is no better time to celebrate all things British -- even if our players haven't much to celebrate.

And that doesn't mean dripping umbrellas and extortionately expensive strawberries and cream.

Traditional British dishes seem to have been forgotten in the rush for the exotic and continental.

Indian and Thai curries, pasta dishes, Mexican tortillas, Chinese banquets and healthy Mediterranean feasts have tickled our tastebuds and pushed good old English favourites off the menu.

Just think back. How long is it since you enjoyed bubble and squeak, bangers and mash, pease pudding, beef and horseradish, or scones with fresh jam and clotted cream?

Don't apologise if your mouth is watering -- these traditional dishes are culinary delicacies in their own right and deserve a place on the menu of the finest restaurants.

Indeed, while the nation is rushing to its nearest Indian restaurant, many of the country's most respected chefs are going back to basics.

Only last week I enjoyed bangers and mash in the ultra-cool Living Room wine and cafe bar in Manchester city centre.

East Lancashire's own celebrity chefs Paul Heathcote and Andrew Nutter are well-known for putting their own twists on traditional dishes such as Bury black pudding and even Eccles cakes.

So surely it is time to dust off those old recipe books lurking in the back of our kitchen cupboards, throw caution to the wind and enjoy good old-fashioned English food at its best.

Just click back and check out the recipes in the Food news index.