
Let’s step into the warmth of Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen to explore the everyday fare that kept Downton running. If you’ve ever wondered what the loyal staff might have enjoyed after a long day serving upstairs, here’s a glimpse. Plus a few comforting, period-style recipes to try yourself.
The Downton Abbey Downstairs World
The Downton Abbey Kitchen

The reality downstairs
Unlike the lavish multi-course meals served upstairs, the servants’ provisions were humble, hearty, and practical. Meals were prepared with the same level of care, but with far fewer luxuries. Their plates featured economical ingredients, plenty of starches, seasonal produce, and preserved goods. Yet despite the simplicity, there’s something deeply appealing about these traditional dishes.
A taste of Downton downstairs style
Meals would include:
Homemade Bread or Rolls: A staple at nearly every meal, often served with preserves or cheese.
Stews and Pies: Hearty one-pot meals like lamb stew, shepherd’s pie, or meat and onion pies would fill bellies after a long day.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, turnips, and parsnips were regularly served boiled or mashed.
Oatmeal or Porridge: Common at breakfast, alongside strong tea and sometimes a slice of bacon.
Seasonal Fruits: Apples, plums, or berries gathered from the estate, enjoyed fresh or stewed.
Downton Abbey Inspired Menu
While we may not be living in a Yorkshire estate or cooking for an earl, there’s no reason we can’t borrow a little inspiration from Mrs. Patmore’s domain. These simple recipes are reminiscent of what might have been found on the servants’ table, and they’re just as fitting for a cozy evening at home:
Downton Abbey menu of beans on toast

Hearty meal of Pub Grub Bangers & Mash
This traditional English entrée of mashed potatoes and sausage is a delicious Downton Abbey menu meal. Usually made with a brown gravy, this version gets added flavor and color from red onions and cranberries.
Pub Grub Bangers & Mash with Cranberry Chutney
MASH
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled (if desired) and cut into chunks
Place potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer, slightly covered, for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain.
Add:
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup sour cream
2 ounces cream cheese
Warmed milk, as needed
Salt and pepper, to taste
Mash until smooth, adding milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
Note: I was surprised to see Ina Garten add Dijon and whole-grain mustard to mashed potatoes. I was hesitant, but really liked it. If you want to try it too, start with about 1 teaspoon of both.
BANGERS
4 pork sausages (I used lean turkey sausages from the butcher)
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and arrange sausages in a single layer.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until just cooked through.
CHUTNEY
Drizzle of oil
1 red onion, cut into thin wedges
1/2 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) cranberries (add more if desired)
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Fresh sage, for garnish (optional)
Place sausages on a foil-lined pan.
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add cranberries, cinnamon, and a splash of water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and the chutney has reduced.
Add ginger and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 1–2 minutes more.
If the chutney tastes too tart, as it did for me, sprinkle in a bit of sugar as it simmers.
TO SERVE
Mound a generous portion of mashed potatoes on each plate.
Top with sausages cut diagonally in half.
Spoon chutney over the top and sprinkle with fresh sage, if desired.
Split Pea Soup
Downton Abbey Sally Lunn Bread

Downton Abbey Menu Bilberry Apple Pie
Dessert isn’t often a part of the servants daily meal but on special occasions, a lovely Bilberry Apple Pie encourages the staff to be extra diligent and helpful to stay in Mrs. Patmore’s good graces.
Is a bilberry different from a blueberry?
Blueberry {Bilberry} Apple Pie
- 7 cups tart cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 pint blueberries (fresh or frozen and slightly thawed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 Tbs. flour
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbs. butter, thinly sliced
- 1 egg slightly beaten with 1 tsp. water
- cinnamon sugar for sprinkling on top

Downton Abbey Trivia Quiz Questions
Toasted Almond Gingerbread Scones
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I love Downton, Im not sure when we have a new season starting, Im guessing we are probably ahead of you seeing as its a British program, but I always look forward to is coming around. This sausage recipe looks amazing!
I also love Downton Abbey – every detail attended to – just imagine!
We recently enjoyed a meal of Pub Bangers and Mash at Epcot Center in Disney World. Best served with a flight of beer samples. Mmmmmm . . .
Oh what wonderful recipes! I think I would take Bangers and Mash any day over the food they eat upstairs! Did you happen to see the show on following the first episode on Sunday night called "The Manners of Downton Abbey"? It was an historial behind the scenes look at the aristocracy featuring many of the actors…very interesting AND informative. Great post, Lorraine!
I'm a Downton fan, too, and was so glad to see the new season start. Hope it won't be all gloom and doom.
Oh, you are going to love this season of Downton Abbey. I have already seen it off of the blog, http://www.SimplyJane.com. She downloads them to her blog after they are seen in Great Britian which is usually in Oct. I love getting to see them and then I watch my other PBS favorites. Great looking recipes!
I love Downton Abbey! Love this post! The food looks delish, however, I don't think I could eat the baked beans for breakfast. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing…can't wait to see the new series!
xo
Pat
I've never Downtown Abbey but all this food looks incredibly good
This is a fun post! It's amazing its DA time again, seems like it just ended. How fast time flies!
I'll be snuggled up with a cat or two watching DA, too. Can't wait. That tea-bread looks so delicious and honey-butter sounds so good. Fact…I did not know Mrs. Patmore's first name was Beryl. Thanks for that. Enjoy the show, Lorraine. Deb
The Downton Abbey folks are almost like friends now, aren't they? We're all so interested in their lives.
Lovely food post.