How to Eat Peas Like a Gentleman: British Etiquette Expert Sparks Debate Over How to Eat Your Greens

A video from British etiquette coach William Hanson has taken the internet by storm, showing viewers the “proper” way to eat peas—and it’s not what most of us are used to. In the now-viral clip, Hanson demonstrates the refined, royal-approved method of eating peas with a fork, tines facing downward, using a knife to carefully push the peas onto the back of the fork. The technique, while undeniably elegant, has left TikTok and Instagram users both fascinated and flabbergasted.

The Royal Way to Dine

Hanson, who serves as the director of The English Manner and is a frequent voice on etiquette across British media, explains that this method is rooted in traditional upper-class dining customs. “You don’t scoop peas like a shovel,” he says in the video. “You place them gently, with control.” The goal? To avoid any clumsy spills or unsightly mouthfuls, and instead present a poised, deliberate approach to even the most unruly of vegetables.

Social Media Reacts

The video has racked up millions of views and sparked a flurry of reactions. Some viewers praised the technique as “mesmerizing” and “oddly satisfying,” while others joked that it would take them an hour to finish a plate. One commenter quipped, “I’d starve before I got through a bowl of peas like that.” Still, many admitted they were tempted to try it themselves—if only for the novelty.

While no one’s going to revoke your dinner invite for scooping peas the “wrong” way, Hanson’s method offers a charming glimpse into the world of traditional British table manners. Whether you adopt the technique or simply enjoy the spectacle, one thing’s for sure: peas have never been this posh.