Britain's Earl of Sandwich loves eating mackerel and pickled onion sandwiches. Lord John Edward Hollister Montagu - who is the 11th Earl, and a direct descendent of the first Earl who invented the famous bread snack - enjoys nothing more than settling down with the fishy, pickled bite.

After sampling the delicacy - which is made using tinned mackerel in a rich tomato sauce - he admitted: "I was sure I'd get on with this. I understand what the inventor was getting at. It wouldn't be for everyone and has a strong flavor, but I like it."

The earl tasted the sandwich while judging a contest spearheaded by Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper to find the most inspired filling for the nation's favorite snack.

Coming out on top was stilton and grape, which was suggested by Kate Ramsden from Cornwall.

John said: "I grew up near the village of Stilton, so this holds a special place in my heart. Taste-wise it is exactly what I would expect - delicious, every flavor complements each other. I loved the combination of the garlic mayonnaise with the cheese and the sweetness of the grapes."

Kate's creation earned her the top prize of 500 pounds [$820].

Another unusual favorite of the earl was beetroot and cheese and onion crisps.

Praising the chef's artistic flair, John said: "Forget what's inside, it's a beauty. Definitely the most aesthetic one. I was almost looking forward to it. Unsurprisingly, it's not very good to taste. I didn't like it at all, but it does look good."

Other sandwiches tested by the earl included battered cod - which "lacked magic" - Italian antipasti with rocket and basil, chips and marmite.

However, the royal saved his most scathing review for the unusual pairing of banana and crab.

Revealing he was loathe to even let the snack near his lips, he said: "The one I was least looking forward to! It sounds horrifying - and it tasted horrible. I could only manage one bite."