Revered for a pungent odour that has been likened, rather diplomatically, to raw sewage and a formidable thorn-covered husk, the Durian has unsurprisingly failed to make any inroads into the culinary habits on our shores just yet.

But, prepare yourselves; whilst the infamous south-east Asian fruit has been available in Great Britain for some time, a new, more repugnant variety is set to hit the shelves. Banned in many public establishments and spaces in Singapore, the Durian splits opinion; a bit like marmite only a lot smellier.

Writing in The New York Times, Thomas Fuller waxes lyrical about the fruit stating that ‘you’ll experience overtones of hazelnut, apricot, caramelised banana and egg custard.’ Yet, ‘words fail’ in describing just what lies inside the barbed casing. Others just point to towards its pong as reason enough never go near it.

Asian speciality stores are now stocking the Durian, although the sale of the fruit can be found within the Greater London area – so don’t expect to be able to waltz into your local supermarket or grocers and find one.

But many people predict that the notoriety of the product of south-east Asia will be a primary reason why it will be successful and soon transfer over into the mainstream niche of the British culinary scene. Chef Tim Anderson, whilst conceding ground over the negatives surrounding the Durian, states that it is a versatile fruit and is currently working alongside Malaysia Kitchen to come up with a number of Durian based recipes and has already used it in a risotto instead of cheese, served with ox-cheek rending.

Speaking to The Independent, Stanley Harper, a spokesperson for Malaysia Kitchen, explained why the Durian is finding its way over to the United Kingdom far more regularly these days: ‘Advances in vacuum packing have helped to get it over fresher, keeping in the fragrance. It’s much more cost effective now as well – otherwise, they would have to be flown over.’

Banned on public transport in many south-east Asian nations, Boris has yet to ban it on the tube.

Yet…..