FUNNYMAN Peter Kay famously proclaimed garlic bread was “the future” — now it appears bakery giant Warburtons agrees.

A garlic bread baguette is the latest offering from the Bolton-based firm — and it has gone on sale in Iceland stores across the UK.

Sales director John Smethurst described the baguette as “ideal for sharing”.

He said: “It is our first product with a new chilled and frozen range and we have exciting plans to grow our share of this sector.

“We’ve been asked for years when Britain’s best baker from Bolton will make its first garlic bread.

“So we’ve listened and have worked hard to make this great new product to meet the needs, and wants, of our consumers.”

The bread comes in “a flat base artisan style shape as opposed to a standard baton” Mr Smethurst added.

Bolton comedian Peter Kay’s quip — “Garlic bread, it’s the future, I’ve tasted it” — delivered by his character Brian Potter in his hit sitcom Phoenix Nights, was voted the best television one liner of all time in a poll.

Last year, Warburtons bought garlic bread specialist Giles Foods.

The family firm has a £26 million turnover and produces unbranded baked products including garlic breads, dough balls, and French and Italian breads.

Earlier this month, Warbies was named Britain’s best loved shopping basket brand.

Its 800g loaf beat everyday labels such as Coca-Cola, Heinz and Cadbury.