What type of bike for main transport?

[Profpointy]

I would go for a touring type bike with all the mounting points for panniers and mudguards, my preference would be drop bars (more hand positions).
As @BigMeatball mentions, there are some good steel offerings from Genesis or if your on a budget the Planet X London Road would be my choice.
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/EBPXLDNRDA1M/planet-x-london-road-apex1

^ this - a touring style bike is arguably a near perfect all rounder, particularly the lighter ones, or an audax bike: panniers for your shopping, drop bars for comfort of different poistions, low enough gears for hills (with shopping), wide enough tyres for modest tracks as well as the road proper, and mudguards so you don't get covered in shyte if it rains a little.

 

[Andy in Germany]

If I was in your position, the bike I would keep is my Surly Disc Trucker. The Surly Big Dummy would be a close second.

You own a Disc trucker and a Big Dummy? The universe is so unfair.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

You own a Disc trucker and a Big Dummy? The universe is so unfair.

Well there are two of me don’t you know?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

If I was in your position, the bike I would keep is my Surly Disc Trucker. The Surly Big Dummy would be a close second.

Does the Big Dummy tow a Big Pram? Love to see that!

 

[Andy in Germany]

Does the Big Dummy tow a Big Pram? Love to see that!

Never underestimate a longtail.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

 

[tom73]

What let down that bike is no room for the dog

 

[tom73]

If your looking for an audax bike I got one of these off ebay. (though i've the triple)
https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s21p3202/SPA-CYCLES-Steel-Audax-(Shimano-105-Double)
Great for nipping out and about on. Plenty of options to carry stuff and it's fun to ride