A new survey of beer drinking habits by brewer SABMiller has revealed that British drinkers are some of the most sensible and conscientious in Europe.
The survey of 7,500 people across 15 European countries found that Brits were the least likely to drink during the week and that for the first time 'Beer O'clock' in the UK is 6.14pm, later than most in Europe and evidence of the decline of lunch time drinking.
The survey found that only one in ten Brits now enjoy a lunchtime pint.
Nigel Fairbrass, spokesperson for SABMiller: "This demonstrates how the idea of swift pint at early doors is a distant memory, as we work longer and longer hours; and with just 10 per cent finding time for a beer between 12-1.30pm it appears that last orders have been called for lunchtime drinking."
The survey also found that the over-45s enjoyed their first pint of the day earlier at 5.49pm - over half an hour before those under 45. They also had an earlier drinking up time, finishing at 9.32pm an hour and a half earlier than the average.
Dr Paul Jennings, social historian from the University of Bradford and author of 'The Local: A History of the English Pub' said: "The British work some of the longest hours in Europe.
"As we have moved from a manufacturing base to a service-led, internationally focused economy, we are now tied to our desks for longer. This doesn't just apply to working later - the whole cultural shift away from stopping for lunch is further evidenced by the decrease in lunchtime drinking."
Other results showed that the Danes are first to the bar at 4.41pm, the French like an early night, with their last beer drunk at 8.33pm and that the Czechs are Europe's biggest beer lovers with just under two thirds (65 per cent) saying that it is their favourite alcoholic drink.