Survey shows tea time is now tipple time
Britons are shunning lunchtime drinking in favour of a tipple at tea time on the way home from work, a Europe-wide survey of beer trends by brewer SABMiller reveals.
The survey of drinking habits in 15 European countries showed the average UK drinker enjoys their first beer of the day at 6.14pm. Only one in 10 consumers now enjoy a lunchtime pint and more people are cutting down on midweek drinking.
The poll of 7,500 people confirmed that Saturday is the favourite night for a beer, with 59% relaxing in a pub, restaurant or with a drink at home. The British are now the least likely to drink during the week with only 28% saying they enjoyed a drink, notably on a Wednesday. Brits also shun mixing business with pleasure after the survey showed 68% having their last drink before 11pm on Mondays to Thursdays.
The poll showed the Danes were first at the bar with a 4.41pm average start, while the French are the earliest finishers, calling time at 8.33pm. Beer-loving Germans are last to bed with a final beer drunk at 10.59pm while almost a quarter of Danes enjoyed a lunchtime drink. The Czechs were found to be the biggest beer drinkers — and most patriotic — with 91% preferring their own national beers.
Dr Paul Jennings, University of Bradford social history lecturer, says the statistics reflect changes in the UK's economic make-up.
"The British work some of the longest hours in Europe. White-collar workers have seen the biggest increases in working hours. As we've moved from a manufacturing base to a service-led, economically focused economy, we're tied to our desks for longer."
"That just does not apply to working later as the whole cultural shift away from stopping for lunch is further evidenced by the decrease in lunchtime drinking," he said.