One in three women visit pubs regularly

One in three women visit a pub at least once a fortnight, with three quarters of those opting to visit their local — according to a new survey by the BitterSweet Partnership.

But despite the good news, one quarter of the 2,000 women questioned said they were put off visiting their local pub by "an unfriendly and often unwelcoming environment".

Almost half of those questioned said excellent food and a great atmosphere were the top reasons why they loved the local boozer, while 42% said good value prices and entertainment (27%) scored highly on their list of priorities.

When it comes to drink choice, the traditional female bar order of a spirit and mixer has finally been replaced by beer, with one in five women saying they would choose it. Of those surveyed 8% said they approved of the broad selection of beers to choose from.

Kirsty Derry, managing director of BitterSweet Partnership said; "We know the majority of women still prefer drinking wine and visiting wine bars, but it's encouraging to see there are an increasing number of women heading down to their local pub to sample the great beer on offer."

But 18% of women weren't impressed by the lack of seating, while 16% felt cleanliness could be improved and 21% felt the music choice was poor.

Derry said: "We're not asking landlords to paint their pub walls pink or put potpourri on the tables - it's just about creating a more welcoming environment, offering better seating areas, giving a once over with the duster and changing the record, literally - probably from the current 1980s mix tape."

Other changes women were keen on included: better quality food (31%), entertainment (16%), table service (13%), less televised sport (11%), more stylish decor (7%) and a mixed clientele (6%).

The BitterSweet Partnership was set up by brewer Molson Coors UK one year ago, with the aim of making beer more appealing to women.