The stereotype of the ‘binge-drinking Brit’ may soon be a thing of the past as research by restaurant booking platform, Bookatable.co.uk reveals 62% of Brits prefer to drink alcohol whilst dining out compared to in a bar (47%) or in a pub (59%).
According to the findings, one in five (22%) consider themselves to be ‘knowledgeable’ or ‘expert’ when it comes to distinguishing between different wines, prosecco and champagne yet when Brits were asked what some terms commonly associated with wine meant, 70% of Brits had no idea.
The research revealed that 44% of respondents understood ‘fat’ to mean calorific or tasting thick rather than well-balanced, ‘big’ to mean powerful taste (25%) instead of full-bodied, and ‘awkward’ to mean lip-staining and tasting-off (20%) rather than unbalanced.
A more sophisticated British palate?
More than two thirds (70%) of British drinkers’ say their favourite tipple is wine including sparkling wine such as prosecco, whilst just one in 10 (10%) admit their favourite drink is an alcopop – indicating the emergence of a more sophisticated British palate.
| Brits Top five drinks |
| Wine and sparkling wine (70%) |
| Spirits (53%) |
| Lager (46%) |
| Cider (41%) |
| Beer (40%) |
A further 22% of Brits claim they are more comfortable ordering wine, prosecco and champagne at a restaurant than ever before, and more than half (55%) drink champagne and prosecco on a monthly basis, illustrating that it is not just a drink for special occasions anymore.
When it comes to deciding which drinks to consume, 46% of Brits stated it depends on what they are doing, and 20% stated it’s dependent on what time of day it is (20%).
Yet, when Brits dine out with friends, one in 10 (10%) would base their alcohol decision on what their friends are drinking, and 14% would opt for sharing a bottle of wine with their fellow diners, rather than choosing individual drinks because it’s more sociable and often cheaper.
Flexible in alcohol choices
It seems Brits are becoming more flexible in their alcohol choices too, with a quarter (26%) stating their preference of beverage changes when out for drinks compared to when they are dining out or in the home. Almost 20% based their alcohol choice on what they were eating.
The majority of those surveyed (70%) suggested their choice of drink at dinner was wine compared to other drinks like beer (40%) and spirits (53%), with 47% consuming a minimum of two alcoholic drinks during a meal.
When asked why Brits drink wine, prosecco and champagne, 22% do so because it goes with their meal, while a further quarter (25%) drink it to relax or because it looks sophisticated (15%).
British palates are changing
Joe Steele, CEO of Bookatable said: “Brits have long been plagued with the reputation of being lager louts but our research shows British palates are changing and people are now opting for more sophisticated drinks like wine, champagne and prosecco on a more regular basis. It seems Brits are growing more confident in their ability to choose these types of drinks during their meals, and with that we continue to see a rise in restaurants serving bubbly to their diners.”
Bookatable is launching a Free Flowing campaign where selected London restaurants are offering unlimited free-flowing bubbles with offers also on food including pizza and sushi. To find out more about the campaign or to book a Free Flowing deal click here
The restaurant booking platform is also running a deals competition which will run from August 3rd to September 14th. Members of the public have the chance to snap Bookatable-branded black cabs and win a chance to dine on a free-flowing deal to get £20 off.
For more information click here