Britons shun wine for beer

Britons are increasingly choosing to order a beer instead of a glass of wine when eating out, with diners becoming ever more discerning over their choice of brew.

That is according to a survey by Belgian beer brand Leffe which found that 42% of drinkers were more likely to consume draught and bottled beers while dining than they were five years ago, while 64% considered it now more socially acceptable to order a beer in a fine dining restaurant.

The study’s findings indicate a continued shift in attitudes towards beer and tallies with an increasing presence of beer sommeliers at top restaurants, employed to professionally pair beer with its menu.

A rising awareness and popularity of the merits of matching beer with food is due to restaurants increasingly choosing to present beer lists alongside wine lists, according to 42% of the survey’s respondents.

The findings come just weeks after the formation of Britain’s Beer Alliance, which has pumped £10 million into the industry with the launch of an advertising campaign to promote the “quality, diversity and versatility of beer”.

Emily Kraftman, Leffe senior brand manager, said: “We’re thrilled that more and more Brits are discovering the possibilities of beer as an accompaniment to a variety of cuisines. We’re seeing more and more restaurants offer beer pairings with tasting menus and some even have dedicated beer sommeliers.

“We think this trend is here to stay which is why earlier this year we partnered with Michelin starred chef, Kevin Love, to award and acknowledge the pubs and restaurants across the country serving the best gourmet bar snacks that go well with speciality beers like Leffe.”

Wine it seems is still the most popular choice for a Sunday roast, with just 25% admitting they would rather drink beer.

Leffe is 6.5% Beligian beer brewed by Anheuser Busch InBev.