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Pubs Come Top in Poll of Englishness

24th June 2010

Visiting a great English pub has been voted the most ‘typically English’ pursuit in a survey of 5,000 people by Drink of England, Wells Bombardier.

The study shows 73 per cent consider spending time in country pubs, taverns and inns to be a truly English past-time.

Soap-land pubs such as the Rovers Return, the Woolpack and the Queen Vic all illustrate pubs as being places where folk meet to socialise, talk and celebrate.

Indeed, English pubs date back to almost 2,000 years ago, but are still at the heart of most towns and villages across the country.

Chris Lewis for Wells Bombardier Beer, which conducted the story, said: “What better way to support England this summer than not only waving our English flags with pride but also remembering all those typically English traits that make our country what it is.

“No other country has an institution like the great English pub – and what better way to show your support for England this summer than heading down your local, supping a pint of English cask beer and keeping that stiff upper lip - especially watching the football!”

The second typically English trait is loving a Sunday Roast – which entails enjoying a hearty meal with all the family.

Often the only time when everyone can get together, 71 per cent of people agree that sharing a beef roast with all the trimmings is their favourite part of the week.

And talking about the weather is the third most popular trait according to 64 per cent of people – with the temperature, outlook and forecast being something most folk entertain at least five times a day.

Fourth place in the poll goes to turning to a soothing cup of tea to ease worries – with two thirds of people considering tea as the best remedy for relaxing and calming the nerves.

Remaining neutral and unemotional in the face of adversity – other wise known as keeping a stiff upper lip – is the fifth most typically English trait.

The poll shows moaning, saying sorry, irony, a clever sense of humour and being overly polite as other English characteristics shared by the majority.

People also have a habit of spending hours in queues, gossiping with the neighbours over the garden fence and curtain twitching.

And other traits to appear in the top 50 list include not wanting to make a fuss, being unable to complain, asking people about their journey and punctuality.

English people also love celebrities, pets, mowing the lawn, reading the newspaper, DIY on a bank holiday and greasy fry-ups.

The Bombardier spokesman continued: “England is a truly unique country and these typically English traits just go to show the breadth of characteristics, interests and idiosyncrasies that make this country what it is.”