A Milton Keynes pub finally figures out what makes the perfect pint

The Barge on Newport Road, part of the Vintage Inns pubs, has uncovered the key ingredients to enjoying the perfect pint and it includes a comfy seat, good company, and somewhere they can take the dog.

The research questioned 500 regular pub visitors on what factors influence their enjoyment of a pint of ale and found that the most important factor was the atmosphere at the pub.

Who we enjoy our pint with has more of an influence than the taste of the ale itself.

Over half (58 per cent) claimed that it was the company they shared that made a difference, ranking the taste of the pint or the flavour of the ale a close second.

The research was conducted to celebrate the pub’s recent partnership with CAMRA, an independent, voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale, which will see it offer a free pint of Doom Bar before October 31, as well as 20p off all pints of ale.

Juliet Oosthuysen, spokesperson for Vintage Inns, said: “Although a good tasting, quality pint is hugely important and something we pride ourselves on with our fantastic range of real ales and beers, including regional cask ales, our research showed that there are a lot of other factors that can contribute to making it taste even better.

“Almost a third of people said that they enjoyed a beer more when they felt like they had earned it – for example after a long country walk or a hard day at work.

“A further 30 per cent claimed that where they sit has an impact, with ‘cosy’ seating preferred, and 45 per cent looked for a relaxing space to kick-back and put their feet up when enjoying a pint.”

The research also revealed that the perfect party size when visiting the pub is between two and four people, and around one in 10 pub-goers agreed that bringing their canine friend to the pub contributed to their enjoyment of a pint.

TOP 10 FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A PERFECT TASTING PINT

Overall atmosphere at the pub (68%)

The people I’m with (58%)

The taste/ quality of the pint (57%)

Informality, relaxing environment (45%)

Cosy Seating (34%)

Joint Good pub food (31%) & Good Staff (31%)

When I’ve done something to earn it (27%)

A roaring fire (17%)

Somewhere I can take the dog (9%)

For more information on Vintage Inns Pubs, visit www.vintageinns.co.uk.