January 24, 2008

Just In: Brits Still Happy To Get A Round In

by Piers Fawkes

200801241232.jpg

An important article at the BBC lets us know that drinking in Britain remains friendly and sociable as long as you keep up and get your round in. A survey of 7,500 people across 15 European countries has found that in Britain - as well as Sweden - 82% of respondents are happy to buy a round of beer. The BBC reports:

It’s rather like being told donkeys still eat strawberries or that bears continue to regard the woods as a toilet, but a survey has suggested that Britons like buying drinks in rounds.

It’s a cornerstone of British culture, the idea that friends or colleagues sitting in the pub should not march up to the bar and buy their drinks separately. They should not even get one set of drinks and then sit down and work out who owes what. For many people the only socially acceptable way to do things is to get a round in.

Supposedly the tradition comes from the Vikings - which might explain how social drinking turns into such a violent mess in so many market towns up and down England on a Saturday night.

BBC

Article categories: Food & Drink

Article Link | Add To Delicious Add To Digg Add To Stumble Upon | Email This | Print This Post |

Subscribe

About PSFK

    PSFK is a global trends and innovation company that helps its readers, guests and clients make things better. PSFK publishes websites and reports; hosts conferences and events; and provides advice and consultancy. Contact us.