Looking for love this Valentine's Day? Head to the pub

Most people in the survey said they met their partner at their local pub

Around a fifth (18 per cent) of UK adults in a relationship met their partner in the pub, according to new research published today.

The survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf of CAMRA ahead of Valentine’s Day, show more people find love in a pub than at work, online, in nightclubs or on holiday.

Twenty-nine per cent of all UK adults would be most likely to go to a pub for a first date, according to the research.

The Friends on Tap report, produced by Professor Robin Dunbar at Oxford University2, showed having a strong social network significantly improves happiness and wellbeing.

Your chances in love could also be improved by visiting your local pub. According to the Oxford University report findings, as social skills improve initially after a drink, people are more likely to talk to strangers, were more engaged in conversation and in some cases rated people as more attractive.

The Friends on Tap report also shows that meeting someone in person in an environment such as a pub provides “direct cues of their honesty, trustworthiness and suitability as a friend or partner”.

Tom Stainer, head of communications at CAMRA, said: “It appears the local might be the place to be lucky in love, providing a great place for romance to blossom.

“And if all goes well, community pubs also provide ideal venues for engagement parties, a drink before a wedding, somewhere to wet the baby’s head with friends and anniversary celebrations.

“It’s clear local pubs play a vital role in our communities, benefit our happiness and wellbeing and provide the perfect environment for meeting new people - maybe that special person.”

Survey results

Where did you meet your partner?

In a pub - 18 per cent

At work - 17 per cent

Online - 12 per cent

In a nightclub - seven per cent

On holiday - two per cent

In a students’ union - three per cent

Other - 40 per cent

Don’t know/can’t recall - one per cent

Where would you take someone on a first day?

Restaurant - 41 per cent

Pub - 29 per cent

Cinema/ theatre - nine per cent

Do an activity (e.g. ice skating, theme park etc) - seven per cent

Go to a museum/gallery - four per cent

None of these - four per cent

Don’t know - five per cent