It’s official – the pub IS therapeutic: Almost half of Britons turn to their pub landlord for advice

Britons are known for their love of the pub, but there is much more to it than being a place to enjoy a cold pint and a packet of pork scratchings.

Pubs are also therapeutic according to a recent poll of Britons, which reveals that almost half the nation has turned to their local pub landlord or bar staff for important advice.

The research, by the ‘&me’ app, reveals that 48 per cent of Britons claim they have relied on staff at their local boozer for advice and guidance during a challenging time. 

One in ten (11 per cent) of the 2,000 people quizzed would rather get life tips from someone at their local than their own parents.

Around a quarter (24 per cent) insist they would rather chat through life matters at the pub than anywhere else.

Almost half (48 per cent) of Britons have relied on pub staff for advice and guidance during a challenging time, according to a study (stock image)

While more than two in five (45 per cent) claim it is a relaxed and safe environment.

A third (33 per cent) of punters say it is a place where there is no judgement, while nearly a quarter (23 per cent) admit that they lose their inhibitions after a drink, making it easier to ask for opinions.

With the average Brit spending as many as two hours a week in the pub, it is no surprise that three quarters (76 per cent) feel their local is a safe space to chat through problems and get impartial advice.

And more than half (52 per cent) admit they have made a major life decision at the bar.

A third (36 per cent) admit they have asked for financial advice down the pub, with the most pressing concerns being savings and investments (40 per cent), and advice on mortgages (28 per cent) and pensions (25 per cent).

An overwhelming 71 per cent have then followed the financial advice they were given in the pub.

One in five (20 per cent) Britons have been persuaded while at the pub to invest in Crypto and a further nine per cent have discussed investing in a friend’s business or even a pyramid scheme.

The most popular subjects discussed while sipping a pint with pals are work (37 per cent), the current news agenda (31 per cent) and family (30 per cent), research shows (stock image)

The most popular subjects discussed while sipping a pint with pals are work (37 per cent), the current news agenda (31 per cent) and family (30 per cent), according to the &me study, which was conducted by Perspectus Global in April.

Other topics Britons like to talk through at the pub are money (25 per cent), political views (24 per cent), sex (23 per cent) and family disputes (19 per cent).

Punters are also prone to divulge honest thoughts about friends (17 per cent), relationship problems (17 per cent) and even their salaries (12 per cent) over a pint or a gin and tonic.

Riaan De Bruyn, from &me, said the pub ‘has always been a setting for lively debate or a quiet heart-to-heart’ but warned that ‘not all advice is created equal’.

He added: ‘It’s important to be discerning and careful about who we take guidance from, as the wrong advice can lead us down a dangerous path.

‘Always consider the source, their experience and expertise, and make sure that their advice aligns with your values and goals before acting on it.

‘Studies have shown that receiving professional financial advice boosts wealth, and ongoing support leads to far greater financial outcomes.

‘Receiving off-the-cuff advice in the pub cannot replicate this long-term insight and guidance.’