A HAREFIELD pub has conducted research into what makes a perfect tasting pint – and found that it’s not just what’s in the glass that counts.

The Coy Carp on Copper Mill Lane, 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, which questioned 500 regular pub visitors on what factors influence their enjoyment of a pint of ale, found that the most important was the atmosphere at the pub, with more than two thirds of respondents ranking it highest.

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

More than half (58%) claimed 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 31 October, as well as 20p off all pints of real ale at its pubs for CAMRA members going forward*.

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!

“In fact, almost a third of people (27%), 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% claimed that where they sit has an impact, with ‘cosy’ seating preferred, and 45% 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 1 in 10 pub-goers agreed that bringing their canine friend to the pub contributed to their enjoyment of a pint.

With more than 190 pubs in the UK set in rural or semi-rural locations, all Vintage Inns pubs are Cask Marque accredited to guarantee fantastic tasting ale.

Every Vintage Inn also stocks a wide array of regional cask ales from local breweries, as well as familiar favourites including Doom Bar.

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

TOP 10 FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A PERFECT TASTING PINT

1.     Overall atmosphere at the pub (68%)

2.     The people I’m with (58%)

3.     The taste/ quality of the pint (57%)

4.     Informality, relaxing environment (45%)

5.     Cosy Seating (34%)

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

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

9.     A roaring fire (17%)

10.  Somewhere I can take the dog (9%)

*Terms and conditions: Offer entitles CAMRA members to a free pint of Doom Bar Amber Ale on presentation of a ‘What’s Brewing’, the newspaper of the Campaign For Real Ale, coupon and CAMRA membership card. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Valid until October,31 2016. Offer can be exchanged for any large draught soft drink. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Management reserves the right to refuse entry and/or service. This offer may be redeemed at any Vintage Inns in England and Wales. Due to Scottish licensing laws, this offer cannot be redeemed in our Scottish pubs. The offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior warning. Doom Bar is subject to availability.