Having a local pub can do wonders for your mental wellbeing

Hangovers are never fun, but a new study by the University of Oxford (and who are we to argue with them) says that having a local pub could be instrumental in increasing our emotional wellbeing.

The study used data from three different sources, including a national survey by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and found that regular pub goers are more engaged and likely to trust members of their local community.

The first study, a questionnaire, took in the responses of 2,254 adults over the age of 18 and asked them whether they frequented a regular watering hole and the frequency of their visits.

They then proceeded to assess each participant on their life satisfaction, perceived worthwhileness, and even their personal happiness.

via GIPHY

The study discovered that 19.8 percent of participants had a local – and it was these respondents that scored highest on each category of the life assessment.

A second study proved this even further, by comparing the drinking habits of those with a local against those who regularly visit city bars.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the study found that those with a local pub had longer periods of unbroken conversation – in comparison with the high levels of people checking their mobile phones in city bars.

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The study stated: ‘Conversations in community-type pubs were longer, more focused and less liable to fragmentation than those in city centre bars.’

See? It’s evidence of sorts that a pint is the key to happiness.

And with that we’re off to the pub.