According to market research released last week by the firm Mintel, British drinking are preferring wine (particularly rosé) and cider to beer. lager sales have fallen by five percent over the last two years, while sales of certain wines have risen.

The Independant reports

Rosé or blush, which was once seen as a rather unfashionable drink among wine buffs, has seen sales rise an astonishing 188 per cent since 2005. Meanwhile, the cider over ice phenomena, spearheaded by Magners and Bulmers, has led to a 14 per cent increase in cider volume sales over the past two years. . .

Sparkling wines are also performing well but consumers are broadening their tastes and choosing to celebrate with cava or prosecco, rather than cheap varieties of champagne.