A study recently published by researchers at Oxford University has found evidence that being a regular at your local pub can lead to greater health and happiness.
 

The results rely on the health benefits of socialization and community, as having friends and a social network are routinely shown to have positive impacts on health. In the days of social media and texting, it’s especially important to have face to face, personal communication and being a regular at a local pub allows for that. And it’s more than just the proximity and chance to meet others—alcohol is a key component, lubricating social engagement and improving social skills (to a point, of course. Getting wasted rarely makes for good conversation). Researchers also found that the local, smaller nature of pubs was essential; Larger, busier bars didn’t have the same impact on patrons’ happiness.
 

The study was performed in Oxfordshire, on a relatively homogenous, narrow range of people. It was sponsored in part by the Campaign for Real Ale, a group dedicated to maintaining the UK’s shrinking population of pubs, which means there is certainly a potential for bias in the study. Still, it’s hard to deny the logic of regular social interaction over the occasional drink.

 

For those academics out there, you can find the full study here.