Why do we Brits love our pubs so much?

So well loved is the 'local' that one in 10 people would even pay more for a house if it was near to a good pub.

The research by Publican Partnerships also found 20 per cent of those quizzed thought our favourite great British institution played a vital role in community life, raising money for local charities and hosting community events (17 per cent).

When it comes to creating the perfect community, Brits voted the shop ( 27%), post office (19%) and the pub (12%) as the most important buildings for local life.

The great British pub is a key pillar of local community life and has been the beating heart of British society for centuries.

In fact, the enduring love of the local sees 48 per cent of all UK adults visiting theirs at least once a month.

An overwhelming 82% of Brits still live within walking distance of their local - an average strolling distance of eight minutes - and 35 per cent would consider themselves regulars.

Living near a local is so important to us over a fifth (22 per cent) admit they'd miss it if they moved home, with one in 10 saying they would pay more for a property if it was in close proximity of a decent boozer.

Eight per cent admit saying goodbye to their beloved local would put them off buying a new house.

Perhaps it's because over half of those surveyed thought pubs give drinkers the opportunity to socialise and 31 per cent said they'd meet new friends at the watering hole.

But, it's not just about having a chat over our favourite tipple, pubs across the UK also play an important role in supporting local charities and good causes.

The local also lends its support to community activities such as sponsoring a local football team or providing a meeting place for local groups.

Tellingly 27 per cent of those quizzed believed that as well as pouring the perfect pint, the role of the publican was to act as a 'community champion'.