Half pints are now the most popular way to enjoy beer, study finds

Beer drinkers now prefer halves to a full pint, according to new research.

A survey revealed 34% of people would rather drink their favourite tipple from a half pint glass.

Comparatively, only a quarter use a pint glass, the same number as those who drink from a third of a pint glass, according to the study by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

Camra said the trend shows people are now drinking less but are more adventurous when sampling different beers.

Tim Page, chief executive of Camra, said: "People are becoming more open to trying new beers and moving away from the mentality of drinking pint-after-pint of the same brew.

"Particularly for stronger, more full flavoured real-ales such as barley wines, or strong porters and stouts, a half or third of a pint is a much more sensible option and allows people to try a range of beers without drinking past their limits."

The survey of 2,000 people also revealed most drinkers try new beers at festivals or in pubs rather than at home.

The results were revealed during this week's Great British Beer Festival in London, where more than 200,000 pints are expected to be drunk by 50,000 beer lovers.