Figures reveal women are lapping up real ale.

The number of female real ale drinkers has doubled in the past year, with one in three now supping what campaigners dub Britain’s ‘national drink’.

Over 30 per cent of female drinkers say they have tried real ale, as opposed to 16 per cent in 2008.

These figures are the result of a survey of 1,000 adults conducted by the Campaign for Real Ale.

The survey also shows one in every two drinkers of alcohol has tried real ale, which is a 15 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.

The majority of those who have tried real ale in the past year went on to say what they drank had been brewed in their local area.

Stuart Bateman, the Managing Director of Lincolnshire’s own Batemans Brewery explained how the increased interest in ale from female drinkers has had an immediate effect on the way breweries conduct their business.

“To make a generalisation, if a couple are going out for the evening, it’s the lady who inevitably has the final say,” he said.

“Great steps have been made to try and get more and more females into pubs by showing they’re not the smoky, dingy places they used to be,” he said.

“Brewers have started to open their eyes to the fact that 50 per cent of their potential market is female, and there’s an increasing proportion of women who now regularly use pubs,” he said.

Research has shown women seem to prefer light, golden beers served in attractive glassware.

Mike Benner, the chief executive for the Campaign for Real Ale, explained the results of the survey were great news at such a difficult time for pubs.

“The findings show the increasing consumer demand for wide choice, top quality, and local produce,” said Mr Benner.

“Pubs are continuing to close at a rate of over seven a day, which is having a huge impact on community life,” said Mr Benner.

“Real ale can generally only be bought in pubs, therefore with greater popularity for Britain’s national drink comes further, much-needed publicity for community pubs,” said Mr Benner.

Victoria Whitehead, 24, a kitchen designer living in the centre of Lincoln, is an avid real ale enthusiast, and believes more women should broaden their horizons when it comes to alcoholic drinks.

“I drink all sorts of guest ales in places like the Green Dragon and the Horse and Groom.

“There are so many different flavours to try, so you’re always going to get something different. I’ll give anything a go once.”